Y Combinator kicked off its highly anticipated two-day Demo Day event, showcasing the latest batch of startups from its S24 cohort. As expected, AI-driven innovations took center stage, with startups applying artificial intelligence to diverse sectors such as estate planning, clinical trials, and customs clearance. Notably absent were traditional fintech and web3 companies that once dominated previous YC cohorts. Instead, a range of futuristic AI applications stood out, showing the direction tech is heading.

Here are 13 standout startups from Day 1 of Demo Day, many of which are leveraging AI to solve critical issues:

1. Azalea Robotics Corporation – Automates baggage handling at airports using robotics.
This startup’s solution could revolutionize airport operations by replacing dangerous manual labor with robots.

2. Baseline AI – Automates clinical trial documentation with AI.
By speeding up clinical trials, Baseline AI aims to reduce costs and accelerate the development of new treatments.

3. Elayne – AI-powered estate planning and settlements.
Elayne makes estate planning more accessible, using AI to simplify what can be a complex and emotional process.

4. Hamming AI – Automated testing for AI voice agents.
With customer service AI booming, Hamming AI helps ensure these systems are functioning optimally.

5. Lumen Orbit – Data centers in space powered by solar energy.
A futuristic approach to cloud storage, harnessing the sun’s power to drive data centers.

6. Ontra Mobility – Helps cities optimize public transit.
Ontra Mobility provides smarter solutions to improve city transit, addressing growing urban population needs.

7. Passage – AI-assisted customs clearance.
Passage eases the complex process of getting goods through customs with AI, a valuable tool for logistics companies.

8. Promi – AI-driven price optimization for e-commerce.
Promi uses real-time data to help businesses offer dynamic discounts, enhancing customer engagement.

9. RetroFix AI – TurboTax for government building rebates.
RetroFix helps unlock government rebates for contractors, promoting sustainable building practices.

10. SchemeFlow – Automates government approvals for construction projects.
SchemeFlow uses AI to drastically reduce the time it takes for construction companies to obtain technical approvals.

11. Simplex – Creates synthetic datasets for vision models.
By providing quality data, Simplex helps AI companies avoid legal issues related to unauthorized data scraping.

12. Spaceium Inc. – A network of in-space refueling stations.
As the space industry expands, Spaceium’s refueling stations are set to support the growing demand for in-space operations.

13. Village Labs – Helps companies transition to employee ownership.
Village Labs empowers businesses to become employee-owned, fostering wealth creation and mutual benefits.