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Acoustic Wells wins 2019 MIT $100K Entrepreneurship Competition

Acoustic Wells, a startup born in a laboratory at MIT that has created a new internet of things (IoT) control solution for oil wells that optimizes production while drastically reducing methane emissions, beat out seven finalists to win the Robert P. Goldberg $100,000 grand prize at last night’s MIT $100KEntrepreneurship Launch Finale held on the MIT campus.
Now in its 30th year, the MIT $100K Entrepreneurship Competition is an economic barometer for sectors of innovation that are receiving funding by venture capitalists. To date, the MIT $100K has facilitated the birth of more than 160 companies, which have gone on to raise $1.3 billion in venture capital and build $16 billion in market capitalization. More than 30 MIT $100K startups have been acquired by major companies, such as Oracle, Cisco, 3M, and Merck. Over 4,600 people are currently employed by MIT $100K companies. Recent IPOs include Akamai (AKAM) and Hubspot (HUBS).
A major challenge in the operation of oil and gas wells is the ability to monitor the operating conditions and health of pumping equipment without the need for prohibitively expensive equipment or daily inspections. To address this issue, Acoustic Wells has developed a patent-pending, acoustic-based control method that is capable of determining precisely down-hole conditions using a simple and affordable surface sensor. Acoustic Wells’ simple plug-and-play hardware processes the data at the edge and seamlessly connects to their cloud platform using long range IoT networks. Artificial intelligence algorithms automatically monitor the pump operation and optimize the production by adjusting the pumping rate while also predicting potential critical failures of the system.
Acoustic Wells’ founding team members are:
Dr. Sebastien Mannai, CEO, MIT PhD 2018 in Aerospace Engineering. He is currently engaged in postdoctoral work on AI signal processing in the Gas Turbine Laboratory of the Aerospace Department at MIT.
Dr. Charles-Henri Clerget, COO, who is currently engaged in postdoctoral work in the Earth Resources Laboratory with the Mathematics Department at MIT where he focuses on the big data analysis of drilling operations.
Louis Creteur, CTO and an industrial automation solution specialist who currently serves as IoT and Cloud Architect at Leanbox.
“We bring cutting edge technology in a simple package to help every oil and gas producer optimize their assets while reducing their emissions,” says Dr. Mannai.
A panel of judges chose Acoustic Wells based on value creation, value capture, and technological differentiation. Judges included: TJ Parker, Co-Founder & CEO, PillPack; Mira Wilczek, President & CEO, Cogo Labs; Thomas Collet, President, CEO & Director, Phrixus Pharmaceuticals; Tanguy Chau, Venture Investor; and Katie Rae, CEO & Managing Partner, The Engine.
A $10,000 Audience Choice Award was presented to The Read Read, one of the finalist teams. The Read Read has created a patent pending physical device that allows blind and low-vision children to independently learn phonics and braille, and gain early literacy to keep pace with their sighted peers. Users simply touch the braille and large-print letter manipulatives, and get immediate audio feedback. It was developed at the Harvard Innovations Lab, and piloted at the Perkins School for the Blind and the Harvard Graduate School of Education.
Six additional finalists included:
AgroBeads® are biodegradable spheres made from natural ingredients that hydrate plants according to their needs and support their growth and healthy development. Plants not only grow, but they do it faster, and healthier. AgroBeads® does not pollute the environment, improves the chances of germination, and contributes to the development of technologies that impact public health.
Mechanodontics is a new method that can be used instead of braces or aligners that moves teeth independently. Placed behind teeth so they cannot be seen, this method considerably shortens treatment time, allows for easier cleaning than traditional braces, and is more comfortable. This technology, which employs state-of-the-art simulations, allows orthodontists to apply the optimal amount of force to each tooth, easily fixing even complicated mal-alignments that are not correctable with aligners.
Myco Diagnostics is creating low-cost, robust medical diagnostics, using thermostable binding proteins to capture disease biomarkers from patient samples. They are producing point-of-care assays for the detection of urine-based biomarkers of tuberculosis, allowing them to address patient groups ill-served by traditional TB tests.
