Seven early stage startups just came out of the summer edition of Launchlab, YES!Delft’s three month-pressure cooker program. Winner according to the public and jury: Gyre – an alternative to a plastic bag, sized a credit card.
Most notable project, however still far from reality, was that of Delft Hyperloop, challenger in Elon Musk’s SpaceX Hyperloop Pod Competition.
launchlab
Launchlab is a short program for business professionals, engineers and scientist who want to test the commercial feasibility of a tech startup idea. Designed as pre-incubation program, the best ideas may eventually end up in the incubator itself. (but selection is needed for this).
The program is based on business development models of known startup guru’s like Steve Blank (Lean Launchpad) and Alexander Osterwalder (Business Model Canvas). Aspiring startups test their startup assumptions by talking to experts and potential customers in order to find a market-fit for their service or product.
After three months or assuming, validated businesses must be showcased during Launchday, which takes place three times a year. Overall, great pitches, though some still need to get more focus on business models and client wishes.
Elon’s Hyperloop
Delft Hyperloop is building a pod (travel capsule) prototype to allow for high speed transportation of passengers and goods in tubes in the future. (Next competition round, January 2017).
Co-founder Lucas Verkerk aims to build a vehicle with a pressurised inner cabin for transportation in low-pressure, airtight tubes. But really it is to travel at the speed of sound, using a fraction of the energy consumed by current systems. In 30 minutes from Amsterdam to Paris! Never. Been. Done. Before.
Credit card bag
Gyre, founded by former actor Joost de Muinck Keizer, wants to create an alternative to plastic bags. One that stores in a single motion and is so tiny (like a credit card!) that you can always carry it with you. A sustainable, Dutch-design and zero volume product must make this the next must-have.
For the love of gaming
Focussing on the gaming industry, Near aims to connect people to play games together with a mobile application. Promising to be more than just a Tinder for gamers, founder Khaled Ibrahimi wants to empower end-users.
Smart researchers
Eduoco (a somewhat difficult abbreviation of Education, Online, Collaboration) develops an online platform for research groups of universities. Peers may share the latest technology in their field. Founder Mohi Ahmadinia wants to enable large groups of experts to join forces and create online course material.
Work, work, work
OfficeLynq has created software that visualizes available work spaces and office locations to help employees find a place to work. The company also generates management data in order for employers to save costs and provide better service.
Press record
Flessage is an online recorder that must allow for real-time communication between business professionals – without being bothered by time zone differences or distances. A small drawing board records speech, drawings, texts and pictures while streaming those live to others. An alternative to chat and e-mail, says this company.
Customized surgery tools
Did you know surgical tools only come in one size? Blocking some of the precision surgeons need to operate on humans. Manometric wants to change this by a low-cost 3D scan of the hand of the surgeon that allows for the creation of customized operating tools.
Image credit: LaunchDay pitch of Joost de Muinck Keizer (Gyre), YES!Delft, photo by Marco de Swart