Batch #6 of the accelerator program ends with an awards ceremony and strong future prospects for technology-driven startup projects.
The sixth iteration of the HIGH-TECH.NRW accelerator program concluded with an impressive Demo Day. The focus was on ten selected deep-tech startups from North Rhine-Westphalia that had worked intensively on further developing their business models over the past twelve weeks. The program offered participants not only access to a high-caliber network of industry, academia, and investors, but also individual support from experienced mentors.
The highlight of the event was the awarding of €20,000 in prize money, which was distributed among three particularly convincing start-ups:
- Simplyfined from Dortmund (€10,000): The start-up developed a novel catalytic process that enables the production of sustainable base chemicals from vegetable oil. This technology replaces fossil raw materials in the chemical industry and allows for its use in products such as plastics, cosmetics, and lubricants.
- Wellenpuls GmbH from Solingen (€6,000): The company presented an electrical stimulation device for strengthening deep muscles, which can be used particularly for back pain. Supplemented by an app, the medical device is suitable for both private users and corporate health management.
- FORMeat from Aachen (€4,000): The team developed a patented fiber spinning technology that can produce cultured meat with a structure similar to real muscle meat. The goal is to create a realistic, scalable, and sustainable alternative to conventional meat production.
The Demo Day underscored the importance of deep-tech innovations for the economic and environmental future of the region. The program stands out due to its focus on hardware-based technologies and its close integration with the industrial ecosystem in North Rhine-Westphalia. It demonstrates how targeted support and networking can significantly advance technology-oriented startups.
Source: www.portal.nmwp.de
