MassChallenge

CloEE is an AI digital advisor focused on enhancing sustainability and operational efficiency in discrete manufacturing. By utilizing generative AI, it provides real-time data analysis from manufacturing equipment, as well as manufacturing execution systems and enterprise resource planning systems. CloEE aims to improve Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE), significantly reduce energy consumption by 30%, and minimize emergency stops by 95%. The platform offers quick and cost-free project implementation, facilitating manufacturers in saving time and money while addressing critical challenges such as production downtime, delivery delays, and high defect rates. Having connected 25,000 machines across 25 countries, CloEE promotes a new model for efficiency and emission management, ultimately helping manufacturers reduce carbon emissions and drive annual revenue growth.

Tespack Ltd. is a Finnish company that specializes in mobile energy solutions, providing a variety of products such as ultra-light batteries, solar panels, smartpacks, backpacks, and portable chargers. Founded in 2013 and based in Helsinki, Tespack focuses on creating smart mobile micro-grids for challenging markets, particularly for off-grid usage. The company employs advanced software, deep learning technology, and proprietary hardware to deliver reliable and sustainable energy infrastructure in remote locations. Tespack's mission includes addressing critical battery management challenges, such as enhancing battery recycling accuracy and monitoring battery performance. Its products are distributed across various European countries through distributors, retailers, and online sales, catering to remote workers, adventurers, and disaster relief efforts.

Pointz is a mobile mapping application that assists bike and scooter riders in navigating safe routes within urban environments. The app employs a proprietary routing algorithm that prioritizes paths on a distinctive 'quiet network' composed of residential side streets, protected bike lanes, and other bike-friendly roads. By leveraging both road data and crowdsourced information, Pointz enables users to find low-stress and low-traffic routes, enhancing their overall riding experience in cities.

MellowVans specializes in electric delivery vehicles designed for efficient last-mile delivery in urban environments. Their vehicles are distinguished by their large cargo capacity, capable of accommodating 2.4 cubic meters, and provide over 100 kilometers of range on a single charge. With operational costs of less than a dollar per day, MellowVans offers a cost-effective solution for e-commerce businesses seeking to enhance their delivery services. The vehicles also feature regenerative braking and an integrated IoT system that facilitates data generation and route planning, further improving delivery efficiency and reducing emissions. MellowVans aims to transform urban logistics with its attractive and high-performance electric vehicles, ensuring a sustainable and economical approach to urban deliveries.

Urban Connect is a corporate mobility platform offering company employees access to a fleet of low-carbon, shared vehicles like e-bikes, bikes, e-scooters and e-cars. The offering is structured as a mobility-as-a-service (MaaS) solution. The company services large blue chip clients like Roche, Avaloq, Hilti, Sonova or Zurich Insurance. The team is composed of a number of people from different nationalities & backgrounds, all with the common goal of helping companies reduce their carbon and space footprints.

Droople is a company focused on advancing water management technology to enhance water conservation and usage efficiency. It offers an innovative water intelligence platform that integrates Internet of Things technology with artificial intelligence, allowing for real-time analysis of water consumption and leak detection. The company's retrofittable, AI-embedded devices utilize a fog computing architecture to provide insights that help individuals and businesses manage their water resources more effectively. By equipping water asset manufacturers, operators, and building owners with essential tools, Droople aims to foster a sustainable future by promoting responsible water use and minimizing pollution.

Candam is focused on creating innovative technology for the waste management sector, particularly in Europe. The company has developed a patented Smart Ring technology that utilizes acoustic techniques and artificial intelligence algorithms to identify various types of packaging materials in real time. This system aims to enhance waste collection processes, increase recycling rates, and support the circular economy by providing efficient waste management solutions. By implementing its technological platform, Candam seeks to address challenges associated with waste production and improve access to waste management systems, particularly in urban areas dealing with specific waste categories such as pharmaceuticals.

SoliDrip has developed an innovative irrigation technology that empowers plants to manage their own watering needs. This autonomous irrigation system is suitable for both outdoor and indoor gardens of any size, providing each plant with the precise amount of water it requires while automatically responding to environmental changes. The system is designed to conserve clean water, minimize runoff damage, and significantly lower maintenance costs for gardens. Additionally, SoliDrip's solution is easy to install, requires no ongoing maintenance, and operates without electricity, making it a practical choice for enhancing urban agriculture and greening initiatives in various urban settings, including rooftops, walls, balconies, and courtyards.

