Cohort 2021/22

Problem

Osaka Gas Chemicals developed FLCF, a highly recyclable plant-based cellulose material. The team had to find suitable applications and ways to turn the material into a product.

What they built

After needfinding and benchmarking, the team chose micro-mobility: a lightweight, recyclable, easy-to-ride vehicle produced with FLCF filament and 3D printing, aimed first at the Japanese market.

Impact

Safer, more enjoyable travel for users with a smaller footprint. For OGC, a viable path to commercialising FLCF.

Problem

IIT's artificial leaf mimics photosynthesis but is not ready for industrial scale. Companies hesitate to invest at this early stage, yet IIT needs them to develop it further.

What they built

CO/LAB runs an interactive simulation of implementing the artificial leaf in a company's processes and produces a detailed report for its financial team. The simulation can be revised per company.

Impact

A common language between IIT and companies. IIT collects reliable data; companies see whether the technology pays off.

Problem

Rural general practitioners are retiring faster than newcomers arrive. Seniors distrust remote consultation, the only alternative they are offered.

What they built

At a DAMU practice, medical staff greet patients, take measurements and handle the technical set-up. The doctor joins remotely in a teleconsultation room equipped with four examination tools.

Impact

Patients get a human, trustful visit. Medicas reaches more rural patients while its doctors work flexibly from different locations.

Problem

Harvia asked for a new sauna concept for future wellness. The team found sauna heat can heal muscles, while gyms focus on training devices rather than warm-up equipment.

What they built

Harvia Flow takes infrared heaters from the sauna into the gym: direct heat combined with light stretching accelerates warm-up and reduces injuries.

Impact

A way for Harvia into the global gym market, with similar implementation in Finland, Japan and beyond.

Problem

In hybrid work it is hard to know where colleagues are and when to reach them. People wait for answers and lose focus to constant notifications.

What they built

Knock visualises colleagues' status and location from calendar and network data, with privacy settings for how much is shared. If someone is available, a Knock video call starts in three clicks.

Impact

Focused, respectful work and faster interactions. The company gains productivity from less waiting and fewer distractions.

Problem

How might CRIF improve its offering for micro-enterprises, with banks as the channel? Italian firms are mostly micro-enterprises with under 20 employees.

What they built

MicroBooster is offered by banks and powered by CRIF's predictive analysis. It combines bank data and entrepreneurs' own input to identify opportunities and offers solutions to act on them.

Impact

Banks deepen relationships with micro-entrepreneurs; entrepreneurs act on proactive, integrated and immediate insights.

Problem

Gen Z wants to learn about investing but finds banks outdated. Creators need money now and cannot wait for ad revenue to add up.

What they built

Through an auction, creators set a price for a video and keep ownership. The winning investor receives part of the ad revenue over time while the creator is paid upfront.

Impact

Fans support creators and earn a return; creators get money upfront. The bank reaches young investors and the creator economy.

Problem

How might future urban mobility balance sustainability and convenience? 1.5 billion people still choose private cars for privacy, comfort and reliability.

What they built

The SPOD is a hybrid: the comfort and convenience of a car with the eco-friendliness and efficiency of a public transport system.

Impact

Zero exhaust emissions and 90% less CO2 than a private diesel car. Six SPODs fit in the space of one car, easing congestion.