Top Startup Innovations from World Summit AI 2024: Highlights & Key Trends

blank

WSAI event doubled in their number of exhibiting startups in 2024, moving the startup exhibition to its own building with a dedicated pitching stage. We’ll take you through the general themes found at the startup exhibitors floor, including our favorite find at the end.

blank
📸: Startup Accelerator room

AI & Dev Consulting Services and Platforms

With over thirty startups exhibiting this year, there was a large variety across industry and countries, with innovations around AI. The strongest trend was for startup dev and AI solution consulting, with companies like Vizz Web Solutions, Folio3, Gigalabs, SeQuenX and Aciano Technologies.

Veriom assists companies through AI powered auditing to check systems across a domain of data sources to secure project success. Of the strong players in this space, the startup that caught our attention the most was AI Collaborator. They work with a variety of AI startups across domains, and help their clients develop their AI-Agility.  

Observable, Ethical, Private, and Sustainable AI

The growing need for applied regulation and proper AI governance has brought opportunities to the market, with companies like Rhite and EthiAI proposing services to support your AI Act compliance checks. Kosmoy and Langwatch offer AI model observability platforms. PrivateAI delivered a brilliant presentation on their services to help companies anonymise personal information. Now in your collected data you can remain compliant with regulations on this topic.

With the conflict between sustainability and concerning energy use of large AI models, Alminify is a startup that proposes model compression using less computing power.

blank
📸: Playground City in Startup Pitching at the Amsterdam Pavilion

Creative Players At World Summit AI 2024

I was largely impressed by the variety of creative players this year. PitchAvatar helps users create their own, hyper-realistic virtual avatar that can present slide-deck content. Fehrmann MaterialsX presented their MatGPT, an AI-Driven platform for R&D in the materials science space. TwinAI offers a platform that empowers companies in their AI automation endeavors, with a quirky drag-and-drop flow-diagram style interface for setting up automation.

The service from ValidatorAI is the innovative way to capture emails from customers browsing your website. Silatus showed strong potential in its unique positioning as a genAI Research paper writer tool. 

Favorite Find at World Summit AI 2024

Our favorite find from the startup exhibition this year had to be the Lithuanian startup FitSpace. The enhanced 3D and AI-powered Virtual Fitting Room solution. It feels like dressing yourself in the Sims game!

With FitSpace, you can create a custom avatar based on your body dimensions. You can then select clothing pieces from your wardrobe to fit the avatar, change sizes of the pieces and move the avatar around to get an idea of the fit.

You display a heat map of the fit, showing you where the clothing is at its tightest, when you might need to size up or down. The FitSpace solution is a hot topic for the future of online retail and clothing stores in the metaverse. I had great fun talking to the founder at the stand, and look forward to following their startup journey!

blank
📸: FitSpace Virtual Fitting Room demo

Looking for more insights from World Summit AI 2024? Check out our post-event recap article here.

For more updates from the upcoming Tech events, subscribe to Sesamers newsletters and make sure to follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn, and X!

you might also like

Entrepreneurship Events FoodTech Innovation
blank

If you’re considering exhibiting at a future trade show, the insights shared by exhibitors at SIAL Paris 2024 can be incredibly valuable. They offer their advice based on their overall experiences as exhibitors and during their pitch sessions in front of a jury.  Here are some key takeaways to help you maximize your experience: Torg: Plan ahead Start your planning well in advance. Create a to-do list and a timeline based on insights from previous events to streamline your preparation. Avoid relying too heavily on external logistics, as managing these can be challenging if you’re not experienced. Ensure that everything is organized and in place to meet your needs. Pitching tips: Keep your pitch short and focused. If you have multiple products or topics, concentrate on one and explore it in-depth within 90 seconds. Use minimal text in your presentations. This helps maintain the audience’s attention on your message rather than distracting them with written content. Lebrin Cbd: Be spontaneous Balance preparation with spontaneity. While practicing your pitch is important, over-rehearsing can create unnecessary pressure and dissatisfaction. Allow yourself to connect more genuinely with your audience by going with the flow during your presentation. VgFryer: Stay proactive Engage actively with attendees and maintain communication with your contacts even after the event. Being persistent and keeping an optimistic outlook can help you foster lasting connections that extend beyond the trade show. Freshjt: Engage through experience Let your products speak for themselves by allowing visitors to sample them before explaining their features. This approach keeps attendees engaged and encourages interaction. Remember that trade shows are about sharing experiences and discovering market opportunities, not just selling products. Networking tips: Create a list of key exhibitors that match your target customer profile to visit during your free hours at the exhibition. While some exhibitors may not have their purchasing or business development managers present, their sales representatives can provide valuable contact information for future connections. Pitching tips: Bring your products to your pitch. If possible, allow attendees in the front rows to try them out to enhance engagement. Avoid technical jargon and focus on key values such as innovation and unique production technology. Most attendees may not fully grasp complex information in just 1-2 minutes. Credits : Biz Today If you’re planning to attend a Food trade show, don’t miss our latest article on maximizing your ROI at these industry gatherings !

