MassChallenge

HeroSupport is a medical device manufacturing company based in Veyrier, Geneva, established in 2019. The company specializes in creating personalized solutions that transform imaging and treatment tables into medical immobilization devices designed to enhance patient comfort during clinical procedures. By providing tailored support, these devices allow patients to receive prone breast radiotherapy without the need to adapt to the standard table setup. This innovation not only improves patient comfort but also aims to enhance the effectiveness and cost efficiency of cancer treatment for healthcare providers.

Exomotion SA, founded in 2018 and based in Plan-les-Ouates, Switzerland, specializes in the development of innovative personal mobility devices. The company's focus is on robotics-based transporter systems that facilitate omnidirectional movement. Exomotion's electronic movement devices integrate advanced electrical boards with motion sensors and a unique wheeled mechanism, allowing for seamless movement in any direction and immediate rotation. This design aims to enhance user experience by rethinking e-mobility, prioritizing both omnidirectionality and safety in its solutions.

Plair SA specializes in the development and manufacturing of advanced systems for monitoring environmental conditions, particularly focusing on airborne particles. Founded in 2014 and based in Geneva, Switzerland, the company offers a range of innovative instruments, including the Particle Analyzer PA-300, which provides real-time detection, identification, and classification of fine particles in the air. This device can differentiate various entities such as pollen species, organic particles like fungal spores, and pollutants including polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. Additionally, Plair SA's Rapid-E and Rapid-C instruments utilize cutting-edge technologies like laser-induced fluorescence and light scattering for comprehensive analysis of aerosol particles. The company's solutions cater to applications in airborne allergen monitoring, air quality assessment, and bioaerosol analysis, enabling a deeper understanding of atmospheric aerosol concentrations. Plair SA is a spin-off from the University of Geneva, reflecting its strong academic foundation.

Terapet SA, founded in 2019 in Geneva, Switzerland, specializes in proton therapy, an advanced form of radiotherapy for cancer treatment. Established by physicists Christina Vallgren and Marcus Palm, along with Professor Raymond Miralbell from the Geneva University Hospitals, the company aims to provide precise tumor targeting while minimizing damage to adjacent healthy tissues. Terapet's innovative technology allows for a reduced radiation dose to surrounding healthy cells by administering high doses of protons that halt at specific depths within the patient. This capability enables medical professionals to monitor the proton dose in real-time and in three dimensions, making cancer treatment more effective and potentially more cost-efficient. The company has successfully demonstrated the feasibility of its concept and is in the process of developing an initial version for market launch.

Prodibi is a professional image platform that enhances the online display of images to boost brand ROI, improve user engagement, and streamline the work of developers. Launched in 2011 and based in Geneva, Switzerland, the platform addresses common challenges in image quality, performance, color management, pixel density, responsiveness, and SEO, which can be costly and time-consuming to resolve. For example, tasks like cropping images can take significant time for graphic designers. Prodibi simplifies this process by allowing users to replace online images with a single click, ensuring an exceptional visual experience that aligns with brand prestige. The subscription-based service enables photographers, professional artists, and web publishers to showcase their work effectively on both web and mobile platforms without sacrificing speed or quality.

EBAMed SA is a Swiss startup based in Geneva, established in 2018, that focuses on developing innovative medical technology for treating heart arrhythmias. The company is working on an ultrasound-based device designed to monitor heart motion and facilitate non-invasive ablation therapy using proton beams. This technology aims to provide a safe and effective alternative for patients by allowing real-time synchronization of proton therapy with heart movement. By integrating both hardware and software components, EBAMed's device enhances treatment capabilities for existing proton therapy centers, enabling them to offer advanced, non-invasive treatment options for cardiac patients in an outpatient setting.

ALAnostics is a biopharmaceutical company that specializes in oncodiagnostics, originating as a spin-off from the University of Geneva. The company focuses on developing innovative tumour painting technology designed to assist surgeons in the real-time identification and removal of breast cancer during surgery. By utilizing nanomedicines for fluorescence-guided surgery, along with 5-ALA prodrugs for photodynamic therapy and light-activated antimicrobials, ALAnostics aims to enhance the accuracy of tumor removal, ultimately improving patient outcomes and saving lives.

MagicTomato operates an online grocery marketplace that focuses on providing locally made and sourced products. Founded in September 2016 in the Geneva area, the company aims to encourage consumers to adopt healthier grocery shopping habits by offering a selection of over 800 non-industrial and GMO-free items. Their product range includes fresh fruits, vegetables, meats, fish, dairy, organic flours, and various beverages, all sourced from a network of 30 local artisans. MagicTomato emphasizes sustainability through a decentralized business model, aiming to eliminate food waste and packaging while ensuring ultimate freshness. They offer same-day delivery, making it convenient for consumers to access high-quality products from independent craftsmen in their region. The company is already at breakeven, reflecting its successful implementation of this innovative grocery approach.

GliaPharm SA is a Swiss biotechnology company focused on developing treatments for neurological and psychiatric disorders. Founded in 2016 and based in Geneva, the company utilizes its GliaX technology platform to identify drugs that target the activity of glial cells, which are essential support cells for neurons. This innovative approach aims to enhance brain metabolism in pathological conditions. GliaPharm employs high throughput screening technologies and conducts metabolic tests on both in vitro primary brain cell cultures and in vivo rodent models to evaluate compounds. The company addresses various neurological conditions, including Alzheimer's disease and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and collaborates with contract research organizations to advance its drug development and regulatory processes. With a vision to lead in glia-mediated therapies, GliaPharm seeks to provide new neuroprotective agents that support cognitive function in patients.

Imverse is a 3D graphics software company headquartered in Plan-les-Ouates, Geneva, specializing in volumetric technology for location-based entertainment and enterprise applications. Founded in 2017, the company provides real-time simulation and modeling tools that transform 2D images into immersive 3D virtual environments suitable for live streaming, gaming, and remote collaboration. Its platform leverages depth cameras and reality capture software to enable the streaming of real-time three-dimensional holograms, fostering deeper personal connections and enhancing communication and content creation for various organizations. As a subsidiary of Imverse SA, Imverse aims to innovate the way users engage with digital content through advanced volumetric video solutions.

Includeed is a consultancy and innovative solution provider focused on promoting diversity and inclusion, particularly in relation to gender issues. Founded in 2015 and based in Les Acacias, Switzerland, the company operates a platform that allows employees, job seekers, and customers to review and share experiences, ask questions, suggest solutions, and request companies to disclose information regarding diversity and equal opportunities. Includeed's programs extend across several locations, including Geneva, Zurich, Paris, and Lyon, aiming to foster dialogue and transparency in workplace practices related to diversity.