Next Pet helps municipalities to build a healthier, safer, and smarter pet community. It connects pets and pet owners by providing a web and mobile platform where they can help each other, save money, and time. GoPetie is revolutionizing the pet licensing and animal control functions within cities and towns with a next-generation software that utilizes the world's first mobile licensing platform integrates remote pet photo recognition and a lost pet recovery service. It was founded in 2015 and is headquartered in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

Grapheal is a Medtech startup focused on developing embedded and wearable biosensors that leverage graphene transistors for enhanced functionality. Their devices are designed to be minimalistic and digital, enabling the dosing of biomarkers and detection of pathogens through a smartphone interface. By integrating advanced sensing nanomaterials with wireless connectivity and data analysis capabilities, Grapheal's biosensors facilitate field diagnostics and remote patient monitoring. This approach aims to make healthcare more accessible and accurate, allowing medical professionals to effectively monitor patient progress and healing.

A.D. Knight focuses on enhancing the safety of pedestrians and vulnerable road users through innovative technology that utilizes mobile phones and connected devices for passive data collection. By prioritizing user privacy, the company provides municipalities, road operators, and asset owners with tools to prevent accidents and manage traffic effectively. Their solutions deliver real-time traffic safety alerts to various road users, including pedestrians and those using micro-mobility options. A.D. Knight's technology is particularly valuable in low-light environments, allowing for better detection and protection of individuals, ultimately contributing to safer urban environments for walking, jogging, riding, and driving.

TRAXyL, Inc. specializes in the innovative installation of optical fiber by providing a unique distribution system that allows for the direct application of fiber communications onto road surfaces. Founded in 2014 and based in Warrenton, Virginia, the company has developed a method that eliminates the need for traditional trenching, thus facilitating faster deployment of broadband services. This technology not only enhances connectivity in underserved areas but also supports the rollout of 5G networks, making it easier for municipalities and internet service providers to improve access in various locations, including campuses, hospitals, and military bases.

ZERO5 specializes in automation technology aimed at enhancing parking spaces by transforming them into tech-enabled mobility hubs. The company's software efficiently monitors individual parking spots without requiring additional resources, offering a range of parking management features tailored to meet diverse client needs. By collecting, analyzing, and distributing real-time data, ZERO5 enables customers to optimize their revenue while minimizing operating costs. Its innovative solutions connect available parking spots with drivers actively seeking parking, ensuring a streamlined experience for both parking space owners and users.

Camberline Technologies is a company that specializes in a sensor-driven platform designed to monitor electricity usage and promote energy conservation. The platform provides billing-ready data that integrates with existing billing systems, facilitating efficient energy management. By delivering actionable insights, Camberline encourages consumers to adopt more sustainable electricity usage habits, often through attractive incentives. This approach not only supports individual energy conservation efforts but also contributes to broader community sustainability goals.

SAMAWATT helps wind and solar power producers reduce the electric grid imbalance penalties through smart algorithms.

Antavi is a developer of an advanced command and control platform aimed at enhancing the management of public spaces, particularly in smart city environments. The platform focuses on digital transformation for crowd management during large-scale events, utilizing real-time data to capture and analyze human behaviors within crowds and among mobile workforces. This innovative approach enables cities to improve safety, efficiency, and overall public space management, making Antavi's solutions essential for modern urban planning and crowd control strategies.

Securaxis specializes in the development, installation, and operation of innovative safety and security solutions. Founded in 2018 as the first incubated company of BIC of CERN Technologies in Switzerland, Securaxis has garnered recognition through various accolades, including the Entreprendre Network and Swisscom Start-up Challenge. The company is part of the HP Enterprise Startup Incubator and the NVIDIA Inception Program. Securaxis has a dedicated team of eight experts in fields such as machine learning, acoustics, and data management, who have collaborated for over four years. They have successfully developed and commercialized a mobile security application utilized by clients including the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs in Switzerland, the Olympic Committee, and the United Nations. Securaxis operates a real-time geolocalized security information platform that employs smart acoustic sensors to analyze and classify sounds in urban environments, enabling organizations to make informed decisions to enhance safety.

GoUrban operates as a comprehensive mobility platform designed to enhance the management and efficiency of various transportation options, including cars, scooters, and mopeds. By offering a system that allows operators to streamline their operations, GoUrban focuses on optimizing fleet performance and minimizing unnecessary costs. The company specializes in providing affordable electric vehicle rental services, featuring compact, fully electric scooters that can be parked in diverse locations. This flexibility increases fleet availability and improves customer experiences while promoting sustainability by reducing CO2 emissions and optimizing parking space utilization. Overall, GoUrban aims to deliver safe, convenient, and eco-friendly transportation solutions for modern urban mobility needs.

Parquery AG, founded in 2014 and based in Zurich, Switzerland, specializes in smart parking solutions through the development of a web application that provides real-time on-street parking availability. The company employs computer vision and machine learning technologies to analyze images and detect parking vacancies, utilizing snapshots from existing cameras to deliver accurate data. This service caters to parking managers and supports smart city and mobility initiatives by offering insights into past, current, and predicted future usage of parking facilities, thereby facilitating smarter routing options for drivers seeking available parking spots.

