Hemas and Hatch Slingshot 2.0 nurtures next generation of entrepreneurs

Monday, 3 March 2025 04:24 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Wheelchair House, winner of Slingshot 2.0 and Exam Hub, runner-up

The Hemas “Slingshot” accelerator, powered by Hatch, recently concluded its second cohort with an inspiring Demo Day, spotlighting some of Sri Lanka’s most promising startups in the EdTech, HealthTech and FMCG industries.

Out of the eight finalists, Wheelchair House, a startup providing customised Enabling Equipment emerged as the winner, while Exam Hub – Sri Lanka’s most popular platform for gamified education, secured the runner-up position. These startups demonstrated exceptional innovation and potential to scale earning recognition from industry leaders and investors alike.

Hemas Holdings PLC Chief Strategy and Growth Officer Rizny Faisal said: “Slingshot 2.0 is a testament to our commitment to fostering innovation and empowering the next generation of entrepreneurs in Sri Lanka. Through this accelerator, we are not just supporting startups — we are building an ecosystem where bold ideas can thrive, scale, and create lasting impact. The success of Wheelchair House, Exam Hub, and all our Slingshot 2.0 finalists highlights the immense potential of Sri Lankan entrepreneurship, and we are proud to play a role in their journey toward transformation and growth.”

Slingshot 2.0 provided participants with strategic mentorship and industry insights to help scale their businesses. Over the past six months, founders engaged in hands-on learning, deep dives into their industries, and exposure visits to enhance product quality, streamline operations, and refine their business models and growth strategies.

The top eight startups that showcased their progress at the Demo Day included: Wheelchair House (Winner), Exam Hub (Runner-up), Ophtha Innovations, Bistec Care, Four Elements, Phrasecode, Beautonic, Aagee.AI.

Throughout the program, domain experts from Hemas as well as business mentors from the Hatch network provided invaluable industry expertise, offering tailored guidance on scaling and sustainability.

Slingshot 2.0 Demo Day brought together a dynamic mix of investors, corporate leaders, and key players in Sri Lanka’s startup ecosystem, creating a powerful platform for these startups to showcase their progress and unlock new growth opportunities.

Hatch CEO Mevan Peiris emphasised the need for corporates to participate in supporting the startup ecosystem of Sri Lanka by commenting, “We have an excellent reference in countries like India, where the startup ecosystem has leapfrogged over the past decade. This transformation has been largely driven by established corporates making significant investments in R&D, innovation, and entrepreneurial support. This approach has not only accelerated startup growth but has also enabled corporates to become more agile and innovative. Ultimately, it has benefited the broader economy by unlocking new business opportunities and driving value creation.”

With Wheelchair House and Exam Hub leading the way, the Hemas x Hatch Slingshot accelerator continues to drive innovation, economic empowerment, and entrepreneurial excellence in Sri Lanka. As these startups embark on their next phase of growth, they are poised to shape the future of Sri Lanka’s business landscape and create lasting impact.

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