Folks, I was a partner in Women Who Tech Startup Challenge Women since they launched this great initiative 18 months ago and + . They were really serious and efficient, helping to present and fund the best female-led startups.
This time, I co-sponsor with investors Fred and Joanne Wilson to award $ 50,000 in cash to the winner of the 4th Women's Startup Challenge focused on virtual reality (VR) and the Artificial intelligence (AI). The international law firm Paul Hastings, LLP also offers $ 35,000 in volunteer legal services.
to create a more level playing field.
"We received nearly 200 applications from startups led by women who are at the forefront of virtual reality and AI: building virtual members, self-driving non-automotive vehicles, immersive 3D cameras , drone and wearable technologies It is vitally important that women and their businesses are properly supported so that their perspective on these life-changing products is put on the market, "said Allyson Kapin, Founder of Women Who Tech
A panel of investors and technical experts judged the startups who applied and had the difficult task of selecting 10 startups to present their ideas on stage at Google in New York on February 15th. You can confirm your presence here.
The 10 finalists who will launch at Google in New York:
Addicaid (Brooklyn, NY): Addicaid is a digital platform for people with substance disorders and process disorders, as well as for their friends and family members.
Breinify (Cupertino, Calif.): A first predictive and intuitive AI engine to discover unique behavioral intuitions. Their engine combines traditional machine learning with AI to make intelligent decisions for each individual.
Didimo (Clayton, CA): Didimo creates virtual characters in 3D from a single photo. The platform is compatible with all 3D environments and their technology can be used in all areas, from games to social networks to AR & VR.
Droice Labs (New York, NY): Droice Labs uses machine learning to help hospitals better treat patients.
Hauoli LLC (Austin, Texas): This startup is developing a patent-pending, high-precision acoustic motion tracking that will enable VR / AR users interact with objects in a virtual world.
Hitlist (Paris, NY): Hitlist is a smart assistant that uses machine learning and expert recommendations to help you save 50% or more on travel expenses.
Intelligent Space (Moffett Field, CA): Intelligent Space develops intelligent applications using autonomous robotics to make satellites safer and more efficient, starting with a system of towing in a cemetery area.
Opaque Studios (Los Angeles, CA): This startup builds virtual reality-based tools for Hollywood, allowing studios to use technology for long feature films, television shows, games and more.
Spirit AI (New York City, NY): Spirit AI develops tools to create more expressive characters and tell deeper stories so players can communicate more naturally with the other characters and feel better understood. They hope this technology will help combat online harassment in multiplayer games.
Venti Technologies (Weston, MA): This start-up builds non-automotive vehicles such as wheelchairs, golf carts, tractors and more to allow seniors and people with reduced mobility able to move freely.
On February 15, you can join me and Women Who Tech for the fourth edition of the Women Startup Challenge. The judges are an investor panel consisting of Lisa Stone, Entrepreneur and Co-Founder of BlogHer, Kate Shillo, Director at Galvanize Ventures, and Kai Bond, Principal at Comcast Ventures.
On February 16, the 10 finalists will once again present themselves at Samsung's accelerator, which will be a great opportunity for startups to network with Samsung's advisors.
If you want to attend the Pitch Competition and watch those women who change their game at Google, you should RSVP quickly . It's free, and tickets are first come, first served. Note: The last 3 Startup Challenges have ended quickly, and we expect him to do the same.
Congratulations to the 10 finalists. And to stay up-to-date and chat online, use the #WomenStartupChallenge hashtag.
Thank you!
Photo credits: Nan Palmero