Three tracks, one innovation journey. Following a selection and pitching process in autumn 2024, 20 startups were chosen from amongst 420 applications submitted by companies in nearly 70 countries. The 15th edition of Luxinnovation’s Fit4Start acceleration programme supported projects across three categories: digital, healthtech and space. Startups received six months of coaching and a grant of €50,000 from the economy ministry (subject to incorporation in the grand duchy).

At the Nexus conference on 17 June, the successful graduation of 15 startups was announced. They are:

Digital: Algora (financial market intelligence platform); Datasecure Anti-Ransomware by Cortex Security (cybersecurity solution); Elora Call (platform for businesses to create their own GenAI helpdesk); Essembl (AI fashion advisor); Kyomei (AI assistant for psychotherapists); Letztrail (connecting people for outdoor experiences); Partao (marketplace for spare parts for tractors and other construction equipment); and Social Cooling (plug-and-play air conditioners).

Healthtech: Glacies Biome (transforming skincare by combining microbiome analysis, AI and computer vision); Global Particle Therapy (offering cancer patients access to affordable, advanced proton therapy); Helical (open-core AI platform to accelerate the drug discovery process); Trialcraft (AI-based medical writing tool); and Zenzen (personalised support, meal planning, data tracking and emotional assistance for pregnant women with diabetes).

Space: Aeon (real-time positioning accuracy); and Exobiosphere (space-based platform designed to accelerate drug discovery).

Nearly 200 startups supported since launch

“Since 2015, Fit4Start has established itself as a cornerstone of Luxembourg’s innovation ecosystem and a benchmark programme internationally,” said Mickael Borger, advisor, startup relations at Luxinnovation. “It offers real added value to entrepreneurs by providing a demanding and structured framework, based on clear performance and impact criteria, targeted coaching by leading experts and a powerful springboard for growth--including increased visibility, strategic networking and privileged access to investors and industry partners.” The acceleration programme has supported nearly 200 startups from 35 countries since its launch.

“Fit4Start plays a pivotal role at the core of Luxembourg’s national innovation ecosystem,” commented (DP), minister for the economy, SMEs, energy and tourism. “It helps attract cutting-edge companies from around the world while acting as a genuine springboard for young tech ventures--fully aligned with our ambition to enhance Luxembourg’s appeal.”

Applications are now officially open for the 16th edition of Fit4Start and will remain open until 11 August 2025. Twenty startups will be selected across the categories of digital, healthtech and space ventures.

Fedil hands out inaugural Luxembourg AI Excellence Awards

The evening of Tuesday 17 June also saw the inaugural Luxembourg AI Excellence Awards ceremony, initiated by the Fedil business federation in partnership with Luxinnovation and with the support of the Chamber of Commerce. “AI is all over the place,” said  (CSV), minister delegate to the prime minister for media and connectivity. “AI is really disruptive, and we witness it in our everyday lives.” Though it will not happen all at once, it is transforming all sectors. “This is why these awards and winners today are so important,” she added. “We really want to make sure that society as a whole can benefit from this new technology. We will therefore also be engaging a few flagship projects.”

Fifty-five projects from across the private sector, including startups and more established businesses, were submitted, Margue noted. A jury composed of AI experts from academia, industry and the public sector assessed the applications based on their distinctiveness, impact, feasibility and ethics.

Here are the winners.

—Fischer took home the award in the “AI Adoption” category thanks to its AI-enhanced order management project. The network of bakeries developed--in partnership with Resultance--an AI-based order recommendation system that predicts daily demand and recommends optimal order quantities.

—Cebi International & Datathings received an award “AI for Industry Excellence” category. The “Predictive” project is an AI-powered operational digital twin that integrates real-time data to help teams anticipate issues, boost efficiency, reduce setup times and improve product quality.

—The “AI for Sustainable Business” award was given to Luxscan Technologies for its project on AI vision systems for primary transformation in the wood industry. Combining tradition scanning hardware with deep learning models, the project quickly and precisely detects, segments and classifies wood features.

—Data Design Engineering received an award in the “AI Innovation Excellence" category for its project in intelligence on edge device offline AI technology. Using large multi-model AI systems, this projects supports real-time decision-making, planning and human interaction without cloud reliance.

—And finally, the jury’s coup de cœur award was given to LetzAI for its Neon Internet project.

The evening concluded with an announcement on the “Remi” project from Luxembourg’s AI Factory leader  and Alain Herrmann from the National Commission for Data Protection (CNPD). “Remi,” which stands for “regulation meets innovation,” is about building bridges, not barriers, they explained. Smart innovation needs smart regulation, and with Remi, they’ve created a space where both sides can learn from each other. It provides a community where innovators can get expert guidance as well as an AI regulatory sandbox where companies can have a safe space to test AI applications. The future of the AI Luxembourg ecosystem will depend on the development of responsible and trustworthy AI systems, they said, and a call for expression is to be launched in the coming days.