Ten startups win the i4Challenge 2023 competition

The i4Challenge remains a steadfast platform for innovators in Switzerland. The accelerator program supports SMEs, startups and new projects that focus on innovative solutions, new approaches and products of the next generation for the transformation of Industry 4.0. This year, six startups in the ‘Innovative Solutions’ category emerged as winners and will receive CHF 40k in addition to support in business development and marketing visibility, including exhibition space at the BE4.0 trade fair in Mulhouse. The four winners in the ‘New Ideas’ category will join a 6-month accelerator program, starting in January 2024 at the Switzerland Innovation Park Basel Area Jura site.

"Innovative Solution" Winners 2023
ETH spinoff Tethys Robotics (stealth mode) aims to facilitate underwater operations with a compact autonomous underwater drone. Designed to operate in challenging aquatic environments – such as in rivers with strong currents - it enhances underwater inspections and minimizes risks for divers.

Robo Wire, a young startup from canton St. Gallen, is dedicated to transform stranded wire processing. From the initial reel to the final assembly of complete wire harnesses, their dedicated team focuses on continuous innovation and Swiss quality in this crucial area of manufacturing.

Winterthur-based startup collectID connects brands and customers through phygital (physical + digital) products. Customers can unlock digital experiences by touching a product with their smartphone. NFC and blockchain technology empower brands to build sophisticated customer profiles.

Morphotonix, based in Eubublens, specializes in the development of embedded security solutions for products. The startup offers an efficient authentication solution for brands, protecting products from counterfeits without inks, labels, or additives.

GradeSens offers 4.0 predictive maintenance solutions, optimizing maintenance operations for critical and industrial assets by processing smart data collected with high-end proprietary wireless sensors systems.

Purple Alternative Surface from France is making strides in sustainability by transforming recycled plastic into eco-friendly urban paving, reducing plastic pollution and CO2 emissions.

“New Ideas” Winners 2023
Data Coffee GmbH (Germany) develops and provides software for efficient recording of process control data from production plants and sensor systems.

EM Path's (stealth mode) transformative radio frequency test solutions for wireless systems and antennas reduce the need for large and expensive anechoic chambers. They perform tests in a single shot, eliminating the need for point-to-point scanning.

peaKFlow (stealth mode) develops self-sustaining sensing technology for the real estate sector. Through their data processing technology, peaKFlow enables more effective use of resources throughout a building’s lifecycle, significantly reducing operating costs and improving comfort.

Makeina (stealth mode) is building an AI-powered tracking solution which allows manufacturers to extend the traceability of parts & products throughout the entire production chain, increasing reliability and scalability compared to traditional methods.

(SR)