Why Hexagon?
Our vision
A world where technology equips people with superpowers and ability to embrace a more sustainable way of life that protects everything that we hold dear.
We are on a mission to deliver an autonomous future that benefits people everywhere. We are inviting next generation of innovators to the table. We want to share our resources and make connection that accelerate progress – pushing the boundaries of design, manufacturing and engineering and start to imagine a better sustainable future for the benefits of everyone.
Our mission
Sixth Sense is an innovation ecosystem bringing scaling start-ups and world-class companies together.
Sharing resources, data and ideas to accelerate progress and solve real world problems. To create transformative solutions that enable an autonomous future that benefits everyone.
How do we harness the power of an autonomous future?
At Hexagon, we’re powering the dynamic companies that move the world. We’re embedded in the innovation that shapes the future and driving the global shift to a new sustainable way of operating and as industry 4.0 evolves to solve big global challenges there is much at stake.
Collaboration is at the heart of the answer.
You can't solve big problems without solving lots of little ones first.
We’re creating an innovation ecosystem where the world’s smartest, scaling start-ups, can connect with our customer base of world-class companies. We’re combining resources and expertise to turn real-world problems into transformative solutions. Inviting innovation, ideas, and inspiration to power progress. In return we’re offering insight around innovations needed by global firms now and access to our technology – from software and hardware to AI.
We are looking for scaling startups in Smart Manufacturing or Sustainability (for Smart Manufacturing) area.
What makes you a scaling startup?
You have a product. You have some customers. You are looking to grow. We are here to make it a reality.
We would also like to highly encourage founders from underrepresented communities looking for support to apply to our program.
What to expect
Two to three times a year, we will be inviting proposals from scaling start-ups with an idea and the ambition to see it through. We’ll also be setting two or more challenges each year – based on pressing demands our customers are facing and focusing on anything from sustainability to AI integration.
In return, we’ll offer access to our technology, our world-beating data and our customers. Together, we’re going to deliver concrete, real-world solutions that have global potential.
- The most innovative proposals will be invited to pitch to Hexagon’s panel of experts, of which around 10 will be chosen for an intensive innovate-on-the-job scaling program to deliver a concrete project, supported by coaching, funding and industrial use case references through Hexagon’s customers.
- Three concepts will be provided the resources for true globalization, including more funding, worldwide office space, access to Hexagon’s full suite of products and services and incorporation into Hexagon’s ecosystem and exposure to Hexagon’s coveted customer base.
Introducing our first cohort. 5 countries. 7 amazing companies. Click on the logos to learn more about what they do and join us on May 25th in person or virtually to learn more about their future (registration below).
Congratulations to our Cohort One winners – RIIICO and SmartParts
Also congratulations to the runner up – Praemo
Cohort One is completed. New challenges will be posted soon. Look for the announcement in mid-late July.
We still encourage you to apply regardless as we are always looking for amazing startups
We are currently looking at the broad areas in Smart Sustainable Manufacturing. If you are one of the companies building products in related domains and you think you have a great product/market fit, we would like to hear from you. If we think there is a fit, we will reach out to you.
Sectors: All
Broad challenge areas:
- Big data
- Machine learning
- Artificial intelligence
- Sensors
- Sustainability
- Robotics
- Mixed reality
Thank you for your interest in Sixth Sense program.
The first step in our process is completing the application below. You will have to complete this application when you start as it cannot be saved. We are looking forward to learning more about you and your company. If you have any questions, please consult our FAQ or email us at sixth.sense.mi@hexagon.com
Frequently asked questions
What stage company can apply?
We welcome any stage company with smart manufacturing or sustainability for smart manufacturing focus (broader applications also welcome) to apply but prefer companies with some revenue (~$1m or less) and less than 3 years in existence.
How far along do we have to be progress-wise?
Due to the quality and quantity of applicants we’re anticipating, we encourage you to apply if you’ve already had a product/service and have some revenues coming from 1-2 anchor customers.
Which industry or business model can apply?
Any smart manufacturing and sustainability for smart manufacturing for-profit business is welcome to apply. We also encourage startups in closely related fields that could be applied to Smart Manufacturing and Sustainability for Smart Manufacturing.