Creator of the worlds smartest IoT trash can.

Tuverl is an application focused on enhancing public transportation accessibility and affordability for commuters in Africa, beginning with Zimbabwe. It provides two mobile applications: the Commuter App, which allows users to track intracity buses and minibuses in real-time, book intercity trips, hail taxis on demand, and make payments through local fintech solutions, and the Operator App, designed for public transport operators. The Operator App enables drivers and operators to broadcast vehicle locations, manage fleets, and process digital fares, ultimately increasing commuter numbers and reducing wasted resources. By leveraging cloud computing, data analytics, geolocation, fintech, and machine learning, Tuverl aims to transform public transport while promoting Sustainable Development Goal 11, which focuses on sustainable cities and communities. Through its innovative approach, Tuverl seeks to improve urban mobility and support the development of smart, resilient communities across African nations.

OCEO is a consumer company that specializes in water purification services. it features smart purification, connection, ownership, and dispensing. The company was founded in 2016 and headquartered in Bangalore, India.

Make My Day offers an in-car driving assistance app for optimizing driving in electric cars. Its features for an in car Driving Assistance connects the driver with the car while doing extra activities. It also connects drivers to business providers and gives them a full range solution for the daily needs. Make My Day is based in Tel-Aviv, Israel.

LEDsafari SA, founded in 2014 and based in Lausanne, Switzerland, focuses on sustainability education through innovative training programs and solar kits. The company aims to empower future generations to address climate change by providing hands-on learning experiences in schools and educational institutions. Its flagship product is a solar kit that enables users to assemble an electrical circuit and create a lamp from recycled materials. This approach not only teaches solar technology theories but also promotes eco-friendly practices. LEDsafari has successfully sold 15,000 solar kits across 15 countries via its online platform. The company is also developing a state-of-the-art learning platform featuring high-quality animations, graphics, and games, with plans to incorporate augmented reality and mobile technology in the future.

XOC offers a unique learning experience and it creates an energy awareness that will allow users to save energy in short and long term and at the same time contribute to the environment. XOC is designed for a new energy-based economy. Where buying and selling energy will be a fundamental activity in the near future, where smart cities will be incorporated to the Smart grid.

RePark Social Parking is a mobile application service that facilitates the rental of private parking spaces by the hour. Launched in 2014 in Tel Aviv, Israel, the platform connects parking space owners with drivers in need of parking, providing a convenient solution for urban parking challenges. Through the app, users can easily list their available parking spaces, while drivers can search for and reserve these spaces, enhancing accessibility and efficiency in urban environments.

UMo is an information technology company. They reduce private car use while increasing the use of sustainable urban mobility; walking, cycling, public transport, and carpooling. They track transportation behavior using mobile devices, IoT networks, city data, and 3rd parties.

Sukriti Social Foundation is a non-governmental organization focused on improving sanitation and hygiene for approximately 800 million Indians, particularly women. The foundation develops eco-toilets, which are smart, prefabricated toilet cabins that are automated for self-cleaning and maintenance, utilizing fresh water and treating waste on-site while operating on solar energy. In addition to enhancing sanitation, Sukriti Social Foundation aims to address broader societal challenges by implementing effective waste management strategies, promoting energy sufficiency through renewable resources, and fostering affordable healthcare, low-cost housing, skill development, and agricultural sustainability. By utilizing engineering solutions, the foundation seeks to create economical and environmentally friendly approaches to some of the most pressing issues in the country.

Securaxis specializes in the development, installation, and operation of innovative safety and security solutions. Founded in 2018 as the first incubated company of BIC of CERN Technologies in Switzerland, Securaxis has garnered recognition through various accolades, including the Entreprendre Network and Swisscom Start-up Challenge. The company is part of the HP Enterprise Startup Incubator and the NVIDIA Inception Program. Securaxis has a dedicated team of eight experts in fields such as machine learning, acoustics, and data management, who have collaborated for over four years. They have successfully developed and commercialized a mobile security application utilized by clients including the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs in Switzerland, the Olympic Committee, and the United Nations. Securaxis operates a real-time geolocalized security information platform that employs smart acoustic sensors to analyze and classify sounds in urban environments, enabling organizations to make informed decisions to enhance safety.

State of Place is ushering in data-driven, evidence-based place-making, quantifying what people love about places and forecasting the benefits of making them better. Our predictive analytics SaaS arms placemakers (urban planners, business improvement districts, real estate developers, and others involved in managing and creating “places”) with the data they need to cost-efficiently create and effectively justify the need for walkable, livable, and sustainable places. We help placemakers get seamless project approvals, heed the demand for walkability, retain economic competitiveness, and grow more sustainably - saving time, money, and agony while doing so.

