The Linghos win first edition of the NN Social Innovation Startup Award

NN Group (NN) and Rubio Impact Ventures have announced the three winners of the NN Social Innovation Startup Award. The Linghos (a Polish start-up) won the first edition of the awards and received a EUR 100,000 grant. The Linghos revolutionises pediatric speech therapy with an AI-driven platform that diagnoses speech impediments and offers personalised, game-based therapy for children aged 3 to 10. Their engaging, voice-controlled exercises not only make therapy accessible but also motivates kids to actively participate and actually improve.

‘We are thrilled to announce The Linghos as the winner of this year’s NN Social Innovation Startup Award,’ said Fleur Hudig, Head of Sustainability & Social Impact at NN Group. 'The NN Social Innovation Startup Award has been an incredible journey and we were honoured to receive so many outstanding applications from around the world. We were impressed by the passion, dedication and innovative solutions presented by all the finalists. While only three finalists were named winners, we want to acknowledge and thank each and every participant for their hard work and commitment to improve the financial, physical and mental well-being of those at risk.’

Whispp and Bugeto were also named winners, receiving EUR 50,000 grant each to support their missions. All three finalists will have access to a year-long venture development and mentorship programme from both NN and Rubio to scale up their business. This provides access to a broad network of experts, mentors and an investor-readiness programme.

NN and Rubio Impact Ventures are set to continue their joint venture. NN will invest an additional EUR 2 million in Rubio’s Fund III to scale up their support in early-stage companies that positively contribute towards society. This is the second investment from the NN Social Innovation Fund and part of NN’s mission to drive social innovation.

Congratulations to the winners!

Read more about the six finalists below

The Linghos (Poland) revolutionises pediatric speech therapy with an AI-driven platform that diagnoses speech impediments and offers personalised, game-based therapy for children aged 3 to 10. Their engaging, voice-controlled exercises not only make therapy accessible but also motivates kids to actively participate and actually improve.

Whispp (The Netherlands), a deep tech start-up, provides an AI-powered app that converts whispered or impaired speech into a clear, natural voice in real-time. Their technology fosters confident communication, enabling users to fully participate in society.

Bugeto (Poland) offers a financial literacy simulation that teaches young people how to manage their money and make life decisions by letting them practice real-world choices in a fun, safe way without any risks. Bugeto focuses on building financial literacy beyond learning to invest in bonds or stocks. They help the youth learn to achieve a stable income, get better-paid jobs and maintain savings.

Merova Health (Hungary) is a health-tech company delivering digital solutions for diabetic patients, including those with prediabetes and insulin resistance. Their platform connects healthcare providers with patients, enhancing early detection, medical decision-making and follow-up care. Merova focuses on improving patient well-being through streamlined care management and proactive support.

Amaia App (Spain) addresses the needs of vulnerable groups who receive care in a wide range of healthcare settings. In many of these environments, care is often standardised and impersonal, leading to increased isolation, a lack of emotional support and ultimately, a diminished quality of life. Amaia App is an AI-powered platform that personalises care in social and healthcare centers, enhancing well-being through a holistic vision by applying the principles of Person-Centred Care.

Chatlicense (The Netherlands) is the driver’s license for the first smartphone enabling kids and their parents to have a better start for a safe and smart online life. Using a science-based learning method, Chatlicense teaches children about online communication and behaviour, cybersecurity, real vs. fake news, influencing, gaming and healthy digital habits.