Two Northern Ireland based start-ups have made the finals of Tech Nation’s Rising Stars 4.0 competition. Biotech and Life Sciences firm Kinva and Agrifood and Foodtech company CropSafe are amongst the 20 finalists who impressed an expert panel of judges led by GP Bullhound Vice President Ed Prior and included VCs, angel investors, experienced entrepreneurs and tech community leaders from across the UK.
CropSafe, founded by John McElhone and Micheál McLaughlin, aggregates dozens of remote weather and satellite data sources, providing farmers with more accurate, actionable next steps. It enables farmers globally to get up-to-date information on weather conditions, supplies, resources and helps streamline processes such as applying for finance or obtaining insurance.
Kinva, which recently benefited from support from the Department for the Economy, is a software platform designed specifically for the effective delivery for therapy and coaching – directly, securely, and tailored to the client. It makes therapy accessible, it empowers patients and clients to find the right therapist or coach for them. It provides a supportive community. It integrates with AI to make therapy targeted and more effective and efficient.
Rising Stars 4.0 culminates in 20 early stage start-up companies being showcased and promoted to a highly curated audience of investors, corporates, influencers and the wider tech ecosystem. The judging panel will deliberate over the final 20, selecting 10 companies to be named as this year’s Rising Stars, who will feature in a high-profile celebration event on 24 March 2022.