CV Tag: Entrepreneurship

  • Demo Day of the AI Incubator and Summer Meet-up

    Demo Day of the AI Incubator and Summer Meet-up

    Over the past six weeks, the Batch #6 teams of the AI Incubator have been working intensively to bring their AI-driven ideas to life, with expert mentorship and support from members of the Cyber Valley Community. Now they will present their final start-up ideas to a jury and an esteemed audience of investors, researchers, corporate leaders, and other entrepreneurs.

    The top teams will be recognized by the jury and have the opportunity to win attractive prizes. This special edition of the event combines the final presentations with a vibrant Summer Meet-up—featuring networking, drinks, finger food, and an energetic atmosphere to celebrate innovation and community.

    When?

    Thursday, July 10, 2025, 16:00–19:45

    Where?

    Amazon Research & Development Center

    Friedrich-Miescher-Straße 4, 72076 Tübingen

    Schedule

    16:00–16:15: Welcome & Drinks

    16:15–16:25: Introduction to Batch #6 of the AI Incubator

    16:25–16:30: Welcome speech by Carl Zeiss Stiftung

    16:30–17:00: Pitches from the AI Incubator Teams

    17:00–17:20: Coffee break

    17:20–17:55: Pitches from the AI Incubator Teams

    17:55–19:00: Keynote & Award ceremony

    19:00: Networking with drinks & fingerfood

    Registration

    Please register via Eventbrite in advance as the number of participants is limited.

    The AI Incubator

    The AI Incubator is a six-week program for AI talents with brilliant ideas. The program encourages scientists, technologists, and business talent to found their own companies, fostering the next generation of AI start-ups. The AI Incubator equips participants with the right knowledge, tools, and skills to transfer their cutting-edge AI and robotics research into products and applications.

    It covers topics such as, AI prototyping, product-market fit, business strategy, and funding. The program also provides participants with access to a network of experts, mentors, founders, and investors who offer guidance and inspiration on their journey into the AI business world.

    The Cyber Valley AI Incubator is organized by the Max Planck Institute for Intelligent Systems, and funded by the Carl-Zeiss-Stiftung.

  • Cyber Valley Welcomes Two New Start-ups: SKAI and Tensor AI Solutions

    Cyber Valley Welcomes Two New Start-ups: SKAI and Tensor AI Solutions

    SKAI

    SKAI is on a mission to revolutionize dermatology with the use of AI. Their smart beauty assistant uses brain-inspired AI to provide hyper-personalized, science-backed skincare recommendations for both, consumers and dermatologists. By combining intuitive design with advanced AI, SKAI creates user experiences that are both quick, intelligent, and empathetic – making expert-level skincare acessible for everyone. 

     

    Tensor AI Solutions 

    Tensor AI Solutions provides customers with transparent and reliable AI software to automate their processes in an efficient and controllable way. From data assessment to prototyping and deployment, the start-up delivers tailor-made solutions for sectors like manufacturing, logistics, and finance — turning raw data into real-world impact.

    By joining the Cyber Valley Start-up Network, SKAI and Tensor AI Solutions bring new dimensions of innovation — from AI in beauty to enterprise transformation — strengthening the Community's mission to lead the charge in applied AI research and entrepreneurship. 

    Welcome aboard, SKAI and Tensor AI solutions.

  • Biocompile and Ubitium strengthen the growing Start-up Network

    Biocompile and Ubitium strengthen the growing Start-up Network

     

    Biocompile

    Biocompile is a TechBio company offering an AI-as-a-Service platform tailored for microbial strain engineers in biomanufacturing. By merging automated research with AI-optimized gene sequences, Biocompile delivers precise gene modification recommendations, accelerating strain engineering and supporting the transition to a bio-based economy.

    Ubitium

    Ubitium is developing a universal RISC-V microprocessor, which aims to replace conventional processors by enabling the execution of diverse code, algorithms, and applications with maximum efficiency. This technology reduces computational complexity and costs while optimizing performance for robotics and heterogeneous computing workloads.

    These start-ups are leveraging AI to drive innovation, expand technological possibilities, and are both a great contribution to Cyber Valley's thriving Start-up Network. Welcome to the Community!

