Stéphanie Gottlib-Zeh, MedVallée ambassador, summarized the value of this initiative in a few words: “Boost Invest MedVallée was created and designed with the goal of setting up all the necessary tools to accelerate fundraising for innovative companies in the area.”
Established as part of the MedVallée initiative for startups in the One Health ecosystem of the Montpellier metropolitan area, Boost Invest MedVallée leverages a committee of experts with complementary backgrounds, including top-tier scientists, distinguished researchers, internationally renowned professors, members of the Academy of Sciences, and seasoned business and finance professionals.
Being selected by this committee is a mark of recognition that was granted to nine startups in 2024, laureates of the first cohort, and then in 2025 to another eight innovative companies.
The second cohort was presented on February 5 at the Montpellier Métropole building. Just like with the previous cohort, Boost Invest MedVallée not only offers them expertise but also visibility and credibility, greatly facilitating contacts with local and national investors.
In addition, Boost Invest MedVallée provides its laureates with access to investor events and trade shows, and offers them a platform to share their news through the Montpellier and Montpellier Métropole’s media channels, along with a dedicated communication kit.
“Being a Boost Invest MedVallée winner is a sign of credibility, and it boosts investor confidence,” says Patrice Garnier, CEO of Cyberna, one of the 2025 winning startups alongside Aken Médical, Ciloa, Load Stations, Neurinnov, Predictcan, Reeflect, and Xfeet.
Investors are certainly taking notice. For example, Load Stations recently raised €4.5 million with NCI as the lead investor to accelerate its expansion throughout the area. This was revealed by the company during the event, once again confirming the appeal of the Montpellier area to investors.
More broadly, these successes illustrate the attractiveness of Montpellier’s ecosystem in the One Health sector, as also demonstrated by the €60 million in funding recently announced by Sensorion, including a strategic investment from Sanofi, separate from the Boost Invest MedVallée program.
Laureates of the 2025 cohort
1. Aken Médical
Aken Médical develops a targeted internal radiotherapy technology based on radiopharmaceuticals encapsulated in nanocapsules, capable of precisely targeting cancer cells. Its first application is for treating pancreatic cancer, with the goal of extending this approach to other solid tumors.
Website: https://www.akenmedical.com/
2. Neurinnov
Neurinnov designs implantable selective neurostimulation devices that enable the precise activation of specific nerve fibers. Already tested in humans, this technology has enabled quadriplegic patients to regain functional use of their hands, paving the way for new neurological applications.
Website: https://neurinnov.com/
3. Cyberna
Cyberna develops tests for the ultra-early diagnosis of cancer using a single drop of blood. The company’s technology is based analyzing chemical modifications in RNA (epitranscriptome) and is specifically aimed at the early screening of colorectal cancer in at-risk populations.
Website: https://cyberna.com/
4. Reeflect
Reeflect offers a smart alert solution for deaf and hearing-impaired individuals that can detect and analyze critical sounds using artificial intelligence, converting them into visual and vibrating alerts. The solution is designed for both individuals and businesses.
Website: https://www.reeflect.fr/
5. CILOA
Based in Montpellier, CILOA is a pioneering biotech company that develops exosome-based biotherapies, which are used as natural therapeutic vectors. Its flagship program targets metabolic diseases, notably Type 2 diabetes and obesity, with clinical trials currently in preparation.
Website: https://ciloa.bio/
6. Load Stations
Load Stations is developing a smart platform to manage electric vehicle charging, designed for local authorities, businesses, and operators. The solution combines monitoring, electronic payment systems, interoperability, and energy optimization to support the transition toward more sustainable mobility.
Website: https://load-stations.com/
7. PredictCan Biotechnologies
PredictCan Biotechnologies designs personalized 3D biological models of the liver, combined with artificial intelligence, to predict drug toxicity and improve the safety of preclinical trials. A benchmark approach in precision medicine.
Website: https://predictcan.com/
8. XFeet
XFeet specializes in designing and manufacturing custom orthopedic insoles using 3D printing. Thanks to a comprehensive digital platform, the startup enables podiatrists to create personalized insoles in just a few minutes, with local, fast, and sustainable production.
Website: https://xfeet-orthotics.com/
