CV Tag: Entrepreneurship

  • Cyber Valley Days: Innovation through collaboration

    Cyber Valley Days: Innovation through collaboration

    In the following interview, Alina Benze, Business Development Manager at Cyber Valley GmbH, shares her experiences of the three-day event.

    What was your key takeaway from Cyber Valley Days?

    One of the standout moments for me was Thomas Reith’s (Site Lead Biberach, Boehringer Ingelheim) speech at the Finale of Cyber Valley Days. He highlighted that Boehringer Ingelheim is already generating 50% of its innovation through external collaboration. This proved the success of a key message I’m always sharing with new or existing members of the Cyber Valley Community. The topic of AI and robotics is so dynamic and development cycles are so short that it is important to partner up with other players to stay ahead in the game.

    Was there a particular moment during Cyber Valley Days that you found especially inspiring?

    Hearing Yann LeCun’s (VP and Chief AI Scientist, Meta) talk was overall a very impressive moment and for sure something extraordinary. Apart from the interesting perspective he shared on the current status of intelligent systems and its limitations, I found the following call-to-action very inspiring: He asked us not to be scared but to appreciate both the people and machines working for us that are also in fact smarter than us. I think this is a very unique attitude from a lead scientist at a global technology company. This should inspire the many others who are leading big and small teams in all forms of organizations – from research institutes, start-ups, SMEs to global corporates.

    Read further interviews with 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. 

  • Cyber Valley Days: Start-ups and scientists connect

    Cyber Valley Days: Start-ups and scientists connect

    In this series of interviews on Cyber Valley Days, we share behind-the-scenes stories and personal experiences of this three-day celebration from the Cyber Valley Team. Our first interview is with Janell Lia-Breitmayer, Scientific Coordinator for Cyber Valley GmbH.  

    What were your highlights during Cyber Valley Days? 

    One of the standout features of Cyber Valley Days was the sheer number of start-ups present. Scientists were genuinely impressed by the diversity and breadth of fields in which these start-ups are engaged. One scientist remarked that the Community Expo during Day 1 felt “almost like a top scientific conference” and found it “very rewarding.” It was especially gratifying to hear our partners praise the event: RHET AI told me, “This expo is so great, you are our hero!”. 

    The visual aspects of the event were equally striking. Unlike typical science conferences where only a few banners are displayed, the Community Expo featured numerous banners, providing ample opportunities for conversations between scientists and representatives from various sectors. Some of the scientists I spoke to were surprised by the number of AI and robotics start-ups in Cyber Valley. This was an eye-opener for many, highlighting the growth and variety of innovative projects underway. 

    What was one of your key takeaways from the event? 

    Bernhard Schölkopf made a poignant comment about the role of technology in addressing global challenges like climate mitigation, emphasizing that climate mitigation “cannot be solved by political solutions alone, but with technological solutions”. This sentiment resonated deeply with many attendees.  

    What surprised you the most about Cyber Valley Days? 

    I was amazed at how much Cyber Valley has grown: there are so many scientists who are part of our community! The diversity of our partners is also impressive, spanning science, industry, and society. This growth is a testament to the collaborative spirit and innovative ecosystem Cyber Valley cultivates. 

  • The Cyber Valley Start-up Network welcomes four new members

    The Cyber Valley Start-up Network welcomes four new members

    Beyondbots

    BeyondBots provides intelligent business automation solutions to streamline workflows and enhance operational efficiency. The company is an Intelligent Automation Provider, dedicated to scaling process automation using No Code / Low Code and AI-based technology. As a specialized solution partner, Beyondbots supports companies through every phase of their automation journey. This includes taking the initial first steps, developing an effective blueprint, and scaling existing initiatives in experienced organizations. Their holistic perspective on automation provides a unique advantage, combining expertise in change management, business processes, and technology.

    Casculate

    Casculate provides AI-based software solutions for the manufacturing industry. The company develops custom apps to streamline commercial processes from cost calculation to production planning. Integration with ERP systems ensures continuous monitoring throughout the entire product lifecycle. The design and development process is tailored to individual needs. It begins with domain experts visiting facilities to understand unique challenges. Subsequent steps involve collaborative design sessions with specialists to align visions with the development team. Development proceeds iteratively, with frequent feedback.