  • Navigating Investment Landscapes with SPRIND

    Navigating Investment Landscapes with SPRIND

    Leading the charge: Mirko Holzer 

    At the forefront of this initiative is Mirko Holzer, Deputy Director AI &Robotics  at SPRIND. With deep expertise in innovation management, Holzer ensures that promising start-ups and researchers get the resources they need to bring their groundbreaking ideas to life.  

    Holzer explains: “The partnership with Cyber Valley combines the best of both worlds: promising start-ups from first-class AI research meet the bold, unconventional funding culture of SPRIND. Together, we create an environment in which visionary ideas are not only conceived but also implemented. We look forward to supporting the next generation of AI pioneers and taking innovation in Germany to the next level!” 

    How to secure funding with SPRIND 

    SPRIND offers flexible financing models to help start-ups transform research into real-world applications. If traditional venture capital isn’t enough, SPRIND can step in with direct investments. 

    The step-by-step guide to getting funded 

    1. Research and eligibility: Ensure your AI venture aligns with SPRIND’s mission of breakthrough innovation. They look for high-impact, high-risk ideas with real-world applications. 

    2. Connecting with SPRIND: Early engagement with Mirko Holzer and his team is encouraged, as they can provide insights into the best funding options. 

    3. Preparing a proposal: SPRIND seeks strong teams, groundbreaking ideas, and a clear path to impact. Highlighting how innovation stands out is important. 

    4. Funding models and terms: SPRIND offers grants for research and development, equity investments, convertible loans, and co-investments with private investors, covering up to 70% of a financing round. 

    5. Validation phase: Selected teams can enter a validation phase, receiving expert coaching while participating in SPRIND’s network.  

    6. Showcase at VENTURE SPRIND: Top teams can present their ideas at SPRIND’s flagship event, where top investors and industry leaders gather to discover groundbreaking innovations.   

    “Research and development are incredibly expensive, and we can cover a large part of the development costs. The rest is covered by private investment,” explains Holzer. “Our financing is usually in the single-digit million range but can be higher if we see the potential and the need for it.” 

     

    Success Story: Polybot’s Journey 

    Polybot – one of the latest Cyber Valley projects supported by SPRIND – is a next-generation agricultural robot. SPRIND has provided Polybot with a seven-month validation contract starting in February 2025, giving them financial support, coaching, and access to a powerful innovation network. This partnership will turn Polybot’s cutting-edge research into real-world applications, strengthening Baden-Württemberg as an innovation hub. 

    Polybot’s team will: 

    • Join SPRIND’s expert-led programs 

    • Work closely with innovation managers 

    • Gain access to valuable investor networks 

    • Showcase their technology at VENTURE SPRIND 

    “SPRIND not only provides financial support but is also very active in the entire innovation landscape. This starts with the improvement of IP regulations and spin-off conditions through high-level workshops on VC funding and team building and extends to the organization of international venture events. These programs are just as valuable to us as the financial support,” says Wieland Brendel, Polybot project leader. 

    The collaboration between Cyber Valley and SPRIND demonstrates the potential of artificial intelligence research when applied to solving real-world problems, encouraging bold thinking and exploring uncharted territories in the field. 

    About SPRIND     

    SPRIND is Germany’s Federal Agency for Breakthrough Innovation, dedicated to funding transformative ventures that tackle the world’s toughest challenges, with a strong focus on AI. Their mission is to identify radical thinkers, invest in high-risk ideas, and connect teams with powerful networks across industry, academia, and government. SPRIND's comprehensive support includes financing, team building, and connecting innovators with key networks, ensuring that transformative progress aligns with fundamental humanistic values. 

  • Innovative AI start-ups join the Cyber Valley Start-up Network

    Innovative AI start-ups join the Cyber Valley Start-up Network

    Actimi 

    Actimi is reshaping healthcare by using AI to make remote patient monitoring and diagnostics smarter and more accessible. Their innovative approach is helping to create a more connected and efficient healthcare system. 

    CADAICO 

    CADAICO is revolutionizing CAD engineering by combining AI and blockchain technology. Their AI assistant helps engineers automatically generate machine components with CAD software, reducing traditional design time by up to 80%. They offer a blockchain-powered marketplace for developers to monetize apps built using their AI platform. 

    Data Coffee GmbH 

    Data Coffee GmbH specializes in AI-powered data analytics, helping businesses turn vast amounts of raw data into actionable insights. Their advanced algorithms enable organizations to make data-driven decisions faster and more accurately. 

