Thirteen deep tech companies boosted towards investment through the Next Frontier Founders programme

The programme counts on the strategic involvement of Fractus and the Fractus‑UPC Deep Tech Hub, which provide mentoring, expertise and connections with investors and technology corporations to accelerate capital raising and business growth. In doing so, the Fractus‑UPC Deep Tech Hub once again supports the UPC’s technological talent.

UPC talent with a market focus

All participating companies, established or in the process of being set up, are technology based and were founded by students, recent graduates or teaching and research staff at the University. Their business projects span fields ranging from healthcare and energy production to AI-based virtual agents, support or learning services and solutions for automotive companies.

Participating spin‑offs

MiWEndo Solutions, created by the UPC, the Universitat Pompeu Fabra, the Hospital Clínic of Barcelona and the Catalan Institution for Research and Advanced Studies (ICREA), has developed the first accessory for colonoscopes that is capable of detecting polyps that are usually invisible. This low-cost electromagnetic device is safe and attaches to the tip of current colonoscopes. Using microwaves and AI, it emits an acoustic signal to alert endoscopists when it detects a precancerous lesion. The company is now beginning the regulatory process in the United States and expanding its product portfolio.

Helix AI is a spin‑off from the UPC, the Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona) and ICREA, supported by Napptilus Tech Lab. It is developing the first commercial graph foundation model applied to cancer. This model will enable machine learning of the complex biological processes involved in cancer based on multiomics data (various biological data, such as genomic or metabolic information). It can then be used in diverse areas of disease research without needing to be retrained or only requiring minimal adjustments.

Mesai, currently in the process of incorporation, stems from the UPC spin‑off Datision, which specialises in industrial AI. Led by the same team, it has drawn on its experience to democratise AI and bring it closer to SMEs through a platform that increases productivity while reducing unexpected machine downtime and defective parts, all without complex configuration or technical dependence.

AI‑based start‑ups

Among the start‑ups, most projects also rely heavily on AI. Several propose virtual agents to optimise business and financial management processes, such as Artivit AI SL (Numerand), which supports SMEs with accounting and risk forecasting; ByNeural, which automates sales and improves customer service; and Strathens Technologies SL, which provides tools to integrate financial and operational data for real‑time planning and analysis by executive teams.

Others focus on more sustainable energy production, such as Folgrid Technologies SL, dedicated to agrivoltaic energy (the coexistence of solar panels with livestock or crops), or energy efficiency, such as Datlantis ReGen, which equips offshore wind farms with underwater data centres to improve cooling. Treeplet offers an intelligent viticulture business model that helps anticipate the effects of climate change and adapt vineyards, while Moai Tech provides forest‑monitoring solutions using Earth observation and advanced AI models to estimate biomass. 

In the healthcare field, Naso Shield is developing a reusable intranasal device presented as an alternative to conventional facemasks. Pitinglish offers an English‑learning platform for children tailored to each student’s cognitive profile, and May One has created an automated system to tension motorbike chains, making them safer and reducing maintenance needs. 

Jordi Berenguer, the UPC’s vice‑rector for Transfer, Innovation and Entrepreneurship, and Rubén Bonet, co‑founder of Fractus

The founders presented their projects during the programme’s opening session. They were welcomed by Jordi Berenguer Sau, the UPC’s vice‑rector for Transfer, Innovation and Entrepreneurship, and Rubén Bonet, co‑founder of Fractus, who recounted the company’s journey since its creation more than 25 years ago as a UPC spin‑off and its pioneering role in applying fractal technologies to mobile phone antennas. Investor Mathieu Carenzo also took part, sharing the key criteria that capital looks for in spin‑offs and start‑ups.

What Next Frontier Founders offers

The programme includes eight practical modules (covering business development, legislation, funding, intellectual property and communication), mentoring by experts, one‑to‑one meetings with public and private investors, three pitch workshops and the chance to present projects on 4 March at the UPC Pitching Session at 4YFN 2026 (held alongside MWC Barcelona) or to exhibit them at the University’s joint stand. 

Participants can also build European connections through the Unite! alliance, made up of nine leading universities in engineering, science, technology and architecture, including the UPC. Unite! offers its communities coworking and laboratory facilities, guidance from experienced business advisers, training opportunities and links with local investment.

Proven impact

After two editions, 28 UPC projects have received feedback from investors and mentors who have already contributed to funding leading technology companies, thus strengthening the pathway from research to market.

Two highlights from the event: the networking session and investor Mathieu Carenzo’s talk