    NextStepHR

    NextStepHR specializes in employer branding and social media recruiting campaigns for small- and medium-sized businesses. The company is developing an artificial intelligence system that gathers data from job listings and filled positions across online portals. This AI system autonomously places job ads for companies on multiple platforms based on their location. It analyzes job postings and user activity on different channels, correlating this information to identify the best platforms for ad placement. The goal is to post job ads on platforms with a high concentration of qualified candidates and low competition. Additionally, the AI system can create social media ads if it detects promising opportunities to attract potential employees. All these processes are analyzed and evaluated automatically.

    Ventecon Technologies

    Ventecon Technologies is transforming the world of product management with AI. Product managers, the backbone of any company, juggle market demands, resource constraints, and fierce competition. To support them, Ventecon Technologies provides AI Co-Workers that streamline their work, making it easier to innovate and succeed. By enhancing product management with AI, the company solves internal challenges. Their AI Co-Workers boost efficiency, drive innovation, and ultimately improve the well-being of communities everywhere.

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

  • The Cyber Valley Start-up Network continues to grow

    The Cyber Valley Start-up Network continues to grow

    AskUI

    AskUI is an AI-powered automation platform that allows users to automate user interfaces (UI) across different operating systems, devices, and applications using natural language instructions. It does not rely on traditional selectors like XPath or CSS to identify UI elements. Instead, it uses computer vision and machine learning to visually recognize and interact with UI components.

    Subsequent

    Subsequent is a provider of highly accurate, real-time tracking systems and motion analysis based on simple video recordings. No complex multi-camera infrastructures are required. Subsequent's customers include sports clubs and associations, as well as clinics, research institutes and home fitness companies.

    NeurCG

    NeurCG provides cutting-edge AI-based graphics technologies and services that produce realistic human faces. It aims to revolutionize various industries by leveraging their advanced AI capabilities to generate highly realistic human faces, offering innovative and intelligent services to their clients. 

    EndoSurge 

    EndoSurge provides robotic interventional tools compatible with existing clinical magnetic reasonance imaging (MRI) scanners. This extends surgeons' capabilities by enabling radiation-free and image-guided treatment of heart disease for improved patient outcomes. 

    Ventus Technologies

    Ventus Technologies specializes in high-resolution weather forecasts and nowcasts for roads, enhancing the safety and efficiency of electric and autonomous vehicles. Utilizing advanced physical downscaling and AI, the start-up delivers precise, location-specific weather data. It also helps car makers and fleet operators integrate these into exisiting range and consumption estimation systems. 

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

  • Start-up BW Summit 2024

    Start-up BW Summit 2024

    Was ist der Start-up BW Summit?

    Beim Start-up BW Summit erwartet Euch ein abwechslungsreiches Programm mit hochkarätigen Speakerinnen und Speakern, eine Messe mit spannenden Start-ups, Pitches und Wettbewerben sowie viele Angebote für Gründerinnen, Gründer und alle, die es werden wollen. 

    Auch der AI Start-up Community in Baden Württemberg wird beim Start-up BW eine Bühne geboten.

    Cyber Valley veranstaltet ein Panel zum Thema KI-Innovation in Baden-Württemberg: Chancen und Herausforderungen für Start-ups mit:
     

    1. Elias Schneider (CEO, Codesphere)
    2. Max-Frederick Gerken (Geschäftsführer, Optocycle)
    3. Martin Phelan (CEO, EndoSurge)
    4. Frauke Goll (Institut für angewandte KI)
       

    Moderiert von Rebecca C. Reisch (Managing Director, Cyber Valley).

     

    Wir freuen uns sehr, ein aktiver Teil der Jury zu sein, die 3 Start-Ups für den Venture Partnering Award in den folgenden Kategorien auswählen wird: Innovation | Impact | Kontinuität. Der Preis wird von Gründermotor organisiert und von der L-Bank finanziert. Die 3 Gewinner werden am Veranstaltungstag bekannt gegeben!
     

    Außerdem können Sie uns an unserem Stand treffen und den ganzen Tag über mit Cyber Valley Start-ups in Kontakt treten!

     

    Wo?

    Messe & Kongress: Haus der Wirtschaft, Stuttgart

    Festival: Börsenplatz, Stuttgart

     

    Wann? 

    Messe & Kongress: ab 10:00 Uhr 

    Festival: ab 17:00 Uhr

     

    Interesse?

    Mehr Informationen über den Start-up BW Summit 2024 finden Sie hier. 

     

    Sie möchten dabei sein? 

    Falls Sie es noch nicht getan haben, können Sie sich noch hier anmelden unter: https://anmeldung.startupbw.de/register

  • The AI Festival in Baden-Württemberg: Cyber Valley Days Begin!

