Oslo Innovation Week
A few impressions from Oslo Innovation Week and the DNB NXT Pitch Contest Final.
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Oslo Innovation Week
Last week, I shared my experience exploring Norway's innovation and startup ecosystem. One of the highlights of my trip was attending selected events at Oslo Innovation Week. Similar to Vienna Up, Oslo Innovation Week is a decentrally organised week on innovation and startups. Over 200+ organisations host more than 80 events. This year was the twentieth edition.
I attend a lot of innovation and start-up conferences. The startup pitches are always a highlight for me. I find it super exciting to see what problems teams are working on and how things are going for them. The bank DNB organised a pitch event and I attended the final. I would like to share the four finalists with you. If you are interested, check out their websites for more information.
The winner of the pitch contest was Rab Diagnostics. They are developing a predictive tool for cancer treatment, specifically focusing on improving patient selection for Antibody Drug Conjugates (ADCs). Their platform uses biomarkers, such as the protein Rab5, to help determine which patients are most likely to respond to ADCs, enhancing treatment effectiveness and reducing side effects. This technology aims to optimize cancer therapy by identifying the right treatments for the right patients.
Evaluating life sciences pitches is always super difficult for me (because I literally have no idea on the subject). And often for the jury too. That's why I actually thought that SportAI would win the pitch contest, which also has its finger on the pulse of the times with an AI solution. SportAI uses artificial intelligence to deliver advanced sports technique analysis by combining computer vision, biometric analysis, and machine learning. Their platform provides instant, precise feedback to improve athletes' performance, analyzing movements such as a golf swing or tennis serve and comparing them with professional-level data. I also was happy to see HEAD, a company from my region, on the slide with potential partners 🔥 👀
Also in the final was the startup Bú Composite. Bú Composite produces sustainable building materials, focusing on composite products made from recycled materials. Their offerings include lightweight roof tiles, modular landscape products, and home improvement items like decking and fences, all designed to be both durable and eco-friendly. They aim to push the boundaries of recycled materials in construction, emphasizing sustainability and innovation. For more details, check out their website.
Last but not least: Qubit Energy. The startup is transforming traditional energy systems by creating a decentralized network of virtual power plants, they call it the “Internet of Energy.” Their platform allows users to manage, optimize, and predict energy consumption in real-time, enhancing efficiency and lowering costs. Through intelligent demand-response models and integration with renewable sources, Qubit Energy helps reduce carbon footprints while offering financial benefits by selling excess energy back to the grid.
Well, those were the four finalists of the DNB Pitch Contest. Hope you enjoyed reading this week’s article. In the next article, I will write about Japan and its startup and innovation ecosystem. If you have any insights on this, please let me know and drop me a line on Linkedin.
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Disclaimer: The thoughts published in this publication are my personal opinion and should not be considered as investment advice or a recommendation for any type of action. I am not a financial expert. The startups, organizations or corporates highlighted in this publication have caught my interest. This mention is not an endorsement or recommendation to engage with them. Readers should always do their own research.