Entrepreneurship + 3
Events
blank

For founders, investors, and innovators, Slush 2024 is certainly a standout event, bringing together the brightest minds in tech. With a series of fresh features aimed at building deeper connections and fostering meaningful conversations, Slush continues its mission of elevating the startup ecosystem. Aino Bergius, Slush’s CEO, highlights for Sesamers how the event significantly adapts every year to meet the evolving needs of founders and investors. This year, Slush 2024 generally focuses on a few key areas: enhanced investor access, mentoring, sustainability, and inclusivity. Here’s what you can look forward to in Helsinki on November 20-21, 2024. The Theme of Slush 2024: Metamorphosis This year, Slush has chosen “Metamorphosis” as its theme — eventually a fitting choice for an industry defined by constant change. In the spirit of transformation, Slush 2024 aims to explore how startups can adapt, evolve, and thrive in today’s fast-paced tech landscape. Aino Bergius shares that the theme reflects “the dynamic nature of tech and the journey every founder undergoes.” Doubling Down on Founder Focus Slush has always been about connecting founders and investors, and 2024 is no exception. “We’re committed to being the most founder-focused event in the world,” Bergius says. This commitment is evident in the Investor Office Hours, which have doubled in capacity. Startups can meet investors from leading firms like Index Ventures, 500 Global, and Playfair, making the event one of the year’s top networking hubs for founder-investor meetings. Mentoring opportunities have also expanded, allowing founders to connect with experienced speakers and industry experts. Bergius notes that these sessions are designed to “ensure conversations continue long after the stage talks end,” making Slush not just an event, but a springboard for lasting connections. A High-Level Investor Program For venture capitalists, Slush 2024 offers an exclusive lineup of limited partners (LPs), managing assets totaling over $6 trillion. Investor Day returns to its roots at the Cable Factory, creating a unique setting for high-level conversations among investors. Bergius says, “Investor Day is designed to facilitate the most relevant investor-to-investor discussions.” With LP Lounges, roundtables, and one-on-one mentoring, the day is structured to bring out the best insights and opportunities for attendees. Adapting to AI and Climate Trends At Slush 2024 The Slush stage program unquestionably keeps a pulse on the latest tech trends, with this year’s discussions diving into AI, machine learning, and climate tech. In 2023, investments in AI and climate tech took a significant share of the capital in European tech, with AI companies capturing 11% and climate tech 27%. Bergius mentions that the stage will host prominent figures, including Chris Malachowsky of NVIDIA and Thomas Wolf from Hugging Face, both bringing insights into the future of tech. “Slush is hyper-focused on fostering a radically positive culture around entrepreneurship,” she adds, underscoring the event’s mission to drive impactful innovation. Enhanced Matchmaking: The Key to Making the Right Connections Slush’s matchmaking platform has always been a crowd favorite, and 2024 introduces even more robust tools. Designed to connect founders and investors, the platform now offers a unified view of meeting requests, along with smart recommendations for potential connections. With over 25,000 one-on-one meetings expected, Slush undoubtedly has raised the bar for efficient, meaningful networking at scale. Sustainability at the Core of Slush 2024 In a strong push toward sustainability, Slush 2024 introduces multiple green initiatives. From a partnership with Supercritical to fully offset the event’s carbon footprint, to 35 staffed recycling stations, the event prioritizes minimizing its environmental impact. Bergius mentions, “We’re proud to fully offset flights and serve vegetarian and vegan food,” adding that Slush’s ultimate goal is to empower founders to create global change. These initiatives make Slush not only a tech event but also a forward-thinking model for sustainable event practices. Slush’s Diversity and Inclusion Commitment Aino Bergius brings Slush’s dedication to diversity and inclusion, especially noting the impact of over 1,500 volunteers who help create an inclusive environment. Slush’s Code of Conduct and on-site professionals surely provide a safe and respectful atmosphere for everyone attending. “We’re committed to continually making Slush and the startup ecosystem a better, more inclusive, and safer place to work and build companies,” she says. 300 Side Events At Slush 2024: There’s Something for Everyone With over 300 side events, Slush 2024 indeed provides ample opportunities for attendees to network, celebrate, and engage with other founders and industry leaders. From parties to industry discussions, there’s a variety of activities tailored to different interests, ensuring that each guest finds a niche where they can connect and grow. Final Advice for First-Timers For those new to Slush, Bergius recommends defining your primary goals and planning accordingly. “Your Slush experience starts well before you touch down in Helsinki,” she advises. Setting up a packed yet intentional schedule is key, as the event is an immersive journey that certainly includes everything from professional growth to cultural experiences. So get ready, Helsinki is calling, and Slush 2024 promises to deliver a transformative experience for founders and investors alike. Want to stay ahead in the event industry? Follow Sesamers on LinkedIn and Instagram, and subscribe to our newsletters for the latest insights, tips, and event news.

Events
Events FoodTech
blank

Heading to MIF(Made in France) Expo next week, November 10-13th, Paris Porte de Versailles – and looking to dive straight into the trends defining the future of food & beverages? Streamline your visit with this curated list of must-see startups:  Food Plant-based alternatives Functional foods Spicy products Anti-waste Socially-engaged foods Low-glycemic index options Better-for-you spreads Drinks Pre- and probiotic drinks Botanical drinks Solid drinks Responsible wine If you’re interested in a more tailored startup itinerary focused on specific topics or sub-trends with additional startup recommendations, feel free to reach out! I’m actively sourcing startups and can quickly create a custom plan for you. Just contact me at sandra@sesamers.com. 

Events + 1

Subscribe to
our Newsletter!

Stay at the forefront with our curated guide to the best upcoming Tech events.