Posh offers a bot-creation platform using patent-pending technology that makes it easy to tailor a custom chatbot to meet companies’ needs. Not only can Posh answer company FAQs, but it can also help a company’s customers manage their accounts and convert prospects into sales. Posh does this while interacting with customers via the channels they prefer: across text, voice, social media and the web.
Qtech The team’s MIT-educated scientists have invented 3D Nano structured air filters that provide 20x filtration performance, 10x lifetime, and are recyclable at an estimated similar cost of a traditional HEPA filter. Filters catch not only flower pollens, but also bacteria and even viruses, and there is no need for replacements in years.
Stratagen Bio develops oxygen sensors to enable personalized cancer therapies, addressing the unmet clinical need of identifying low-oxygen treatment resistant tumors. They are enabling physicians to identify which cancer patients require a customized treatment to overcome resistance and improve outcomes and survival.
John Harthorne, a founder and former CEO of MassChallenge, served as the keynote speaker. Harthorne’s team, Robopsy, won the MIT $100K in 2007. He and Akhil Nigam went on to co-found MassChallenge, a not-for-profit, in 2010. Based on the MIT $100K model, their zero-equity startup accelerator has since gone global and has accelerated 1,975 startups that have raised more than $4.3 billion in funding, generated more than $2.5 billion in revenue, and created more than 121,000 total jobs. Harthorne now serves on MassChallenge’s Global Board of Directors.
Since its debut as the MIT $10K Entrepreneurship Competition in 1989, it has grown to include three independent contests – Pitch, Accelerate, and Launch – from September through May. Each contest focuses on developing specific founding skills. For each semi-finalist contender, the MIT $100K brings together a network of resources that includes mentorship from venture capitalists, serial entrepreneurs, corporate executives, and attorneys; media exposure; prototyping funds; business plan feedback; and discounted services. Altogether, almost $1M in non-dilutive prize money and other financial resources are awarded to help these new ventures accelerate. For more on the MIT $100K, please visit: www.mit100k.org
SOURCE MIT Sloan School of Management
Blockchain
Nex News Network Launches World’s First Blockchain-Integrated Web3 and Metaverse News Platform
Nex News Network, the pioneering media organization, is proud to announce the launch of its groundbreaking platform, revolutionizing the way news and media are consumed. This year marks a momentous milestone as Nex News Network becomes the world’s first-ever blockchain integrated, Web3, and Metaverse news and media platform. With a fusion of cutting-edge technology and visionary media strategies, Nex News Network is set to redefine the media landscape.
A New Era in Media Industry: Nex News Network’s Unique Offering
Nex News Network has embarked on an extraordinary journey to bring the future of media to the present. As a trailblazer in the industry, the platform integrates blockchain technology, Web3, and Metaverse, delivering an unparalleled experience to users. This year, Nex News Network establishes itself as the vanguard in news and media, providing a platform that seamlessly connects diverse sources of information, making them accessible from anywhere, on any device.
Innovative Media Revolution
Nex News Network introduces a unique animation concept that transforms the traditional news and media industry. With this innovation, the animation seamlessly integrates with media and news content, sparking a revolutionary shift in how information is consumed. This innovation not only redefines the media industry but also catalyzes a new era of interaction, engagement, and understanding.
Empowering Users and Advertisers
Nex News Network brings a new dimension to user experience by creating an integrated platform that caters to a diverse range of interests and categories. Users can explore validated blockchain content, industry news, directories, event information, technology updates, and more. For advertisers, Nex News Network offers direct access to their target audience, bypassing intermediaries and providing real-time performance data for smarter decision-making.
With its focus on blockchain integration, Web3, and Metaverse, Nex News Network embraces the future of digital content. The Metaverse, an advanced digital realm, complements the platform, creating immersive experiences through augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), and artificial intelligence (AI). Nex News Network pioneers the way for this interconnected digital world, offering users a new dimension of engagement and exploration.
A Call to the Future
Nex News Network is poised to reshape the media industry by introducing blockchain integration, Web3, and Metaverse technology. Through its visionary leadership, dedication to user experience, and commitment to innovation, Nex News Network is laying the foundation for a new era in news and media consumption. As the world’s first blockchain-integrated Web3, and Metaverse news platform, Nex News Network stands ready to redefine the media landscape.