    The AI Festival in Baden-Württemberg: Cyber Valley Days Begin!

    Stuttgart, June 19, 2024 – Our future will be shaped by the brightest minds of our time, especially through the use of AI. Experts from the German and international AI and robotics community will celebrate Cyber Valley Days from June 19 to 21. For today's kick-off event, entrepreneurs from the Cyber Valley Start-up Network, international AI experts from the Cyber Valley Community, and political representatives are gathering in Stuttgart at the Max Planck Institute for Intelligent Systems.  

    “Our Cyber Valley Innovation Campus represents groundbreaking research and serves as a best-practice example of close collaboration between science and industry”, says Dr. Stegmann, Minister of State and Head of the State Chancellery. “Cyber Valley Days – with their numerous regional and international partners – show us the level of expertise in AI technology we already have here, as well as the significant untapped potential. The event proves the leading role of this internationally renowned research consortium. Through collective efforts, we are shaping the future of trustworthy AI in Germany and Europe to drive important innovations forward.” 

    “The Cyber Valley Days mark an important milestone: With our network, we have already established ourselves as an internationally recognized, excellent research location with spin-off dynamics. Our community is not only innovative – it is also growing, according to the motto #bettertogether. In this way, we are putting Baden-Württemberg on the global map in the field of intelligent systems in the long term,” says Rebecca C. Reisch, Managing Director of Cyber Valley GmbH.  

    The AI Incubator as a springboard for founders  

    At the Expo, the exhibition of the Cyber Valley Community, the public can get to know the minds behind the future of AI and gain an insight into Baden-Württemberg’s innovative power. With close to 70 AI companies, the Cyber Valley Start-up Network is active in a wide range of industries, including healthcare, construction, mobility, and agriculture. Established and leading AI companies from Baden-Württemberg include vialytics, Sereact and Computomics. Other network members such as preML, hydrop systems and Swarm Logistics Technologies will be showcasing the latest AI trends at their booths at the Cyber Valley Days opening.

    Pitches from the participants of the AI Incubator in the afternoon will provide an insight into what the AI business models of the future will look like. Through The AI Incubator program, Cyber Valley supports AI researchers and young entrepreneurs in expanding their start-up ideas and successfully implementing them in the market. Renowned entrepreneurs and start-up coaches are on hand to provide them with free advice and support. The program is currently in its fourth round with 25 AI founders. The AI Incubator is financed by the Carl Zeiss Foundation.  

    Cyber Valley Days are a three-day event in Stuttgart and Tübingen from June 19 to 21, 2024 to celebrate the Cyber Valley Community. Its program focuses on entrepreneurship and scientific innovation in artificial intelligence and modern robotics from Baden-Württemberg.  

    Information about Cyber Valley Days 

    cyber-valley.de/cyber-valley-days

    Photos of the Cyber Valley Days can be downloaded from 18:00 CEST. 

     

    About Cyber Valley 

    Cyber Valley is Europe’s largest and leading center for excellence in artificial intelligence and modern robotics. Its mission and public mandate are to advocate for the research, development, application, and acceptance of technologies and methods in the field of intelligent systems. Cyber Valley encourages entrepreneurship by uniting scientific excellence with innovation and technology transfer. In addition, Cyber Valley facilitates critical reflection on the ethical and social implications of AI through public engagement. Cyber Valley envisions a future in which the full potential of intelligent systems is leveraged for the greater good of the world.   

     

    About the Cyber Valley Start-up Network 

    The Cyber Valley Start-up Network builds and promotes a vibrant community of AI entrepreneurs. Members get access to exclusive events and a diverse network of AI researchers, investors, and other start-up founders. The prerequisite for membership is a connection to Cyber Valley, such as being members or alumni of the Cyber Valley Community, or a location in Baden-Württemberg. The business models must have intelligent systems at their core. Further information: cyber-valley.de/start-up-network. 

    Media Contact: 
    Rebecca Beiter 
    Rebecca.beiter@cyber-valley.de 
    +49 (0) 160 9448 1797 

  • Almost 70 AI spin-offs: Cyber Valley’s Start-up Network continues to grow 

    Almost 70 AI spin-offs: Cyber Valley’s Start-up Network continues to grow 

    Stuttgart, 14. Juni 2024 – A unique community for start-ups in the field of artificial intelligence (AI) has emerged around the Cyber Valley. The Cyber Valley Start-up Network supports founders in the state to transfer AI research into applications. The model is extremely successful: many of its 67 start-ups to date have raised millions from international investors. At Cyber Valley Days, which is taking placefrom June 19 to 21, start-ups from the network will introduce themselves and present current AI trends. June 21 marks the beginning of a new phase of the Cyber Valley. During a ceremonial event, the first ELLIS Institute in Europe will be opened by Minister President Winfried Kretschmann and Science Minister Petra Olschowski. 

