Twilio honours 16 startups in 2024 AI Searchlight Awards

Twilio has announced the honourees of the 2024 AI Startup Searchlight Awards.

This year, sixteen startups have been recognised for their innovative use of Twilio's communication tools in conjunction with AI technologies, including large language models and big data, aiming to transform customer engagement. The programme, in its second annual iteration, highlights the creativity and impactful integration of Twilio products such as Voice, Email, and Messaging by these companies.

Among the honourees is the New Zealand-based Spoke Phone, noted for its advancements in AI-driven communication tools tailored for mobile teams involved in high-value, complex, and regulated conversations. The startup utilises Twilio's platform to enhance customer interactions.

Inbal Shani, Chief Product Officer of Twilio Communications, stated, "There is no better way to celebrate our 16th year than by spotlighting the creators and innovators who are reshaping the future of customer engagement with Twilio. These startups, with their bold ideas and dedication to transforming consumer experiences, demonstrate how Twilio's products can drive change in ways we only imagined 16 years ago."

Thomas Wyatt, President of Twilio Segment, emphasised the diversity of AI applications represented by this year's honourees. He noted, "This year's honourees represent the true breadth of AI applications, spanning industries from healthcare and finance to real estate. With 500+ applicants, it's clear that startups worldwide are reimagining what customer engagement can be, and Twilio is proud to support this wave of innovation."

The evaluation of candidates was conducted by a panel of judges from Twilio, including Thomas Wyatt, Inbal Shani, Vanessa Thompson, VP of Revenue and Growth Marketing, and Chiara Massironi, Head of Developer Network, alongside Nnamdi Iregbulem, a partner at Lightspeed Venture Partners. These judges assessed the startups based on their business impact, creativity, and effective use of AI in combination with Twilio's technology to influence the future of customer engagement.

Nnamdi Iregbulem remarked, "Twilio stands at the intersection of communications, contextual data, and AI, and uniquely enables builders to unlock the potential of these technologies. These startups are pushing that potential further than ever, setting a bold vision for the future of customer engagement through meaningful, next-level experiences."

The honourees, each leading initiatives in their respective fields, include 11x, Alpharun, Althea Health, Appella AI, curaJOY, Elaitra AI, Elythea, Fiado App, Frame AI, Goodcall AI, GAIL, meiti GmbH, Paradox, Spoke Phone, Storii, and Symbl.ai.

These startups are involved in creating digital workers, transforming recruitment processes, enhancing healthcare services and family behavioural health support, as well as extending financial services and preserving life stories, among other projects.

Each of the recognised startups will receive USD $10,000 in Twilio credits, a USD $5,000 retail gift card, and opportunities for co-marketing to promote their achievements.