March 17, 2022
A device for safely uncapping, recapping and disposing of syringes which eliminates most needlestick injuries and accidents, and enables safe, one-handed recapping – this innovation convinced the jury. The startup DeCap, founded by students from Vancouver and Tel Aviv, took first place in the Jacobs Startup Competition 2022, and the winning team was delighted to receive prize money of 3,000 euros.
Second place went to GrowSmart, a startup founded by Swiss students who are aiming to sell locally and sustainably cultivated spices, such as vanilla, in Europe. With this approach they would like to alter consumers' perceptions and habits regarding exotic products. ClipClap also made it onto the winners' podium. The team from TH Köln presented an innovative adapter for cycling enthusiasts that converts regular street shoes into clipless shoes for clipless pedals that allow for better power transmission on the bike. These placements were awarded 1,000 and 500 euros, respectively.
Ten teams had qualified for the final of the two-day Jacobs Startup Competition 2022. In total, 110 startups from 35 countries took part in the competition, which is organized exclusively by students of the international university.