    “Start-ups are generators and drivers of innovation. They bring AI applications into society – from healthcare to mobility and agriculture,” said Science Minister Petra Olschowski on June 14 in Stuttgart. “Our Cyber Valley innovation campus offers founders optimal conditions: every month, three to five new start-ups join the network – including start-ups by AI researchers, but also existing new companies. With their innovative strength, these entrepreneurs are further strengthening Baden-Württemberg as a center of research and business. As the Ministry of Science, we helped to initiate the founding of Cyber Valley; and we will continue to support our AI innovation campus to the best of our ability in the future.” 

    Baden-Württemberg as the location for AI start-ups 

    “Artificial intelligence is complex and extremely fast-paced in its application. Those who want to start a business can develop their ideas wherever they find the best conditions – including an international and thematically diverse environment, access to computing power, and start-up capital. In other words, where the future is already being created, such as at the excellent science locations in Baden-Württemberg,” said Rebecca C. Reisch, Managing Director of Cyber Valley GmbH.  
     
    As a supplement to the Cyber Valley Start-up Network, the AI Incubator supports those interested in setting up a business in the Cyber Valley innovation campus environment. Over the course of eight weeks, participants learn how to expand their business models and successfully launch them on the market supported by experienced entrepreneurs and start-up coaches. The fourth cohort of 25 founders is currently going through the program. The AI Incubator is funded by the Carl-Zeiss-Stiftung.  
     
    “AI will rapidly change the way we work, communicate, learn, or play – and Germany must be at the forefront of this change to maintain our quality of life. This change will be driven by innovative start-ups. Cyber Valley's mission is to create the basis for scientific breakthroughs and to support start-ups that will lead the AI future,” says Michael Black, spokesperson for Cyber Valley and Director at the Max Planck Institute for Intelligent Systems in Tübingen. 

     

    Millions invested in AI start-ups: three examples 

    Cyber Valley's AI start-ups are successful with investors:

    • In 2023, NEURA Robotics, a supplier of innovative cognitive robots, raised €65 million in two financing rounds.
    • The Esslingen-based start-up MARKT-PILOT developed a solution for dynamic and market-oriented spare parts pricing. To mark its fourth anniversary, the company announced one of the largest Series A financing rounds with 40 million euros.
    • Octomind, an AI-based end-to-end testing platform for development teams, recently received €4.8 million in seed capital. 

     

    Cyber Valley Days 2024: June 19 to 21 

    The network's almost 70 start-ups are active in a wide range of industries – including the healthcare sector, construction industry, in the field of mobility, and agriculture. This diversity will be highlighted at the Cyber Valley Days, a three-day event from June 19 to 21. The program focuses on entrepreneurship and scientific innovation in artificial intelligence and modern robotics. On Wednesday, June 19, start-ups and other members of the Cyber Valley Community will present in Stuttgart. Afterwards, the teams of the AI Incubator will pitch their AI business ideas to potential investors.   
     
    At the final on June 21, the new ELLIS Institute Tübingen of the European Laboratory for Learning and Intelligent Systems (ELLIS) will be opened in the presence of Minister President Winfried Kretschmann and Science Minister Petra Olschowski. This first ELLIS institute in Europe will further strengthen the Cyber Valley innovation campus as an internationally visible beacon for research into artificial intelligence. The world's most talented AI researchers will be able to advance their ideas and developments in an optimal environment. The opening of the ELLIS Institute also marks the beginning of the next phase of the Cyber Valley Innovation Campus. 
     
    Cyber Valley is the country's first innovation campus, located in the Stuttgart/Tübingen region. Cyber Valley was launched in 2016 as a joint initiative of the state, science, and industry. Its aim is to put Baden-Württemberg at the forefront of AI. The innovation campus combines excellent basic research and practical application. The scientific backbone is formed by three academic founding partners: the Universities of Stuttgart and Tübingen and the Max Planck Institute for Intelligent Systems. There are also other established partners from business and research. 
      
