Recipients of the start-up innovation grant programme are unveiled - nation provides comprehensive assistance to startup ventures
In a recent announcement, Economy Minister Daniela Schmitt revealed the winners of the "startup innovativ 2024" grant program in Rhineland-Palatinate. This competition, a key pillar of the region's startup policy, is now in its sixth round.
Three young companies from Kaiserslautern, Koblenz, and Weisenheim am Sand emerged as the winners, each receiving funding between 50,000 and 80,000 euros.
One of the winners, Inline Process Solution (IPS) GmbH from Kaiserslautern, develops the ARIMOS deeptech sensor technology. This innovative solution combines optical measurement with AI-based real-time image analysis, providing customers with a deep understanding of particle flow in their production. Beyond monitoring, ARIMOS can be used for process control and prediction, making chemical and pharmaceutical processes more affordable and sustainable. As a result, customers benefit from significantly shorter development times, reduced production costs, increased resource efficiency, and fewer emissions.
Another winner, Zebrafant.ai GmbH, based in Weisenheim/Sand, offers a hardware-free solution for optimizing waste collection. By capturing, predicting fill levels, and calculating optimal route plans for waste collection, Zebrafant.ai's solution makes the process more efficient and cost-effective, reducing trips and CO2 emissions by 20-40%.
The Rhineland-Palatinate startup policy offers a broad range of financing options, including simple loans and venture capital, to support these innovative startups. The Economy Ministry believes that these offers, funding programs, and competitions provide valuable support for startups.
Meanwhile, in other regions, innovative startups are also receiving recognition and funding. For instance, the City of San Jose recently announced winners of its 2025 AI Incentive Program, awarding grants and support to four startups: Elythea, Metafoodx, CLIKA, and Satlyt. These startups use AI in diverse areas such as maternal health and food waste reduction.
New Mexico is also offering a FY26 Science & Technology Business Startup Grant supporting early-stage companies in sectors like advanced computing, aerospace, and bioscience. The 2024 awardees include companies commercializing space communications, water treatment, med-tech, and geothermal energy technologies.
Klimatech Innovative Solutions Inc. won a PHP 1 million DICT Startup Grant Fund in 2025 for tech innovation excellence, though details about their specific project are not given.
Enterprise Ireland invested €27.6 million in 2024 across various startups focusing on diverse innovation fields, but no specific "innovativ 2024" program winners are identified.
As for the "startup innovativ 2024" competition, more details about the projects and their impact will undoubtedly emerge as these startups continue to grow and innovate. Zebrafant.ai's website will be available under the domain zebrafant.ai from late October.
worcay GmbH, based in Koblenz, operates as a matching platform for tourism-related businesses and flexible, travel-lustrous workers. worcay provides a digital solution for tourism businesses, granting them access to a large pool of young, flexible workers. Beyond this, worcay enables young people the opportunity for Work & Travel in popular holiday regions, regardless of their financial background.
The Economy Ministry's support for these startups underscores the importance of nurturing innovation and entrepreneurship in Rhineland-Palatinate and beyond. As these startups continue to grow and make an impact, we can expect to see even more exciting developments in the world of technology and sustainability.
