TPW start-up RELiYOO came second at the Swiss Innovation Challenge 2024 on Thursday, November 21. The team of developers and their intelligent wheelchair seat cushion against pressure sores thus secured prize money of CHF 5,000 and benefited from various funding options.
The innovative startup RELiYOO secures second place in the Swiss Innovation Challenge 2024. In addition to the prize money of CHF 5,000, the TPW startup benefited from the Swiss Innovation Challenge’s support programme. The support included up to six coaching sessions with specialist and practical experts, 12 half-day seminars on topics such as business planning, marketing and market entry, legal aspects, internationalisation strategies and financing. Support was also provided for marketing and PR measures, as stated on the official Swiss Innovation Challenge website.
Innovative wheelchair seat cushion
The start-up based in Technopark Winterthur is developing an intelligent wheelchair seat cushion that uses built-in air chambers and modern technology to ensure optimum pressure distribution. This not only prevents chronic pressure sores on the skin, but can even heal while sitting in some cases. The pressure on the buttocks is relieved unnoticed by the user. In addition, the wheelchair seat cushion enables real-time monitoring of pressure distribution. As a result, functionality and the effect of pressure can be checked at any time to ensure that the correct pressure is being relieved.
Top 3 placement
RELiYOO was one of the three finalists in the Swiss Innovation Challenge 2024, together with Elythor and VentoStream AG. Elythor took first place with a novel, extremely robust drone that can be used even in adverse weather conditions. Third place went to VentoStream AG, which has developed an innovative wind turbine. This consists of several system units that together achieve a higher output than conventional propeller wind turbines. A special prize was awarded to Fixpod GmbH. The company developed an innovative connecting element for prefabricated cable duct installations in timber construction.
Support from the ASCENT Startup Accelerator
Since summer 2024, RELiYOO has also been supported by the ASCENT Startup Accelerator funding program at Technopark Winterthur. This program offers targeted support for the scaling and further development of the startup.
RELiYOO is currently focussing on the certification of its intelligent seat cushion for wheelchair users. At the same time, the company is in the preparatory phase for the market launch of the pilot product and is offering strategic investors, business angels and family offices corresponding investment opportunities in the current SEED financing round.
