FIT grants CHF 400'000 to four new Western Switzerland startups

The Foundation for Technological Innovation provides financial supports to innovative and technological projects at different development stages. The FIT seed loan is targeted at companies that are not older than one year helping them in the prototyping and commercial development phase of a product. The four newly supported start-ups are:

Largo Films (EPFL): A novel streaming platform for short films with the innovative features increasing the engagement of audience

Largo develops Sofy.tv, an innovative video on-demand platform dedicated to movies shorter than 40 minutes. Largo’s technology allows targeted movies recommendations to the right audience, bringing engagement to new heights. Sofy.tv comes at the right time: recently number of short films have increased a lot and they have become a new trend for a wider audience. The platform was launched in May. Largo will now use the support from the FIT for the technology transfer.

Aeler Technologies (EPFL): A novel container for freight transportation

The EPFL startup is rethinking a fundamental tool of international freight transportation: the shipping container. Aeler builds a 21st century-ready composite intermodal container embedded with state-of-the-art electronics and sensors. Through this tool, Aeler shall reduce operating costs during transport, increase security and safety, reduce fuel consumption and related emissions, and enable IoT traceability and visibility services at the level of the container. The CHF 100’000 FIT loan will be used to create a real size prototype and use it with industrial partners for a first pilot phase. 

Gliapharm (EPFL): A new approach to the treatment of neurological and psychiatric disorder

The biotechnology startup GliaPharm develops treatments that are targeted at neurological and psychiatric disorders. Their innovative therapeutic approach is to target Glial Cells, the 'support cells' of neurons, to sustain and enhance brain metabolism in pathological conditions. The support from the FIT shall help GliaPharm to bring its mission to reality, which is to become a leading biotechnology company.  

LIGENTEC: Optical networks based on integrated silicon nitride photonics

LIGENTEC performs the research, development, fabrication and commercialisation of components and products related to optical systems based on integrated silicon nitride photonics. LIGENTEC reduces big optical systems to sizes smaller than a fingerprint. These optical systems also become more efficient in energy, thanks to new functionalities. LIGENTEC is present in markets such as telecommunications, quantum computing and bio-detection. Venture Kick and ESA-BIC support the start-up, too. 

(SK)