Gebert Rüf’s Innobooster program supports film, gas and energy solutions

The Innobooster program supports promising start-up projects developed by bachelor and master students from Universities of Applied Sciences. Each project obtains CHF 150’000 to advance to the next stage.

In the recent selection round, the following projects impressed the selection committee.

Largo, EPFL
Now focusing on the film industry, Largo developed LargoAI, a data-driven intelligence technology, which can be introduced much earlier in the life of a film project - from script choice and development, through filming, post-production and theatrical release - to help film producers to predict viewers reaction on each part and the success of a film. Thanks to this technology, film producers can now boost their return on investment and minimise risk. The program will enable Largo to maintain its collaboration with the EPFL to enhance its technology.

Swistor, EPFL    
Battery life has become a significant selection criterion when purchasing a mobile device; however, the slow charging systems and shorter lifespan of the batteries affect the user experience. To address these challenges, the Swistor project aims to build an energy storage device that charges in two minutes, with an extended lifetime that is 30 times longer than current batteries, using materials that are safer and environmentally friendly than traditional lithium and cobalt. Target customers are the main mobile phone providers and the emerging market of self-powered IoT devices. The Innobooster funds will facilitate technology and business development.

Hexisense, EPFL
From its base at the EPFL Innovation Park, Hexisense is developing affordable semiconductor gas sensors for measuring individual gases in all vacuum systems. The gallium nitride-based chip which is currently under development is capable of measuring the number of certain gas molecules with unrivalled precision. The chip will help to indicate the remaining amount of water vapour in real-time thereby improving vacuum manufacturing.

Cowa Thermal Solutions AG, University of Luzern
Founded as a spinoff from the University of Luzern is developing compact thermal energy storage systems based on phase change materials for building services, engineering and industrial plants. Combined with renewable energy sources, the technology increases their own consumption by linking supply and the demand for energy through its storage systems. The founding team will use the funds to test the system in the real environment in preparation for market entry later this year.

The next submission deadline is 1st May 2020.

(RAN)