    NuCOS 

    NuCOS creates intelligent software solutions that harness AI for efficient data processing, advanced simulations, and streamlined operational workflows across multiple industries. Their technologies enhance efficiency in manufacturing, quality assurance, and decision-making by integrating advanced analytics, model-based control systems, and seamless connectivity solutions. 

    Cyber Valley is delighted to have these start-ups as part of its growing community. They are leveraging artificial intelligence to push the boundaries of technology and drive innovation across industries. 

  • Kicking off the new year: Cyber Valley welcomes four innovative start-ups

    Kicking off the new year: Cyber Valley welcomes four innovative start-ups

    Vicinity Bio

    Vicinity Bio is leading the way in biotechnology with innovative solutions in personalized medicine. Vicinity Bio is making a significant impact by combining advanced tissue imaging with AI and machine learning. The company’s unique approach turns complex proteomics data into actionable insights, opening new doors for personalized medicine and better patient care. 

    Alloqis

    Alloqis is redefining supply chain management with its innovative AI-driven solutions. Their platform ensures smarter logistics and streamlines operations, helping businesses navigate the complexities of modern supply chains. 

    SAM Dimension

    SAM Dimension believes in a future where economic growth and ecological responsibility go hand in hand. With smart, data-driven solutions like drone-based weed mapping, they’re helping farmers make better decisions, boost efficiency, and support a more sustainable way of farming. 

    Manukai

    Manukai, a spinoff from ETH Zürich, is revolutionizing manufacturing with their cutting-edge AI technology. Their first product transforms metal machining by leveraging algorithms to analyze and organize project data, enabling clients to access insights instantly and boost production efficiency. This innovation saves significant time and costs in manufacturing. 

  • Demo Day for Batch #5 of The AI Incubator

    Demo Day for Batch #5 of The AI Incubator

     

    After six weeks of workshops and inspiring sessions, participants from Batch #5 of The AI Incubator will present their final ideas to a jury and an esteemed audience of investors, corporate leaders, researchers, and entrepreneurs. The top teams will be recognized by the jury and have the opportunity to win attractive prizes. Event attendees can meet the teams during the closing networking event, complete with beverages and finger foods.

     

    When? 

    December 12, 2024, 16:00–19:00 CET

     

    Where? 

    Amazon Research & Development Center
    Friedrich-Miescher-Straße 4, 72076 Tübingen

     

    Schedule

    16:00–16:30: Welcome & Drinks

    16:30–16:45: Introduction to Batch#5 of the AI Incubator

    16:45–17:30: Pitches from the AI Incubator Teams

    17:30–17:45: Keynote: Sciencepreneurship and AI

    17:45–18:15: Award ceremony

    18:15: Networking with drinks & fingerfood

     

    Registration

    Tickets for this event are sold out, registration is closed. 

     

    The AI Incubator

    The AI Incubator is a six-week program for AI talents with brilliant ideas. The program encourages scientists, technologists, and business talent to found their own companies, fostering the next generation of AI start-ups. The AI Incubator equips participants with the right knowledge, tools, and skills to transfer their cutting-edge AI and robotics research into products and applications.

    It covers topics such as, AI prototyping, product-market fit, business strategy, and funding. The program also provides participants with access to a network of experts, mentors, founders, and investors who offer guidance and inspiration on their journey into the AI business world.

    The AI Incubator is organized by Cyber Valley and funded by the Carl Zeiss Foundation. 

  • The Cyber Valley Start-up Network continues to grow

    The Cyber Valley Start-up Network continues to grow

    Medicalvalues:

    Medicalvalues develops AI-based solutions for integrated diagnostics, streamlining complex diagnostic decisions across various diseases. Their Order Intelligence software offers AI-supported digital ordering with modern report view. It supports customers in finding diagnoses with intelligent test suggestions and modern request and add-on ordering for special parameters. In addition to clinical chemistry, they also cover microbiology, genetics, hygiene, and other specialties.

    NECKAR:

    NECKAR manages finances proactively and focuses on growth by providing features like a financial dashboard for real-time reporting, as well as, tracking revenues and expenses. They use optical character recognition (OCR) to extract data from scanned documents, LLMs to interpret and categorize complex financial information, and provide insights by combining real-time data retrieval with AI-driven analysis.

