Sustainable start-ups report market success

Dear reader

Although we invest a lot of time in covering the whole of Switzerland, we mention some cantons relatively rarely and this includes Graubünden. But this week we reported on two start-ups from the canton: Novaziun has launched an innovative single-axle vehicle with electric drive and digital operation. The start-up is currently on a roadshow through Switzerland and has aroused interest among farmers and municipalities, particularly since the ‘monotrac’ is competitively priced.

The second Graubünden company, dhp technology, has reported success in Germany. It is installing its largest solar folding roof to date in the main sewage treatment plant in Stuttgart-Mühlhausen, which is the eighth German sewage treatment plant to become one of dhp’s customers. In our article highlighting dhp’s latest milestone, we also mention two other sustainable start-ups whose products are gaining traction. With the help of Embotech, German automotive supplier ZF is launching a predictive cruise control that enables significant gains in efficiency. And more and more vans from Flux Mobility are on Swiss roads.

There were reports of success from Yasai and OiOiOi. Yasai has expanded its vertical farming production and from September will be supplying twice as many Coop branches as before. OiOiOi now also offers baby and toddler fashion in a subscription model in Germany.

These reports demonstrate not only the the large number and diversity, but also the innovative power of sustainable start-ups. They have been supported by the Technology Fund with guarantees since 2015. In addition to figures on the activities of the fund over the past year, the current Annual Report also provides interesting insights, such as development of the rejection rate and failures of funded companies.

Speaking of funding, Innosuisse’s Innovation Council has approved the first nine start-up innovation projects, from a total of 32 applications, for a total funding amount of CHF 12.8 million. The new instrument, which provides direct funding to companies, is open to start-ups before they enter the market.

The First Ventures programme from the Gebert Rüf Foundation supports start-up projects by students at universities of applied sciences – the next deadline is 1 September. The call for applications for the ESA BIC Switzerland incubation programme is also open: an info event on 29 August will provide information on the programme.

Pre-seed start-ups can apply for Bluelion’s 10-week acceleration programme until 27 August. The application period for the next Tech4Trust programme also ends on the same date.

The first events start soon, with the Digital Health Lab Day in Winterthur next Thursday, in which nine start-ups will pitch. Slightly later is the Top 100 Swiss Startup Award, which will take place on 6 September. Registration for the live stream is now open.

Have a good weekend.
Stefan Kyora 

Editor in Chief, Startupticker.ch