Meet the CHARM-dragons… GuardenAI and ForSURE win inaugural CHARM-DEN award

28 October 2024

Pest control start-up GuardenAI and reporting software provider ForSURE were the inaugural winners of the first ever CHARM-DEN, a hybrid pitching event for start-ups that took place in different partner universities, such as in Trinity College Dublin’s Business School, Julius-Maximilians University Würzburg and Eötvös Loránd University Budapest, earlier this week.

Six start-ups competed to impress judges Weili Wang from Atlantic Bridge Ventures, Imre Hild from OUVC – Venture Capital – Obuda Uni Venture Capital, Xavier Dumont from Barcelona Activa, Johnanna Lindström from Äbo Akademi, Entrepreneurship Ambassador Imre Hild, Sascha Walter from JMU Würzburg, Claude-Manuel Degez from Forestream, Clemens Pietza from HRW Startups and Jan Haarhuis from Universiteit Utrecht.

Each of the start-ups were required to demonstrate how their businesses address critical global challenges, followed by a Q&A with the judges.

Hosted by Gavan Drohan, Head of Entrepreneurship at Trinity College Dublin, the event sought to find outstanding early-stage start-ups as well as more mature companies.

GuardenAI, winner of the early-stage category, combines new and existing technology to combat potato blight without using pesticides. Founded by Nandor Kelecsenyi and Akos Csik, the company has developed an autonomous robot equipped with advanced AI and laser. The system can identify the insects which cause potato blight and eliminate them using lasers. The innovation provides a cost-effective, labour-saving solution which is, judges noted, in line with the EU’s Green Deal commitment to halve the use of harmful pesticides by 2030.

Winner of the established start-up category, ForSURE’s compliance software simplifies the complex reporting required for Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) regulations. Foudned by Niclas Brinkmann and Daniel Hamandouche, ForSURE automates data collection and report generation, ForSURE helps businesses reduce the time, complexity, and risks associated with EPR compliance. Their software offers a cost-effective solution, making it accessible to small and medium enterprises. With a fully functional platform ready for the market and interest from potential clients, ForSURE is set to make an impact in the regulatory compliance sector. Judges applauded the business’ practical applications and strong business case.

Other participants in the event included:

Early-phase start-ups

CaribeGreen’s vision is to address the rising demand for natural preservatives in cosmetics by valorising invasive plant species and agri-food by-products from the Caribbean into cosmetic ingredients. Founded by Lisa Haral CaribeGreen partners with INITIUM from University of Montpellier, Cirad and BPI. The first project focuses on developing an antimicrobial preservative for cosmetics using natural resources and eco-friendly processes. With Caribbean plants offering potential active molecules, CaribeGreen aims to enhance knowledge and create patentable ingredients that could foster new economic sectors in the region.

SouperFresh addresses environmental challenges by using whey, a by-product of cheesemaking, as a stock base for soups. Founded by twin brothers James and Daniel Buckley, the business reduces waste and develops a nutritious and delicious product with reduced environmental impact. The startup has already gained significant recognition, winning multiple awards, including Ireland’s National Enactus Competition, and is stocked in 20 stores in Dublin with plans to expand its product into more retail stores. The brand is cognisant of social corporate responsibility and donates a percentage of profit to charity.

Mature Startup Pitches

Founded by Eva Álvarez, BlueGreen Vision is focused on marine conservation and sustainability, using technological innovations to develop environmental projects. They offer a digital platform that integrates data from various environmental initiatives to help decision-makers manage resources effectively. With two sub-brands—BlackDante Productions (focused on communicating conservation through audiovisual content) and Hanan-Pacha Spirit (promoting environmental education and reconnection with nature)—the startup aims to foster greater environmental awareness and sustainable practices.

D² – Denkfabrik Diversität is developing a digital platform for Diversity & Inclusion (D&I), offering companies tools for automated diversity management and certification. Founded by Catharina Crasser and Dr. Julien Bobineau, the platform simplifies ISO-based D&I processes for organizations, helping them meet demographic and regulatory challenges. The platform targets both companies and universities, with features like diversity metrics and standardized processes for third-party funding applications. Their scalable model is akin to “Software-as-a-Service”, offering a subscription-based service.

The winners receive sponsored travel to attend entrepreneurship and startup-focused events in their respective regions, such as the Startup Innovation Barcamp in Würzburg in Spring 2025. The prize includes reimbursement for travel expenses for two team members. Further, both teams are going to be asked what kind of support they need at their current stage and how the CHARM-EU network could help in those areas.