Accelerators boost start-up growth and development

IDUN Technologies | Europe Regional OPPO Innovation Challenge
IDUN Technologies is one of four start-ups that advanced directly to the Inspiration Matters Challenge international finals, which will be held in August 2022 in Shenzhen, China. The start-up will get the chance to compete for a cash prize and an opportunity to commercialise and implement the IDUN Guardian, a neuro-intelligence platform where brain waves can be recorded continuously from the ear canal.

Cultivated Biosciences | Scale it Up
Five innovative companies made it to the final round of over 50 highly qualified start-ups that applied for the Scale it Up competition. Switzerland-based start-up Cultivated Bioscience, which makes plant-based dairy alternatives, scored second place. The start-up received support from the partners and one week of development and scale-up support at the DIL facilities in Quakenbrück, Germany. The three months support will enable the start-up to boost its growth. They will have access to mentors and the partners’ extensive networks and, most importantly, receive R&D (Research and Development) support with access to the partners’ pilot facilities to bring their ideas from prototypes to market. This support equates to more than EUR 100,000 in technical know-how and access to state-of-the-art testing facilities.

Wattanywhere | Shell Startup Engine
The Shell Startup Engine supports innovative companies working in the energy and mobility sectors, and Switzerland’s WattAnyWhere is one of the five companies selected to join the 9-month program starting in September. WattAnyWhere develops a clean electricity generator with a power of 300 kW intended to supply fast-charging stations for electric vehicles. The start-up brings a revolutionary solution to electric vehicle charging point operators, with a highly reliable, safe and innovative fuel cell system that provides electricity from the energy stored in the biomass. WattAnyWhere will benefit from targeted mentoring, international access to Shell’s network, access to the global Startupbootcamp program, and a potential test within the Shell value chain.

KimboCare | MassChallenge US
KimboCare, the provider of a blockchain platform that enables anyone to purchase quality care for people who cannot afford it, is one of the start-ups among the 250 companies worldwide invited to join the 2022 cohort for the hybrid 4-month MassChallenge US Early-Stage Program. MassChallenge is the global network for innovators, headquartered in the United States with eight locations worldwide. The program aims to help entrepreneurs disrupt the status quo and create sustainable change. The program will support participants through a digital curriculum, 1:1 mentorship, and virtual events while offering in-person residency options concurrently. In addition, the newly launched Market Access program offers another opportunity for founders to connect in-person and build their network with key stakeholders in the MassChallenge community across our US locations.

aiEndoscopic | ImagineIF
The IMAGINE IF! Swiss Finals saw aiEndoscopic win CHF 3000 of non-dilutive funding and access to the Global Phase of the IMAGINE IF! Accelerator. Judge Nasri Nahas also selected the team for free three-month access at Startlab/Biopôle Lausanne. aiEndoscopic uses AI to train robotic endoscopes, such as those for tracheal intubation, to assist physicians during procedures. This could optimise such medical manoeuvres, making the outcome less dependent on the operator’s individual skills.

(RAN)