    Yugen Space:

    Yugen Space is a space-tech start-up making Earth observation simple to tackle the world's most pressing environmental challenges. Their breakthrough AI platform turns satellite data into actionable insights, as easy to use as a Google search. The first step in their mission is focused on soil—creating precise nutrient and mineral maps from satellite data to monitor and enhance soil quality, predict and boost crop yields, and promote sustainability.

     

    Tetractys:

    Tetractys is a cutting-edge AI start-up that enhances AI accessibility for small and medium enterprises while boosting business revenue through innovative technology. It is developing a new generation of AI that is not only faster, more affordable, and user-friendly but it is also capable of real-time detection and analysis of relevant objects and events in data, featuring one-shot learning capability.

    In joining the Cyber Valley Start-up Network, these start-ups enhance the diversity and collaborative culture of the Cyber Valley Community. We are pleased to have them on board!

  • Cyber Valley welcomes four start-ups to the Start-up Network

    Cyber Valley welcomes four start-ups to the Start-up Network

     

    Respeak 

    Respeak provides AI assistants for various functions, including technical service, customer support, quality assurance, and knowledge management. Their platform allows businesses to integrate AI capabilities easily, enabling tasks such as answering questions, generating documentation, and transcribing speech.  

    ISTARI AI 

    ISTARI.AI delivers automated market research and lead generation by analyzing a global database of over 100 million entities. Their platform provides real-time insights, helping companies quickly identify trends, competitors, and opportunities for smarter decision-making. 

    Fara.AI 

    Fara.AI offers AI-Analytics for the fashion industry with data-driven insights from social media and photography, enhancing sustainability and market orientation. Their product helps brands stay ahead of the market by providing insights into consumer preferences and future trends. 

      

    Earlytrace 

    Earlytrace uses specific protein biomarkers to analyze protein patterns in blood samples, identifying early signs of breast cancer. The radiation-free AI-powered analysis delivers highly precise predictions on breast cancer sensitivity. 

    These four companies have joined the dynamic Cyber Valley Start-up Network, becoming part of a thriving AI community focused on advancing technology and fostering collaboration among start-ups, researchers, and industry partners. 

  • Cyber Valley Days: Inclusive, diverse, and innovative

    Cyber Valley Days: Inclusive, diverse, and innovative

    In the following interview, Angelina Jukic, Program Manager at Cyber Valley GmbH, shares her experiences of the three-day event.

    What was your personal highlight during Cyber Valley Days?

    My personal highlight during Cyber Valley Days was The AI Incubator Demo Day. As program manager, I had the privilege of guiding young entrepreneurs and researchers as they developed their AI-driven business ideas, alongside my colleague Paul-David Bittner and three experienced coaches: Ralf Allrutz, Olga Mordvinova, and Michael Raschke. Watching the program participants confidently pitch their innovative solutions during Cyber Valley Days to a diverse audience of our community, such as investors and industry experts, was incredibly inspiring.

    What was the most memorable interaction you had during Cyber Valley Days?

    One of the most memorable interactions I had during Cyber Valley Days was meeting with our Japanese program partners. Our discussions were particularly enriching as we explored various opportunities for collaboration. We delved into potential projects that could benefit both our regions. The unique insights and innovative approaches they shared were not only enlightening but also opened exciting possibilities for future joint ventures. This interaction underscored the value of international partnerships and highlighted the global reach and impact of our AI initiatives.

    In what ways did Cyber Valley Days reveal the innovative, collaborative, and diverse culture of the Cyber Valley Community?

    The variety of sessions and activities, such as the Expo, the investor day, and more, allowed different AI communities within our company to come together and share their projects. The cross-functional interactions emphasized our collaborative spirit. Additionally, the diversity of ideas and perspectives presented throughout the event underscored our commitment to fostering an inclusive environment where innovations thrive.

    What was your biggest surprise?

    My biggest surprise during Cyber Valley Days was realizing just how large and diverse our AI community already is. It was impressive to see the range of different AI applications being developed within our community. All in all, Cyber Valley Days showed how our community has the potential to drive significant advancements in AI technology.

    Read further interviews with Alina Benze (Business Development Manager, Corporates), Rebecca Beiter (Director of Communication & Society), Janell Lia-Breitmeyer (Scientific Coordinator), and Paul-David Bittner (Business Development Manager, Start-ups) to discover their perspectives on Cyber Valley Days.