The sixth edition of the Boldbrain Startup Challenge crowned Foldcast as the undisputed winner, also obtaining the public award in the gala evening at the Palazzo dei Congressi in Lugano. Organized by the Agire Foundation with the support of the USI Startup Centre, the Department of Finance and Economy (DFE) and BancaStato, the acceleration program saw the participation of 10 finalist projects, judged by a national jury chaired by Thomas Billeter.
The awards ceremony attracted 500 participants, including illustrious personalities and representatives of the political class, while another 70 followed the event in live streaming on YouTube through the Agire Foundation channel.
Foldcast, creator of an innovative software for the design of paper formwork, won the first prize worth 40 francs, a scholarship from the University of Italian Switzerland and further prizes in legal consultancy and services. The audience also awarded Foldcast the audience award, further recognition of the value and originality of the project.
The runner-up, Cognitive Inspect, developed software based on Artificial Intelligence for monitoring industrial equipment, improving the efficiency and safety of production plants. Securified, in third place, proposed a secure system for analyzing data in clouds, ensuring independence from specific security mechanisms.
The awards evening also saw recognition for SkinMind, an app for self-diagnosis of skin lesions, and for WiSort, inventor of an artificial intelligence-based smart recycling bin.
Christian Vitta, State Councilor, he underlined the importance of Boldbrain as an essential part of the Canton's startup support strategy, contributing to the future of the Ticino economy.
Foldcast and the other winners will now have the opportunity to access further development programs such as the Swiss Economic Award and MassChallenge Switzerland. The Agire Foundation also offers special prizes, such as desk stations at Tecnopolo Ticino and support from sponsors such as Hemargroup.
Boldbrain Startup Challenge confirms its central role in promoting innovation and shaping the future of entrepreneurship in the Canton, offering a crucial platform for innovative ideas. For more information and updates, you can visit the official Boldbrain Startup Challenge website at www.boldbrain.ch.
