The 2025 edition of Boldbrain Startup Challenge, the program for Start ups in Ticino organized by the Agire Foundation in collaboration with the USI Startup Centre and with the support of the Department of Finance and Economy (DFE) and BancaStato, has led to the Palazzo dei Congressi in Lugano unprecedented numbers. This participation was not only due to the audience—over 600 people in attendance and another 300 connected via streaming through Fondazione Agire's digital channels—but also to the volume of applications: more than 860 registered, so much so that a waiting list was established.
This data reflects, once again, the growing interest in startups in Ticino and Boldbrain's now central role in supporting early-stage entrepreneurial ideas.
The selection and the prizes
The national jury, led by Thomas Billeter (SICTIC), evaluated the ten finalists and awarded prizes totaling 174,000 francs, in addition to services and strategic consulting provided by the program's various partners. The audience also voted for a dedicated prize worth 10,000 francs.
The CC Cardio project took first place with a prize of 40,000 francs, along with a 56,000 franc scholarship for the USI Executive Master in Business Administration. MethyIX followed, winning second place with 30,000 francs and the audience award. OOVIE Studios took third place with a prize of 20,000 francs, while Tellus GreenTech and Windtrax each received 10,000 francs for fourth and fifth place, respectively.
Special awards also included the opportunity for some teams to settle in the Tecnopolo Ticino co-working space for a year, awarded to POWSH, SwissVeritas, and Tellus GreenTech. The HemarGroup award went to Vocalhum. Completing the package, the Corriere del Ticino Group's new Press Start Award was presented to Gota Energy, already a finalist in the 2024 edition.
A consolidating ecosystem
In his speech, Christian Vitta, Director of the Department of Economic and Financial Affairs, emphasized how the results and participation confirm "the dynamism of startups—and innovation in general—in Ticino," emphasizing the importance of the measures that over the years have helped build a favorable environment for technological and creative entrepreneurship. This dynamism not only fosters the growth of local initiatives, but also increases the Canton's attractiveness as a destination for new companies and talent.
Stefano Colombo, the new President of the Agire Foundation, expressed a similar opinion, emphasizing the quality of the submitted projects and the purpose of the Boldbrain program: providing tools and a network to transform promising ideas into sustainable and competitive business models.
The awarded projects
CC Cardio – first prize
UniFlow is a minimally invasive cardiac pump designed for patients with only one functioning ventricle. The device follows the heart's rhythm through adaptive algorithms, aiming to continuously and naturally improve circulation, reducing complications and avoiding the need for more invasive temporary solutions.
MethyIX – second prize and audience award
The startup develops cancer therapies based on mini-antibodies capable of targeting transcription factors previously considered untreatable. This approach exploits a vulnerability in their methylation and already has a patented candidate, MX-1, under its belt with encouraging preclinical results.
OOVIE Studios – Third Prize
It offers immersive animations in which cinema, music, and artificial intelligence meet to react in real time to the artists' performances or audience interactions. A format defined as "unprecedented" even internationally.
Tellus GreenTech – fourth prize and desk at the Tecnopolo
The company builds an early detection system for agricultural crops by analyzing greenhouse drainage water. Automated screening allows for early identification of stresses and pathogens, improving yields and reducing pesticide use.
Windtracx – fifth prize
The startup is working on wind propulsion for ships based on a rigid sail controlled by a drone. This automated and patented system could significantly reduce fuel consumption for commercial fleets.
POWSH – desk at the Tecnopolo
It's a digital assistant for pet owners, developed with an empathetic AI engine in collaboration with IDSIA. It offers practical support and educational content integrated into an active community.
SwissVeritas – desk at the Tecnopolo
A quality control platform for lifestyle and luxury brands, based on a combination of AI, plug-and-play systems, and blockchain authentication.
Vocalhum – HemarGroup award
Technology that allows those who have lost their voice to communicate by transforming their breathing into words, thanks to a real-time algorithm capable of restoring a natural voice based on the user's vocal identity.
A program for startups in Ticino that grows year after year.
Created to support twenty innovative projects at the beginning of their entrepreneurial journey, the Boldbrain Startup Challenge offers three months of intensive training between August and December, culminating in a final ceremony. The total value of the prizes exceeds CHF 200,000 in cash and services, thanks to the collaboration of sponsors and partners such as BancaStato, USI EMBA, and other local organizations.
Further information remains available through official contacts:
✉️ info@boldbrain.ch
🌐 www.boldbrain.ch