Setting the Stage with NexNews Network – A New Era in Media Consumption and Engagement
NexNews Network pioneers a transformative approach to media consumption, driven by innovation and led by a dedicated team. With a focus on user experience, NexNews Network creates a dynamic space where users can seamlessly access news and media sources from various categories, transcending traditional boundaries.
Visionary Leadership – Founder Aakash Jugraj and the Power of Innovation
Under the visionary leadership of Aakash Jugraj, NexNews Network has positioned itself as a trailblazer in the industry. Backed by the reputable Shivaksh Media Group of Companies, the platform represents a fusion of expertise and innovation that sets a new benchmark for media excellence.
Founder Aakash Jugraj – A Driving Force for Media Innovation
At the helm of NexNews Network is Founder Aakash Jugraj, a visionary entrepreneur with a deep-rooted commitment to revolutionizing the media landscape. His forward-thinking approach has driven the platform’s mission to redefine publication creation, distribution, and consumption using Web3, Blockchain & Metaverse technologies.of Companies.
Aakash Jugraj, the driving force behind NexNews Network, envisions a media ecosystem that champions transparency, authenticity, and user-centric experiences. His vision aligns seamlessly with the ethos of Shivaksh Media Group of Companies, creating a formidable alliance for media innovation.
Continuous Industry Evolution: NexNews Network’s Transformative Role
NexNews Network signifies a departure from traditional media models, offering a continuous industry experience that transcends conventional boundaries. The platform’s transformative capabilities make it a pioneering force in providing a new-age media ecosystem that empowers users with unparalleled access and engagement.
Technology at the Forefront: Nex News Network’s Secure and Transparent Platform
Technologically adept, NexNews Network harnesses the power of blockchain integration, Web3, and Metaverse to ensure the highest level of security, authenticity, and transparency. This technological synergy enables users to engage with news and media content with utmost confidence.
Personalized User Experience – NexNews Network’s Tailored Approach
Through NexNews Network, users will enjoy a distinctly personalized experience. The platform’s integration of blockchain technology ensures that users can consume news and media content that aligns precisely with their interests, fostering deeper engagement and resonance.
Empowering Advertisers: Nex News Network Effective Advertising Platform
Advertisers will benefit from NexNews Network’s innovative approach by accessing a tailored platform that enables direct engagement with their target audience. The blockchain integration ensures a transparent and effective advertising experience, enabling advertisers to refine their strategies based on real-time performance data.
Elections
NexNews Network is poised to play a pivotal role in the upcoming election season. With its unique blend of blockchain integration, Web3, and Metaverse, the platform will facilitate informed decision-making by providing accurate and transparent information to voters.
Blockchain
CoinScan Emerges from Stealth with $6.3 Million in Funding
CoinScan, a crypto analytics platform built to give traders an edge in the market with free in-depth charting and safety features, today emerged from stealth with $6.3 million in funding to fuel product development and expansion. CoinScan is the first product from CryptoHub, a Web3 company focused on improving the blockchain economy with scalable, accessible solutions.
The company is backed by DraftKings’ #1 individual shareholder and billionaire Shalom MecKenzie alongside Playtech‘s CEO Mor Weizer and Head of Business Development and M&A Roy Samuelov, Shy Datika, iAngels, and publicly traded digital asset company Tectona.
“Crypto, much like sports betting, should give people the tools and data to make their own assessments about risk and reward,” said MecKenzie. “CoinScan is introducing a hub of crypto information that users can finally trust for accurate, real-time insights. I see CoinScan as becoming the home page for anyone involved in the crypto industry.”
This year alone, nearly $1 billion has been lost to crypto exploits, hacks, and scams – much of which could have been avoided with better access to data. CoinScan’s unique, groundbreaking scam prevention features include:
- Safety Checks: This feature assesses a token’s susceptibility to rug pulls or scams by analyzing key indicators such as liquidity locks, token taxes, contract renounce status, and honeypot risks.