Technis is focused on developing innovative connected and interactive flooring solutions. The company aims to transform physical retail environments and buildings through advanced software that digitizes these spaces, enabling the collection of real-time data. Technis provides insights into foot traffic, customer behavior, and energy and environmental quality. By offering a comprehensive approach to data collection and analysis, Technis simplifies complex challenges faced by clients in optimizing their retail and building operations.

Oorja Development Solutions aims to provide clean energy access to 450 million un/underelectrified people in rural Indian communities. It deploy smart micro-grids powered by biomass gasification and solar PV systems to generate, store and transmit reliable and affordable electricity to SMEs as anchor load and low-income households. It uses a scalable community-owned business model to leverage energy provision as a catalyst for socio-economic development to alleviate poverty, empower women and tackle climate change.

Vieni is a web platform and mobile app that allows users to group their travel demand together before going to market. For example, if a group is travelling to a festival they can join others from their local area and 'group buy' a charter coach. This means the coach comes to them and takes them to their precise final destination thus reducing their overall cost and time whilst having a positive effect on the environment. From the enterprise perspective the tool also allows coach operators to signal their availability and pick up demand in what would otherwise be an empty vehicle. For example, once I have dropped off a group and have to return to the depot that is essentially a wasted journey/cost to the operator. Vieni's dynamic algorithm driven software can fill the vehicle and minimise losses to the company.

ParkWise operates an intelligent parking platform aimed at addressing street parking challenges for drivers and autonomous vehicles. By leveraging artificial intelligence and machine learning, ParkWise creates a connected network that facilitates real-time communication between drivers, vehicles, and parking infrastructure. This technology enables the automatic exchange of parking availability data, predictions, and relevant regulations. The platform also incorporates crowd-sourcing elements and provides behavioral analytics to enhance user experience and optimize parking solutions. With a team of 11 engineers and data scientists boasting over seven years of experience in Intelligent Traffic Management Systems, ParkWise aims to make street parking more efficient and user-friendly.

CITY TRANSFORMER is a revolutionary automotive company that developed a patented mechanism of a shape-shifting car’s chassis. This mechanism enabled the company to create a two-seater electric mini vehicle that could change its width while driving, transforming from a fast balanced width of 1.4m that can run 90km/h on open roads to a width of 1m that can maneuver smoothly like a motorcycle through heavy traffic and park easily in spaces where other mini cars unable to use. CITY TRANSFORMER's vision is to reclaim cities back to people and remove big size cars out of the urban areas. Compared to an average full-sized electric vehicle, City Transformer is at least X2 more energy efficient, 75% smaller in weight and footprint and saves 80% in battery weight. City Transformer has the smallest environmental and physical footprint possible for an effective and practical urban vehicle.

CityTaps has created an innovative solution to improve access to water for urban populations in developing countries. The company offers a prepayment service that includes a smart and prepaid water meter alongside billing software, designed to empower water utilities to achieve financial independence. This enables them to invest in infrastructure that provides at-home water service, particularly for the poorest residents who lack access to running water. Beneficiaries can conveniently use mobile money to prepay for water, allowing them to manage their household budgets more effectively. The availability of running water in homes is not only more affordable but also enhances health and quality of life. CityTaps' approach has the potential to significantly uplift the lives of millions who currently do not have access to essential water services.

Telos is an open source project building the common infrastructure for a decentralised, citizen-led industry and Internet of Things. The Telos Services project is developing open service kits: providing citizens with the opportunity to become co-producers for the core services of their homes, and setting a civic framework for their future ‘smart’ built environment.

CLARA is the unique and revolutionary smart jacket that incorporates ultra bright turn signals and braking sensors to automatically make cyclists, runners and every pedestrian safer in poor light conditions.The USB rechargeable circuit is equipped with sophisticated sensors as GPS, heart rate monitor, and inertial measurement unit to track performance data. The user can visualise all the information on the smartphone’s application to build healthy lifestyle habits and achieve personal goals.

Jiffi's Bluetooth beacons detect when passengers board and when they get off, without them having to do anything but install an app and enter payment details.The automated app works with pay-as-you-go plans and in-app mobile payments. Passengers travel, the app handles payment. Automatically. Transport operators get access to Jiffi's powerful dashboard and visualizations that show journeys from points A to B to C. This gives clear insight for better route planning, smarter pricing, as well as reduced boarding times. Get in touch to see how Jiffi is changing the way they experience cities, one ride at a time.

ThinkLite is a global lighting efficiency company that custom designs, manufactures, distributes, and installs energy efficient retrofit solutions to commercial customers and governments. Their efficient lighting products leverage proprietary LED and Induction technologies that specifically adapt to existing infrastructures. They are headquartered in Natick, Massachusetts with operations in over 14 countries.