Berkeley SkyDeck Demo Day Highlights - Startup Pitches

Berkeley SkyDeck Demo Day: A Diverse Cohort

The recent Berkeley SkyDeck Demo Day featured 17 startups, representing a cohort that, while not the largest, is remarkably diverse in its areas of innovation.

These companies span a broad spectrum of industries, ranging from groundbreaking advancements in diabetes care to the adaptation of autonomous technology for the trucking sector.

SkyDeck's Focus and History

Established in 2012, the accelerator program is specifically designed to nurture early-stage ventures with strong ties to the University of California system.

Eligibility requires affiliation with one of the ten UC campuses or their associated national laboratories located in Berkeley, Livermore, and Los Alamos.

SkyDeck boasts a successful track record, with prominent alumni such as Lime, the micromobility leader, and Kiwi, a firm specializing in delivery robotics.

Adapting to a Virtual Format

Like many organizations, SkyDeck transitioned to a virtual format in 2020 in response to global circumstances.

This shift, while presenting challenges like demanding schedules for international founders, also broadened participation within teams.

Organizers noted that virtual events offered increased scalability, potentially leading to larger Demo Days.

Selection Process and Support

From an initial pool of 1,850 applicants, only 17 startups were selected to present at this Demo Day.

Cohort membership includes six months of intensive launch support from SkyDeck, alongside potential funding of up to $105,000.

“The goal is to have you prepared to pitch to institutional investors in your field within six months,” explains Executive Director Caroline Winnett.

Demo Day Highlights

Below is a detailed examination of six standout companies showcased during this Demo Day event.

• The selected startups represent a wide array of innovative solutions.
• SkyDeck provides substantial resources and mentorship.
• The program’s connection to the UC system fosters strong academic ties.

EndoCrine

Leveraging advancements originating from stem cell investigations at UCSF, EndoCrine is focused on the commercialization of an enhanced methodology for pharmaceutical discovery and development.

The company’s primary objective is to advance diabetes therapies, moving beyond conventional insulin administration techniques.

A Novel Drug Discovery Platform

According to a statement provided to TechCrunch by CEO Gopika Nair, EndoCrine’s unique platform, utilizing human stem cell-derived islets, fundamentally alters the process of drug discovery and development.

This innovative approach is projected to significantly reduce both the time and financial resources typically allocated by pharmaceutical firms.

The platform is poised to usher in a new age of individualized treatment strategies for individuals managing diabetes.

SkyDeck’s Impact on Early Development

EndoCrine credits SkyDeck with providing crucial support during its initial transition from a research laboratory setting to a fully operational startup.

The company emphasizes that SkyDeck’s assistance was instrumental in facilitating these foundational steps.

Specifically, the program aided in the early stages of establishing the company’s infrastructure and operational framework.

Key Benefits of the Technology

• Accelerated Drug Discovery: The platform drastically reduces the time required to identify potential drug candidates.
• Cost Reduction: Significant savings are realized in comparison to traditional drug development methods.
• Personalized Medicine: The technology enables the development of tailored treatments for diabetes.

These advantages position EndoCrine as a potentially disruptive force within the pharmaceutical industry.

The company’s focus on stem cell-derived islets represents a cutting-edge approach to addressing the challenges of diabetes treatment.

NuPort Robotics

NuPort Robotics stands out as one of the most developed companies within this group of 17 startups.

Recently, in mid-March, the company formalized an agreement with both Canadian Tire and the government of Ontario.

This partnership is accompanied by a $3 million investment focused on the development of an autonomous middle-mile trucking solution.

Retrofitting for Autonomy

Instead of undertaking the complete construction of self-driving trucks, NuPort’s approach centers on equipping existing semi-trucks with autonomous technologies.

This method avoids the substantial expense of fleet replacement for trucking companies.

Benefits of NuPort’s System

According to CEO Raghavender Sahdev, as reported by TechCrunch, the system delivers significant benefits.

• Operational costs are reduced through the avoidance of fleet-wide replacements.
• A more secure and effective transportation network is created.
• The solution contributes to a more environmentally friendly and sustainable logistics system.

The result is a safer, more efficient, and sustainable transportation system.

NuPort’s strategy offers a practical pathway to integrating autonomous trucking into existing infrastructure.

The Hurd Co.

The Hurd Co. is focused on minimizing the ecological footprint of clothing manufacturers. Their core strategy involves eliminating the need for trees in fabric production.

The company achieves this by producing cellulosic fiber pulp sourced from agricultural waste materials.

This innovative pulp serves as a substitute for tree-based agrilose, a common component in the creation of numerous textiles, notably rayon.

Addressing a Growing Demand

“Clothing brands are actively seeking sustainable fabric alternatives to achieve their environmental objectives,” explains CEO Taylor Heisley-Cook in a statement to TechCrunch.

“Our process entirely removes trees from the supply chain, offering a highly efficient solution that substantially lowers a brand’s environmental impact.”

Efficiency and Technology

According to the company, their manufacturing process requires only half the water and consumes considerably less energy compared to conventional methods.

The underlying technology behind this advancement was developed by Hurd’s Chief Technology Officer, Charles Cai.

Key benefits include reduced water usage and lower energy consumption.

Humm

Admittedly, this particular company raises several inquiries for me, given the prevalence of businesses asserting their wearable technology can enhance memory function.

CEO Iain McIntyre explains: “The device is particularly well-suited for tasks requiring strong memory recall, such as reading comprehension, problem-solving, and multitasking.”

The Humm patch utilizes tACS (transcranial alternating stimulation). Clinical research indicates a measurable improvement – approximately 20% – compared to a placebo.

The core technology is intriguing, and the advisory board, comprised of numerous university science professors, recognizes its commercial viability. However, some uncertainties surrounding tACS remain.

According to Scientific American (January issue): “The potential therapeutic benefits of tACS concerning memory, appetite control, and other neurological functions have been investigated in numerous studies. Questions persist regarding whether this technique induces substantial alterations within the brain.”

Further investigation into this product is warranted, and I am keen to test its capabilities upon release later this year.

Publica

Publica arguably presented the most compelling elevator pitch of the event.

The company positions itself as “Shopify for Digital Content,” aiming to establish a direct link between content creators and their audiences.

“Publica provides a platform for authors and creators to establish their own branded storefronts, enabling them to distribute, promote, and sell ebooks, audiobooks, and other digital content without intermediaries,” explains CEO Pablo Laurino to TechCrunch.

“In the current landscape of direct-to-consumer commerce and marketplaces, Publica empowers authors to maintain complete control over their brand and cultivate direct relationships with their readership.”

The platform facilitates the creation of customized digital storefronts for selling diverse products, including both audiobooks and ebooks.

Currently, the site is operational, hosting over 1,200 stores established by 250 clients.

Serinus Labs

Serinus is pioneering a novel system designed for the proactive identification of failures within lithium-ion batteries.

According to CEO Hossain Fahad, ensuring battery safety represents the most significant hurdle currently facing the electric vehicle (EV) sector. Serinus Labs’ exclusive LiCANS technology delivers preliminary indications, effectively mitigating the risk of severe battery malfunctions in EVs.

LiCANS Technology Explained

The core of this innovation lies in the utilization of gas sensing capabilities. This allows for the detection of minute quantities of gases released before a battery experiences complete failure.

These vented gases serve as crucial early warning signs. Their presence signals potential issues before they escalate into catastrophic events.

LiCANS provides a critical layer of protection. It aims to enhance the reliability and safety of electric vehicles by addressing a key concern in the industry.

The technology focuses on preemptive identification. This contrasts with reactive measures taken after a failure has already begun.