InnoQube builds on its inaugural success for second edition

The first batch for the InnoQube startup program has graduated, setting the stage for the next edition in Q4 2024. Nine of twenty participants hail from Switzerland, and three companies from Korea, Poland and Zurich plan to move their offices to the Graubünden.

The InnoQube Startup Program was initiated in Chur with the goal of supporting early-stage startups from across the globe in building global businesses. With more than 150 applications submitted from startups worldwide, the first InnoQube Startup program started on a high note. Twenty early-stage companies from the United Arab Emirates, Korea, the US and Europe, covering 10 verticals, were selected to join the 2-month program in Chur. Guided by over 30 experts from Silicon Valley, they participated in intensive workshops to benefit from the experts’ know-how and refine their business strategies.

Alexander Fries, program initiator and investor of InnoQube is content with the outcome of the first edition, particularly pleased by the fact that all startups travelled to Switzerland for some sessions, they followed through the program to the end, and three of them intend to move their businesses to Chur. Moreover, the new VC Fund, Digital Twins Capital, will invest a larger ticket in some of the 20 companies. “Some of the startups, already received Term Sheets from Investors or additional Angel money since the Demo Day”, he said.

Batch 1 comprises nine startups from Switzerland. These are:

Swijin AG (St. Gallen) – Female-founded SportsTech company focusing on the production and trade of textile products that address the connection between female health and athletic performance. Its first product, SwimRunner, is a hybrid sports bra and bottom that allows for a seamless transition between land and water sports.

ScoutSync (Zurich) – founded by former athlete and coach Darius Willis aims to revolutionize the scouting and recruiting process in sports by leveraging artificial intelligence and data analytics to connect athletes, coaches, and teams worldwide. Focusing on American football, soccer and basketball, the company collaborates with over 1,500 and is supported by more than 1,000 athletes.

GET LOCAL AG (Zurich) – The first all-in-one concierge solution for the Travel & Hospitality industry in Switzerland, particularly hotels. The company builds B2B and B2C booking platforms for mobility services. Focus on providing technology and digital concierge booking platforms for hotels, the company helps them to offer personalized local services to their guests.

Operal AG – uses AI, Blockchain and gamification to create solutions that promote positive change. Their flagship product, ClimateCandy, combines gaming with sustainability, aiming to empower players to make a real-world impact. Their gaming studio, Operal Studio, has developed a variety of games including "WOW Crush," "Frogie Cross the Road," "Ocean Cleanup," and "Climate Horoscope," among others.

Welmy Buddy –Is a digital platform that integrates human-centric care from health professionals with advanced technology to provide personalized nutrition guidance.

BIOS Medical AG (Davos) – specializes in developing innovative technology for hip fracture patients, with a focus on improving mobility and quality of life after such injuries. Their flagship product, Hipbeacon, is described as "the world's first implanted hip mobility sensor

grizoon (Chur)– developed grizoon AI to provide video consultation services to improve online shopping for both retailers and consumers through video consultation and AI-powered solutions.

Winduction (Landquart) –founded by Zurich-based company QE, Winduction is Unplugging EVs through In-wheel Power Transfer.

Ponera Group (Lugano) – Developed modular reusable packaging solutions that allow for on-demand customization to fit any size requirement, significantly reducing costs and environmental impact compared to traditional single-use wood crates.

(RAN)