Kickstart: Startups focus on AI and sustainability
From more than 1000 applications, 41 startups were selected for the Kickstart Innovation Program 2023. One third of the participating startups come from Switzerland. Striking: Solutions dealing with the circular economy have risen to 41%.
For the 8th Kickstart Innovation Program, 41 startups from 13 countries, including Germany, Austria, Singapore, USA, UK, Sweden, Denmark, Portugal, Israel, Spain and Estonia, were selected after a pitch marathon. The jury of more than 170 experts identified these startup participants in just six weeks from 1000 applications from more than 60 countries. The 41 finalists will now work with companies, organizations, cities, foundations and universities during the 11-week program in Switzerland to drive partnerships and deep tech and sustainable innovation.
AI and the circular economy are in vogue
"One trend that is clearly emerging is the application of AI and circular economy as a competitive advantage," explains Katka Letzing, CEO and co-founder of Kickstart, one of the largest open innovation platforms in Europe. "This includes, for example, Swiss startup Aixa's digital account manager or Kloten-based Calvin Risk with the first platform for AI governance, risk management and compliance." Leading organizations and companies such as AXA, the Kanton Vaud, the city of Zurich, Coop, Swisscom, the furniture, PostFinance, Sanitas, CSEM, MSD and other well-known companies and organizations participate in the Kickstart program to find new trends and developments with a focus on technological innovation and circular economy via partnerships with startups. "While established companies have many advantages over startups in terms of customer and process structure, there is also a risk of missing out on new trends such as the use of AI and other technologies," reports Ralph Rimet, Head of Strategic Projects and Innovation at Mobiliar. "That's why we're joining the Kickstart program again this year for innovation partnerships and commercial deals." Since 2016, Kickstart has supported more than 400 startups and delivered more than 270 deals in the form of pilots and commercial projects from over 80 countries, raising more than CHF 2.5 billion in investment to date, including startups such as Planted, Neustark, Unsupervised and AAAcell.
Energy efficiency dominates smart cities
In five areas (New Work & Learning, Finance & Insurance, Food & Retail, Health & Wellbeing and Smart Cities), the startups presented their business models and ideas for the future. In the Food & Retail area, many ideas come from Israel, Portugal and Estonia, among others. Swiss company Advection Engineering, for example, is working on techniques to produce whole, marbled meat substitutes for today's generation. The British company Nukoko is making chocolate without cocoa to reduce environmental impact and have less impact on health.
With rising energy prices or the energy crisis, projects in the smart cities sector are focusing on energy efficiency. Lausanne-based Enerdrape, for example, transforms underground spaces, such as tunnels and underground garages, into renewable energy sources for building heating and cooling needs. Urbio is generative AI design software that accelerates the decarbonization of buildings. 20-40 % of energy in buildings is saved by creating connections through smart thermostats and incorporating learning information about the thermal behavior of buildings.
AI is also the dominant technology in New Work & Learning as well as in Health & Wellbeing solutions. The Austrian startup Ada Growth supports companies in addressing, retaining and promoting female talent. For this purpose, a professional learning tool was developed specifically for women. Traditional corporate learning tools like conferences and volume-oriented LMS offerings lack personalization. The future of learning lies in flexible, individualized microlearning apps that leverage an AI content production cycle to quickly scale to each member of the organization.
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