SUN Bioscience wins 27th Prix Strategis

Winning the Prix Strategis means succeeding in gaining the support of renowned experts from different fields and influential professionals from the Western Switzerland economy. First of all, SUN Bioscience had to satisfy criteria of innovation, product development and expansion capacity but also represent a high potential for the Swiss economy.

Founded in 2016 by 2 researchers from EPFL, SUN Bioscience is developing an innovative solution for organoids culture (micro-tissues with organ-mimicking functions, produced from stem cells). The start-up intends to promote the development of precision health by offering the pharmaceutical industry a low-cost, high-quality and disruptive solution. By being the result of a decade of research at the EPFL, this biotech is a demonstration of the innovative potential of Western Switzerland.

Pristem completes the podium in second position. Also active in the medical sector, the start- up offers an "all-in-one" X-ray machine at an affordable acquisition and operating cost. Targeting emerging markets that cannot afford current advanced equipments, the device is adapted to the constraints of these countries by developing a robust and autonomous system. Continuing on its successful path, Pristem is developing other devices that meet the same criteria of cost, reliability and robustness.

The third position goes to PXL Vision, which offers a digital identity verification solution. Its automated service using artificial intelligence facilitates this step by drastically limiting its cost and the risk of fraud.

Off the podium are 9T Labs, which links 3D printing and carbon fiber, and Microcaps, which facilitates the precise and targeted distribution of pharmaceutical molecules.

  

Finally, the guests present at the ceremony were able to crown Microcaps with the Prix du Public. This start-up demonstrates Swiss Precision by offering a microcapsule that allows the distribution of a drug treatment to be rigorously targeted in the body.

Patrick Aebischer as the guest speaker

 

Originally planned in May and postponed due to the Covid-19 crisis, the event was held yesterday evening at the Olympic Museum in Lausanne. The guest speaker of this 27th edition was Patrick Aebischer, a renowned neuroscientist and former president of EPFL and the Brain Mind Institute. His keynote stressed the full potential of Switzerland in terms of innovation, talent and the opportunities revealed by the current Covid-19 crisis, particularly in the medical and IT sectors.

 

Prix Strategis is organized by HEC Espace Entreprise, a students’ association from HEC Lausanne who is eager to bring together the entrepreneurial world and the students of HEC Lausanne.

To conclude, a few words of Florian Bapst, Vice-President of HEC Espace Entreprise and Head of the Prix Strategis: "It is a great honour to have brought this prize to a successful conclusion despite the circumstances. Many thanks to all those who made it possible".

(ES)