     

    Information about Cyber Valley Days:  

    cyber-valley.de/cyber-valley-days 

    Registration

    for the Start-up Expo on Wednesday, June 19, at the Max Planck Institute for Intelligent Systems, Stuttgart: shorturl.at/euuwd 
     
    Registration for media representatives for the ceremony and opening of ELLIS on Friday, June 21, via
    Rebecca Beiter, Director Communications & Society Cyber Valley GmbH
    0160/9448 1797
    Rebecca.beiter@cyber-valley.de 
     

    Further information 
     

    About Cyber Valley    

    Cyber Valley is Europe’s largest and leading center for excellence in artificial intelligence and modern robotics. Its mission and public mandate are to advocate for research, development, application, and acceptance of technologies and methods in the field of intelligent systems. Cyber Valley encourages entrepreneurship by uniting scientific excellence with innovation and technology transfer. In addition, Cyber Valley facilitates critical reflection on the ethical and social implications of AI through public engagement. Cyber Valley envisions a future in which the full potential of intelligent systems is leveraged for the greater good of the world.  

     

    About the Cyber Valley Start-up Network   

    The Cyber Valley Start-up Network builds and promotes a vibrant community of AI entrepreneurs. Members get access to exclusive events and a diverse network of AI researchers, investors, and other start-up founders. The prerequisite for membership is a connection to Cyber Valley, such as being members or alumni of the Cyber Valley Community, or a location in Baden-Württemberg. The business models must have intelligent systems at their core.
    Further information: cyber-valley.de/start-up-network.  

  • Cyber Valley welcomes five new start-ups to its Start-up Network

    Cyber Valley welcomes five new start-ups to its Start-up Network

    Hellstern Medical 

    Hellstern Medical develops innovative ergonomic solutions for operating rooms, with a focus on reducing surgeon fatigue and pain during long procedures. Their flagship product is the NOAC (Surgeon Support System), an intelligent robotic exoskeleton device that uses motion capture technology to hold surgeons in any desired position at the operating table. The company uses operating room data to drive automation and revolutionize surgical procedures through the integration of robotics and artificial intelligence (AI). 

    Textverstehen  

    TextVerstehen specializes in developing artificial intelligence (AI) technologies for text understanding and natural language processing. The company is developing AI models and algorithms that analyze text data, enabling applications such as automated text summarization, question answering, and content analysis. 

    OSORA 

    OSORA is a software company that has developed a predictive analytics tool for simulating and analyzing the healing process of bone fractures. Using digital twin technology, their software is designed to provide patient-specific predictions of how a particular bone fracture will heal over time. 

    Enerlace 

    Enerlace develops innovative software solutions that enhance visualization and reporting capabilities to speed up the deployment of renewable energy. By providing these solutions, the company seeks to help wind farm operators and other industry players optimize their operations, improve efficiency, and ultimately drive the growth of sustainable wind energy production. 

    Semanux 

    Semanux is dedicated to fostering digital independence, particularly those with motor disabilities. With their innovative Semanux Access software, users can intuitively control their computers not just with their hands, but also with their head, eyes, and feet. This innovation opens a new realm of possibilities for accessibility in technology. 

    In joining the Cyber Valley Start-up Network, these five start-ups enhance the diversity and collaborative culture of the Cyber Valley Community. 

  • Extended deadline for Cyber Valley Entrepreneurial Programs

    Extended deadline for Cyber Valley Entrepreneurial Programs

    An important update for all prospective applicants of the following Cyber Valley Entrepreneurial Programs: 

    1. Innovation Fellowship 

    1. Proof of Concept 

    In response to requests from scientists and considering the parallel deadline for various funding programs, the deadline for the call for proposals has been extended to June 30, 2024. 

    This extension provides an additional month for institutions across the eligible area to consolidate project proposals and solidify partnerships currently under development. All interested parties should take advantage of this extended period to refine proposals.  

    The Cyber Valley Innovation Fellowship program supports the journey of emerging talents in science from outstanding research to practical application. The aim is to foster scientific breakthroughs that add value to science, economy, and society. This program offers the opportunity to translate research into tangible applications. Researchers work on a project that is not yet commercially viable but requires time for further development and product transformation in a research environment. The goal is to create an innovative spin-off from the project after the funding term has ended. 

    The Cyber Valley Proof of Concept program aims to facilitate the exploration of a research project's commercial and social innovation potential by funding activities that verify its feasibility. This program is valuable for teams in the early stages of development. Teams will identify the scope of the process and the resources required for success based on the use case and the industry in which the research project is embedded. The focus is on developing a result beyond application-oriented research to bridge the gap between research and early stage of commercial and social innovation.