News Category: Start-up Network

  • 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. 

  • 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: Inspiring the AI of the future

    Cyber Valley Days: Inspiring the AI of the future

    How did Cyber Valley Days help reinforce a sense of community within Cyber Valley?

    During the Corona pandemic, it was not possible to meet in person. Even though we made quite a few online formats for the community to meet each other, real dialogue, networking, and exchange are just easier in person. With our Meet-ups and other regular events, we built a sense of community. Cyber Valley Days made it possible for our community to meet and network to an unprecedented extent. It was really great to see how much we have grown over the years and how diverse, varied, and international our community has become.

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

    For me, the conversations with Yann LeCun were particularly memorable, along with many great memories. His view of AI is very hopeful and his assessments of the future of AI are based on a broad range of specialist knowledge. Despite his expert knowledge, he manages to explain AI and current developments in a way that is easily accessible and understandable for everyone – this was particularly impressive for me as a communicator. 

    Which session did you find most impactful or inspiring and why?

    Cyber Valley Days had an incredibly dense and top-class program of speakers. Nevertheless, the finale of The AI Incubator remains the highlight for me, because this is where I see young people with new ideas on how technology can make the world a better place. They are all driven by an inner motivation to use AI sensibly, sustainably, and for the benefit of all. Their ideas inspire me each time!

    Read further interviews with the Cyber Valley Team here!

     
  • 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!