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Happy Wednesday from Sparkmate. We have some exciting news for today’s newsletter. If you are an early-stage founder you do not want to miss it!
Here’s what we’ve put together for your weekly Spark News:
Sign up for the upcoming Sparkathon
Weekly "Entrepreneur spotlight" - Alexandre Molla, Co-Founder & CEO of Sharelock🚴♂️💡
Introducing: Chatbot Therapy 💭
Robotic Hands 🤖
High-Tech Worms Below Your Feet
News from the team: Welcome Adrien!👋
SPARKATHON #1: JUNE 2ND, PARIS
Spark Your First Prototype into Action💡
Do you have an idea to change the world and want a prototype for free?
Join us at Sparkathon - the ultimate event for idea-makers and innovators!
This is your chance to turn your idea into a reality, with access to all the equipment you need, Sparkmate’s builders and like-minded individuals.
Kickstart your entrepreneurial journey.
Don't wait - sign up now and let's ignite your spark! 🔥
ENTREPRENEUR SPOTLIGHT
A startup journey from one of the best
Meet Alexandre Molla, Co-Founder & CEO of Sharelock, a startup that's shaking things up in the bike world!
They kicked off with a wicked network of shared locks, making sure your bike's protected anytime, anywhere. But they didn't stop there - they went on to create a game-changing AI-backed bike insurance. What's even more impressive is the positive impact Sharelock is creating for the environment. With 36% of policyholders increasing their bike practice, Sharelock has already helped reduce c.6% of yearly direct personal CO2 emissions 🌍
So, what got Alexandre into this? To read the full article click below.
🗯 THERAPY MIGHT BECOME CHEAPER AND LESS PERSONAL
Chatbots Here to Help 👁🗨
⌛️ Are we at a point where we can rely on chatbots as therapists? ⏳
As AI-powered chatbots continue to improve and provide detailed responses, people are turning to them for answers to their questions. However, the question remains whether these chatbots can ever become human-like enough to effectively serve as therapists. The founder of Replika, a US chatbot app that offers an "AI companion," says that people use the app for a range of reasons, from autistic children who use it to "warm up before human interactions" to adults who are simply lonely and need a friend. The app, which now has over two million active users, claims to help improve mental health by allowing users to "build better habits and reduce anxiety."
🤖 TRENDING HANDS
Robotic Extremities ✋🏼
Scientists have just engineered a robotic hand that is capable of holding and moving objects.
A team of researchers at the University of Cambridge has developed a robotic hand that can grip and hold objects by using only the movement of its wrist. The hand, which was 3D-printed and implanted with sensors to "sense" what it is touching, underwent more than 1,200 tests using various objects such as a peach, computer mouse, and bubble wrap. The researchers acknowledged that the human hand is a highly complex structure and replicating its capabilities posed a significant challenge.
HIGH-TECH WORMS
Robotic Worms
Scientists have been working on developing soft robots for many years, drawing inspiration from the earthworm due to its unique features that make it an excellent burrower and flexible mover.
Despite variations in species, earthworms are known for their ability to move through tight spaces and bend with ease. According to Elsa Arrázola-Vásquez from the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, these characteristics make them capable of tasks that machines have not yet been able to replicate.
NEWS FROM THE TEAM
Welcome Adrien!
We are thrilled to announce that we have another Adrien joining the tribe. Adrien Delmarre has joined Sparkmate as a Venture Builder in our team in Paris🇫🇷!
Adrien comes with a strong background in engineering and entrepreneurship, including running his own company, making him a valuable addition to our team. With a passion for building and creating from a young age, Adrien pursued his studies at ISEP, an esteemed engineering school. He has worked on various projects, creating websites using PHP, HTML, and WordPress. Outside of work, Adrien is a real sportsman, enjoying a variety of sports including basketball, volleyball, tennis, skiing, kitesurfing, and wingfoiling.
We are excited to have Adrien on board and can't wait to see the amazing projects he will contribute to at Sparkmate. Welcome, Adrien
Exciting things are happening every day ⚡️ Follow us on social media to stay tuned!