Trendsetters from Switzerland

Dear reader

The development of new drugs is becoming increasingly expensive and a feverish search is on for ways to reduce costs. An important approach is three-dimensional tests on tissue samples; these are more meaningful than the traditional tests with samples of only one cell layer. Because of the great importance to the pharmaceutical and chemical industries, the market for three-dimensional samples is highly competitive. Thus, the performance of Schlieren-based InSphero in getting to the forefront of this market with its technology for the production of micro-organs is not to be underestimated. This week, it announced the completion of a financing round of about CHF20 million, which gives the company the means to play a dominant role in a large and rapidly growing market.

Three-dimensional printing is another current megatrend and this week there was news from a Swiss start-up. Mimedis uses metallic 3D printing for the production of tailor-made bone implants and the Basel start-up launched its product line Mimedis Surgical Solutions this week. Thus, individually developed implants are on the market and first orders from partner hospitals are already in place.

Another trendsetter from Switzerland received the Seif label this week. CombaGroup’s system of growing lettuce uses 90% less land, 99% less water and 100% less chemicals than traditional farming.

CombaGroup also one of the 10 promising start-ups that have been chosen for venture leaders’ China programme. They will participate in a business development trip to Beijing, Shanghai and Shenzhen in October.

Also in October, five selected start-ups will travel to Silicon Valley for a tailor-made programme as part of the Swisscom Startup Challenge. The 10 finalists were announced this week.

Despite the summer holidays, founders should keep some important deadlines in mind. You have until 17 July to register for the ICT4Good competition and 15 July for the Geneva fintech incubator Fusion. The registration period for the Academia Industry Training camps in Brazil and India is open to 12 August, and the application period for the StartCup Ticino started this week.

Have a sunny weekend.
Stefan Kyora

Managing Editor, startupticker.ch