- Holder Analysis: Traders can assess a token’s distribution and health in real-time through CoinScan’s charting terminal. Users can track wallet holdings in tokens and USD, keeping an eye on top wallets’ buying and selling activities.
- Airdrop Analysis: Traders can protect themselves from ‘soft rug’ scams by using this feature to identify wallets that have received airdrops, assess their value, and cross-reference this information with social feeds to verify legitimacy.
- Social Sentiment: Recognizing the importance of social sentiment in crypto, CoinScan integrates live project feeds from Twitter, Telegram, Reddit and Instagram to allow users to extract information about a token from its community in real time.
While many crypto data providers are plagued by price inconsistencies and potential biases, CoinScan provides transparent data pulled from multiple sources to provide the deepest charting insights available on the market.
“CoinScan is leading the charge in bucking crypto’s negative reputation by providing better access to data directly from multiple sources,” said Yariv Gilat, Chairman at Tectona. “The platform provides unmatched safety features that make me optimistic for the industry’s future growth, and we’re thrilled to support CoinScan on their mission.”
CoinScan is also the first to bring a Pending Transactions feature to the market in a user-friendly format, giving traders insights into the price action of a token before it happens, rather than after the transaction fully completes. This gives users an unprecedented advantage, as they can essentially see into the future. Traders can also use the platform’s Market Navigation page to search and compare similar tokens to cross-analyze before investing.
“No one wants to spend all of their time researching and analyzing blockchain transactions and social media just to avoid getting scammed. The bar for crypto data was very low, so we built the platform that we wished we had,” said Eliran Ouzan, CEO of CoinScan. “We’re not just giving traders an edge, we’re introducing tools that allow new investors to enter the market with free, accessible, unbiased information that will allow them to succeed.”
CoinScan has been under development for over two years, and recently completed beta testing. The platform’s fundamental mission is to elevate the experience for crypto and DeFi users of all experience levels. To learn more, please visit www.coinscan.com.
Blockchain
nChain appoints Peter Coulson as its new group COO
nChain, a leading global provider of blockchain technology, IP licensing and consulting services, today announces the appointment of Peter Coulson as its new group Chief Operating Officer.
Combining a world-leading Web3 IP portfolio together with knowledge, expertise, tools, and products, nChain is well-positioned to enable a seamless business transition from Web2 to Web3.
Peter Coulson joins nChain with a diverse career in strategic, operational, and technical leadership. He has navigated challenging operational environments, led research commissioning, overseen HR, finance, and commercial endeavours, and managed high-value portfolios.
Peter’s last appointment in the Royal Navy saw him Command of the Naval Base in Plymouth; a prominent Nuclear facility and Western Europe’s largest naval base. While specialising as a Weapons Engineer, Peter’s management and leadership experience is broad – including leading the Royal Navy’s surface ship through-life support portfolio, Combat System capability management, working in Private Office of Defence Ministers, engineering and training roles at the Devonport Waterfront, personnel policy in MOD, space research and serving in HMS ILLUSTRIOUS and several frigates. Additionally, Peter has held positions at Harland & Wolff, the University of Plymouth, and various charities.
nChain Chairman Stefan Matthews commented “The entire board is delighted that Peter will be bringing his diverse range of experience and skills to help us create the world that we envision with our technology. Since our inception in 2015 as a blockchain research & development hub, we’ve expanded the limits of what is possible with this technology. With the foundations now laid with our unmatched expertise on this technology built up over many years, Peter will be a key piece of the puzzle as we ramp up our company growth.”
“At nChain, our mission is to eliminate inefficiencies, lower costs and speed up processes, so the global economy will be open, accessible, and secure for everyone. Peter is a crucial hire into our executive team to help us in realising these goals. His focus will be on creating the operational efficiencies that will supercharge our business operations to make the best use of the expert skills and resources we possess.” nChain CEO Christen Ager-Hanssen commented.
Peter Coulson expressed his excitement of joining nChain as the company is rapidly growing. He is motivated to create organisational excellence that allows nChain to deliver on its vision, make positive social impact, and create a brighter future.
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