Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd, a leader in electronic components, has today unveiled the winners of its first-ever KUMIHIMO Tech Camp. This pioneering initiative is designed to support new businesses that tackle pressing social issues.
In collaboration with Endeavor Bulgaria, Murata has provided startups, scale-ups, and researchers with the chance to work with their experts and granted entrants access to Murata’s cutting-edge hardware, including an array of sensors and communication modules, to propel their innovative hardware solutions towards development and market readiness.
The KUMIHIMO Tech Camp has been instrumental in bolstering Bulgaria’s innovation ecosystem, offering local innovators the resources and guidance needed to bring their ideas to fruition.
The winning companies
First prize: iRise
iRise Mechanics 357 is pioneering the engineering of next-generation robotic mobility devices. Their flagship product, the Omnibot, is designed to enhance the lives of individuals with lower limb disabilities, fostering greater independence and social inclusion.
Second prize: Barin Sport
Barin Sport merges hardware, software, and sports science to optimise athlete performance. Their proprietary algorithms and AI-driven analytics significantly reduce injury risks while enhancing athletic performance, offering tangible benefits to both athletes and sports clubs.
Murata have also awarded the company Tinusaur in recognition of their outstanding contribution to STEM education in Bulgaria. Tinusaur is transforming STEM education with its comprehensive educational platform. Designed by educators for educators, Tinusaur provides a unique blend of physical educational products, licensable content, and a multidisciplinary approach to learning.
Demo Day participants
As well as the two winners, the following companies were selected in August to present their innovations on 19th Nov, at the KUMIHIMO Demo Day:
EP Systems, Micro Hydro Generators
EP Systems is at the forefront of hydrokinetic power generation, offering innovative solutions for pneumatic power storage. Their facilities are uniquely positioned to harness renewable energy sources and are designed to integrate with existing structures, promoting environmental sustainability.
International Power Supply (IPS)
Established in 1989, IPS specialises in the research and development of power conversion technologies. With a global footprint in 59 countries, IPS’s EXERON and EXERON X-BESS technologies are at the cutting edge of power solutions, offering versatile energy management and storage systems.
ADD Bulgaria
As a trailblazer in IoT solutions for energy efficiency, ADD Bulgaria has successfully integrated over 1.6 million smart meters and digitalised numerous street lighting cabinets. Their mission is to drive a seamless digital energy transition, optimising resource usage and sustainability.
Resonator, Creative Technology Hub
Resonator is a creative tech hub that democratises access to product development labs. Their innovation, “Picoleaf”, is a state-of-the-art MIDI device/sensor that revolutionises the creative process in music, lighting, and video effects.
“We are delighted to announce the winners of our inaugural KUMIHIMO Tech Camp in Bulgaria, a venture that underscores Murata’s dedication to nurturing innovation and addressing societal issues through advanced technology”, said Takayuki Kaneko, Strategic Marketing Director in Murata Electronics Europe at Murata. “Our collaboration with Endeavor Bulgaria has been a resounding success, providing a platform for startups, scale-ups, and researchers to access Murata’s state-of-the-art hardware and expertise. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to the first and second place winners, iRise and Barin Sport, for their remarkable achievements. Furthermore, we are proud to recognise Tinusaur for their exceptional contribution to STEM education in Bulgaria. Initiatives like the KUMIHIMO Tech Camp are pivotal in strengthening local innovation ecosystems and driving forward the technological solutions of tomorrow.”