Startup accelerator gener8tor revealed on Wednesday the five startups accepted into its latest gBETA Madison program, which officially kicked off March 12.
The free, seven-week accelerator is held twice a year and gives companies access to mentors, customers, corporate partners and investors. Unlike some of gener8tor’s other programs, the organization doesn’t provide any equity to participating companies.
Every company in this latest cohort is founded by someone affiliated with the University of Wisconsin-Madison, whether they are a student, postdoc, alumni or retired employee.
“We are so excited to have an all-Badger gBETA Madison cohort,” said Jenni Le, the director of gBETA Madison, in a statement. “The founders we get to work with over the next several weeks have remarkably diverse backgrounds and are passionate about the problems they are tackling.”
Because of the COVID-19 crisis, and local and national government guidelines asking people to shelter in place, this spring's gBETA program is entirely virtual.
"It's going remarkably well," Le said. "In a normal world, we hold everything in person. But the mentors in our community have continued to step up and offer their expertise even though it's all over Zoom."
See all five companies below. (Descriptions provided by gener8tor.)
Happ:y Wellness: Co-founded by Paul Mross, Happ:y Wellness’ communication tools provide therapists, yoga instructors and students with the ability to remotely engage in activities such as yoga, occupational and physical therapy. Over 20 beta testers are using Happ:y Wellness products and services.
Güd Medical: Co-founded by Joseph Ulbrich, Güd Medical’s flagship product, the ErgoExact-50, enables medical professionals such as nurses, lab technicians and pharmacy technicians to perform repetitive and strenuous syringe procedures like withdrawing blood samples, mixing medications, or dosing medications with less strain, which reduce hand and wrist injuries. Professionals who use the ErgoExact-50 use 40 percent less muscle effort, which can lead to less strain. The ErgoExact-50 also allows professionals to more accurately draw or inject fluids using a syringe. Güd Medical is currently working with UW Health Pharmacy Services Building to launch a pilot study.
ArgusVisio: Co-founded by Hewei Liu, ArgusVisio’s sensing technology reduces elderly falls and tracks and analyzes gait and mobility through the use of artificial compound eye motion tracking (ACETRAC) systems. Assisted living facility employees will be able to remotely monitor elderly residents without the need for cameras using ArgusVisio’s tech and nurses can be automatically notified of a fall. Patients will be continuously monitored without the use of a wearable device and maintain independence. ArgusVisio says five assisted living facilities have agreed to pilot studies.
Campo: Founded by Katie Lorenz, Campo creates high-quality apparel and accessories made from alpaca wool, a hypoallergenic, lightweight, warmer fabric compared to merino wool, and softer than cashmere. Campo works with small businesses and artisan groups in developing countries to empower communities through employment and commerce opportunities. Campo generated $30,000 in revenue in 2018 and $52,000 in 2019, and is projected to double revenue in 2020.
The fifth participating startup is still operating in stealth mode and declined to disclose their name to the press, but it is a spinout from UW-Madison. It has created patented technology that allows users to see around corners. The technology is currently being assessed for applications in surveillance, industrial quality control, safety and security.
