Swiss cleantechs find a new base in Canada and Italy

H55 is focussing on certified electric propulsion and battery management systems tailored to a diverse range of aircraft. The company's core strengths lie in creating modular, lightweight, and certifiable propulsion and energy solutions. H55 boasts a proven track record in the development, production, integration, and flight-testing of electric propulsion systems, exemplified by its contributions to Solar Impulse, the world's first solar-powered electric aeroplane to circumnavigate the globe.

A few weeks following the closing of its CHF 45 million financing round, the startup has established a facility and Canadian subsidiary H55 Inc., strategically located at Saint-Hubert Airport in the greater Montreal area. This expansion aligns with its international expansion strategy and its commitment to meet the growing demands of its North American customer base.  H55 Canada will work in close collaboration with existing customers, including Pratt & Whitney Canada, CAE, and Harbour Air, for product development, customization, and customer support. The new facility, for which construction began this week, will be equipped with a state-of-the-art production line, with initial battery pack production scheduled to commence in 2024. The startup’s mission aligns seamlessly with the strategies of both the Canadian Federal and Quebec Provincial governments to accelerate the growth of clean aviation. The company is currently benefiting from federal government support through the Aerospace Regional Recovery Initiative (ARRI), Canada Economic Development (DEC) and is actively engaged in discussions to formalize support from the Quebec government.

Zaphiro establishes itself in Italy
Founded in 2017 as a spin-off of ETH Zurich, Zaphiro Technologies is a fast-growing company with the ambition to tackle today’s biggest challenge in the energy industry: safe and reliable operation of the power system with high penetration of distributed renewable generators and electric vehicles. The startup’s solution SynchroGuard offers an elegant grid monitoring solution that enables utilities to take fast, accurate, and cost-effective operational decisions. With SynchroGuard, utilities can safely integrate large quantities of renewable generators and EVs while simultaneously improving their quality of service.

Building on its success in Switzerland, the startup has expanded into Italy, with an office and a team based in Milan. According to the startup, the decision to establish in Italy was driven by Italy’s strategic role in leading several smart grid initiatives in Europe.

(Press release/RAN)