MassChallenge vs Venture Kick

MassChallenge News: SMU Cox Launches New FinTech Coalition in Partnership with MassChallenge

The news page now lists recent announcements including the SMU Cox FinTech Coalition partnership, Cait Brumme named one of MassLive's 25 Most Influential Innovators, partnership with S-GE, ranking as #2 U.S. accelerator by TIME/Statista, launch of Breakthrough Bio, and other program updates.

MassChallenge Partners with S-GE

MassChallenge announces a partnership with Switzerland Global Enterprise (S-GE) to support Swiss startups expanding globally.

Venture Kick invests CHF 150K in Apolarion's plasma seed treatment

Swiss cleantech startup Apolarion, a spin-off from EPFL, has received CHF 150,000 (€164,000) from Venture Kick to advance its chemical-free seed treatment technology. The company, founded by Jesus Poley and Luke Simons, is developing a modular device that uses cold atmospheric plasma to eliminate harmful microorganisms from seeds without chemical treatments. This method uses only air and electricity to generate reactive particles that neutralize pathogens while preserving seed germination. The funding will support first field trials and initial customer deployments, covering operational facilities, equipment, and personnel. Apolarion initially targets Swiss and European markets, offering sustainable alternatives to conventional chemical and heat-based treatments for seed treatment companies.

• Apolarion received CHF 150,000 (€164,000) from Venture Kick.
• Apolarion is a spin-off from EPFL.
• The funding will support field trials and initial customer deployments.

Prismus Raises €163K From Venture Kick for AI Platform Lupa

Swiss deeptech startup Prismus has secured CHF 150,000 (€163,000) from Venture Kick to advance Lupa, its AI-powered platform that connects scientific research with industrial opportunities. Lupa transforms complex information from research, patents, and market activity into actionable insights, helping companies make strategic decisions about emerging markets, partnerships, research directions, and commercial opportunities. With AI agents analyzing connected sources, Lupa identifies and ranks relevant markets, companies, researchers, and potential partners based on technological fit. The startup has already acquired its first thirty paying customers. The funding will support scaling in deep tech markets and onboarding individual users. The team includes CEO Elisabeth Blyumin, CTO Timen van Gelderen, Chief AI Officer Gonçalo Hora de Carvalho, and Chief Revenue Officer Peter Kempin.

• Prismus raised €163,000 (CHF 150,000) from Venture Kick
• Funding will advance Lupa, an AI-powered scientific research platform
• Prismus has secured its first thirty paying customers

Venture Kick invests CHF 150K in CHD for pregnancy monitoring

Swiss medtech startup CHD (Connected Health Development) has received approximately €160,000 (CHF 150,000) from Venture Kick to develop its digital solutions for remote maternal and fetal monitoring. The funding will support the development, testing, and validation of CHD's MONI2 solution, a smart textile belt that collects maternal and fetal ECG data, uterine contractions, fetal movements, and fetal position. CHD aims to improve access to maternal healthcare, enable earlier detection of complications, and reduce hospital visits for high-risk pregnancies. The company plans to launch consumer and medical versions of MONI2, targeting sales of over 30,000 kits and subscriptions within four years. CEO Laurent Vandebrouck stated that the Venture Kick support is part of CHD's initial seed fundraising, with other investors and a foundation committing or considering funding, aiming to close the round by October.

• CHD receives CHF 150,000 (approx. €160,000) from Venture Kick.
• CHD develops MONI2, a smart textile belt for remote maternal and fetal monitoring.
• MONI2 collects maternal and fetal ECG, uterine contractions, fetal movements, and position.