AI.STARTUP.HUB bids farewell with final graduation pitch
For four years, AI.STARTUP.HUB supported founders from the Hamburg metropolitan region who use artificial intelligence to implement their business ideas. Now, the initiative, supported by six project partners, gave its farewell performance at the ASTOR cinema at HafenCity, where twelve startups presented themselves and pickz ai and Kratena shared the audience award.
Over 100 startups as a proof of success
AI.STARTUP.HUB, which was financially supported by the Federal Ministry of Economics, has run two programmes, each of which has supported startups in different phases. AI Ideation appealed to teams that had not yet been founded and had a promising idea. AI Accelerator addressed existing companies that wanted to grow. In seven rounds, a total of 123 startups qualified for the two programmes, 110 of which still exist today – a remarkable success rate. Together, they employ over 700 people and have raised around 52 million euros in financing rounds. Twenty-five of the projects supported can be classified as health & life sciences, 22 as business software, and the rest are spread across eight other industries.
AI for better glasses and fewer potholes
The wide range of possible applications for AI was also evident in the final graduation pitch. Two startups from the AI Ideation Programme which promised particularly great everyday benefits received the most approval from the audience. Kratena wants to use drones to inspect roads in order to detect cracks and potholes at an early stage and avoid major construction sites. pickz ai helps people find the best glasses for their individual needs. This startup is a good example of how support programmes can interlock; in January, pickz ai had already won a prize at the premiere of Future Founder. Future Founder is aimed at students interested in starting their own business and is now in its third round.
The end of AI.STARTUP.HUB does not mean the end of all activities related to artificial intelligence. AI.HAMBURG, one of the driving forces behind the support programmes, has launched its next initiative, AI.HUB, aimed primarily at small and medium-sized enterprises. A new programme for startups is also planned next year.
