The SEIF Awards 2021 Tech for Impact received for the first time 336 applications from startups addressing societal challenges such as inefficient use of natural resources, climate change, lack of quality education and healthcare, and many more.
From the 20 candidates that pitched their solution to industry experts, 10 most outstanding solutions made it o the next round. The finalists will pitch live during the Awards Ceremony on 10th June, providing first-hand insights on how their innovative tech solutions can create positive impact. The winner for the categories UBS Award fr Social Innovation, PwC Switzerland Award for Responsible business, Julius Bär Award for Future imPACT Trend and the seif Award for Scalable Solution.
NaturLoop – is developing a technology to transform domestically available agricultural by-products into alternatives to wood-based panels in developing countries.
Oxyle – aims to eliminate the discharge of persistent, mobile, and toxic micro-pollutants into various bodies of water and to preserve water resources for future generations using their nanoporous catalyst.
Plastogaz – develops catalytic technologies for the transformation of plastic waste into value-added products, thus enabling true circular economy.
MyLeg – helps amputees improve their walking abilities by using a non-invasive sensory wearable that increases the perception of the prosthesis as a body part.
Rrreefs – rebuilds damaged coral reefs using their scientifically developed modular reef system. Using 3D-printing technology, they aim to scale up and bring back abundant marine life, create new underwater attractions for ecotourism and to raise awareness (tourists), and protect coastlines.
Finalists from the rest of Europe are:
Fairbrics (France) – fights climate change by developing circular manufacturing processes in the clothing industry, which use renewable resources instead of petro-sourced products.
Carbiolice (France) – developed an additive that allows (even rigid) plant-based plastics to be transformed into compost at room temperature, and thus also in domestic conditions.
SignLab.co (Norway) – is developing a digital learning platform that makes learning sign languages more accessible, effective, and affordable, thus helping deaf children and families to participate fully in society.
Ecording (Turkey) – aims to afforest remote areas using drones that shoot seed balls that foster tree growth, and which are produced by women who suffer from income inequality due to climate change. In order to scale their activities, Ecording partners with companies that would like to increase their sustainability efforts.
Oorja Development Solutions (United Kingdom) – finances, installs, operates, and maintains off-grid distributed solar energy systems for community use for farms in India, thus improving livelihoods, reducing poverty, enhancing food security, and mitigating climate change.
(RAN)