Startups

With 70-90% of their scope 3 emissions in the fields, food chain companies increasingly need visibility over agricultural production to meet their sustainability objectives. On top of that imperative, the increasing volatility in agricultural production, mainly due to climate change, supply chain disruptions, and geopolitical tensions, is a major pain point for the entire food chain.  By providing continuous data on field health, crop rotations, and yield estimates, Hyperplan provides food chain players with the real-time information they need to make data-driven decisions that allow them to meet sustainability objectives, mitigate risks, and, ultimately, improve agricultural outcomes. Founded in 2021, Hyperplan has since grown to a team of 22 employees. The company offers a unique value proposition: “We don’t just provide data at the end of the season,” says the team. “Our real-time monitoring covers everything from field boundaries to crop production practices, giving you the insights you need to make informed decisions throughout the growing cycle.” Real-time monitoring goes beyond season-end data Hyperplan provides continuous insights into field boundaries, crop rotations, yield estimates, vegetation status, and production practices (e.g., tillage, cover cropping, crop rotations). This granular plot-level data empowers all stakeholders to make targeted interventions, optimize resource allocation, and implement sustainable practices such as cover crops, all with the help of Hyperplan. “It’s more than software,” the team says. “We help you revamp your processes to gain a competitive edge.” Beyond Food Brands While initially targeting coops and input companies, Hyperplan had its first successful deployment with a global food brand in 2024. The startup has now this experience, use case, and service for food brands, and is ready to roll out at scale. The company is also looking to extend its technology for crop classification and yield estimates beyond Europe. Strong Backing and Future Expansion Having raised €4.1 million in seed funding last year, Hyperplan is backed by Demeter via its Agrinnovation fund, as well as BNP Paribas Développement, Polytechnique Ventures, PeakBridge, Techmind and Unilis Agtech, a joint venture between Arvalis and Unigrains. Hyperplan’s supporters also include Aerospace Valley, ESA BIC Sud France, France 2030, La Ferme Digitale, La Vega Innova, and Microsoft’s Environmental Startup Accelerator. The latter also allowed Hyperplan to present its solution at Microsoft’s VivaTech booth earlier this year. Buoyed by the support of recognized investors who validate the relevance and potential impact of their solution in agriculture, Hyperplan will leverage its participation in SIAL Startup Village this year to secure new commercial contacts. Showcase Your Brand at SIAL Paris 2024: Fill Out Our Exhibitor Form Today!

Recorded during VivaTech 2024, Sens.ai CEO Paola Telfer discusses how AI and neurofeedback technology are revolutionizing mental wellness. Learn about the inspiration behind Sens.ai, its innovative features, and the future of mental health solutions.

Sports nutrition has expanded beyond the athletic niche, conquering new customers looking for a wide range of benefits with one key goal in mind: Healthier living.

BiteMe, a Croatian startup, is reshaping the snack industry with its healthy, delicious vegan snacks. Rejecting unhealthy industry practices, their products offer a fun, nutritious alternative for health-conscious snackers, gaining traction with consumers and B2B buyers across Europe.

VG Fryer, a Croatian company, produces nutritious, additive-free dried vegetables with a unique low-temperature drying method. These long-lasting products, along with their ready-made rice and vegetable mixes, cater to health-conscious consumers seeking convenience and a taste of Croatia's culinary heritage.

Anchor Bar Europe is bringing American-style Buffalo wings and sauces to Europe. With exclusive EU production rights, they aim to distribute their products across the continent, targeting food enthusiasts and prioritizing passion over size.

The name “Active Label” was thoughtfully selected to emphasize its proactive, real-time temperature monitoring technology for temperature-sensitive products. “We wanted the name to capture the dynamic and continuous functionality of our labels,” said CEO Carlo Ricci. “Active” highlights continuous temperature tracking, while “Label” refers to the smart, non-electronic tags seamlessly integrated into packaging. Together, they ensure product safety and freshness throughout the supply chain, addressing concerns in industries like food and pharmaceuticals. Tackling Global Cold Chain Challenges Cold chain management inefficiencies result in the loss of about one-third of food produced for consumption, contributing to both economic losses and environmental impact. “Our innovative solution addresses these challenges by providing real-time temperature and time monitoring,” Carlo stated. Active Label’s patented technology ensures that products are stored and transported under optimal conditions, reducing waste, improving safety, and ensuring regulatory compliance. This applies to both the food and pharmaceutical industries, where temperature-sensitive medications also face storage issues. Research-Driven Innovation Active Label’s founding team consists of researchers from the University of Cagliari, united by their expertise in materials science and optical technology. “Our academic collaboration naturally led to the development of our smart label,” Carlo shared. With a strong partnership with the university, the team combines research with real-world applications to push the boundaries of temperature monitoring technology. This collaboration ensures the retention of intellectual property while leveraging valuable academic resources. Targeting Critical Industries Active Label’s smart temperature monitoring system targets industries where temperature control is essential. “Our primary audience includes food producers, pharmaceutical companies, logistics providers, and large retailers,” Carlo noted. The system ensures real-time, accurate data for temperature-sensitive products like dairy, seafood, medications, and vaccines. Additionally, insurance companies benefit from reliable data, which helps assess risks during storage and transportation, ultimately reducing costs and enhancing product integrity. Differentiating in a Competitive Market Around the Cold Supply Chain Active Label stands out in a market dominated by electronic temperature monitoring systems. “Our competitors, often use expensive electronic devices that offer limited data,” Carlo explained. Active Label’s patented system provides a cost-effective, non-electronic solution that monitors time and temperature, offering detailed product insights. It’s eco-friendly, scalable, and easily integrated into existing packaging for mass production. Poised for Expansion Since its 2023 launch, Active Label has rapidly grown through key partnerships and investments. Backed by Eureka! Venture SGR Spa and collaborate with industry leaders like Rovagnati and Smeralda, the company is conducting real-world testing of its technology. “These partnerships are crucial for commercial validation,” noted Carlo. Aiming for industrial validation by 2024 and commercial agreements, Active Label joined SIAL Startup Village to boost visibility, attract investors, and network with industry leaders. Focused on innovation and sustainability, they aim to revolutionize cold chain management for temperature-sensitive products.

The use of GenAI tools like OpenAI’s ChatGPT is unleashing a revolution in content creation. Most importantly, ChatGPT's adoption rate is already surpassing that of earlier platforms such as mobile phones and the Internet. With particularly high use among GenZ, most of whom are still in school, this has triggered a debate on how to strike the right balance of using GenAI in education.

Explore how EDAMAX is transforming the European diet with locally grown edamame, offering a sustainable and healthful plant-based protein alternative. Learn about their commitment to promoting healthier lifestyles and reducing environmental impact.

This week we're thrilled to share Ben's interview with Dr. Olivia Lesslar, exploring the interesting intersection of technology and medicine. Dr. Lesslar shares her thoughts on psychoneuroimmunology, neuroplasticity, and how AI is revolutionizing patient care in this enlightening episode.

Join us to discover how the BIND program, based in the Basque Country, is revolutionizing open innovation by connecting dynamic startup teams with established Venture Clients through real, paid projects.

Experience the fusion of molecular mixology and traditional dessert with Las Jellys' innovative solid cocktails. This Spanish startup brings the haute cuisine technique of spherification to your home, offering a fun, new way to enjoy your favorite drinks. Click to discover how Las Jellys is shaking up the cocktail scene.