Swiss startup Privately just unveiled AgeAI in Ireland and the UK. The age verification app powered by artificial intelligence is directed at convenience stores selling restricted goods like alcohol, vapes or lottery tickets. The app makes it much easier for them to identify minors while not needing to stop adults, therefore reducing friction of unnecessary ID checks.

The InnoBooster program will support five new startups on their journey to building their businesses. During the next 18 months, each participant will receive CHF 150’000 in addition to expert support to accelerate their market entry. The startups are developing solutions to address stroke rehabilitation, contribute to a faster transition to sustainable energy and make underwater activities safer with autonomous diving drones.

Hive Power is a leading provider of innovative smart grid solutions, aiming to enhance the integration of renewable energy and electric vehicles into intelligent electrical networks. The company closed a new funding round totaling $600,000. The company received strong support from renowned investors and industry insiders.

Life sciences startups Engimmune Therapeutics, HI-D Imaging, Alentis Therapeutics and Versameb have appointed new members to their board of directors including a chair person. For MarTech startup, Neyoxa, the appointed member has been involved with the startup through its recent financing round.

Leveraging DAIMANI technology, DAZN will embed a ticket marketplace in the DAZN app. As part of the deal, DAZN has the option to acquire equity in DAIMANI.

Swiss venture capital financing was no longer able to escape the global downward trend in the first half of 2023. Just under CHF 1.2 billion was invested – a drop of 54% compared with the same period in 2022. However, the current half-year update of Swiss Venture Capital Report, published by the online news portal Startupticker.ch and the investor association SECA in cooperation with startup.ch, also shows that Swiss investors believe that rock bottom has been reached.

BODDY, das führende Tech-Start-Up, das Reisenden Fitness- und Wellness Erlebnisse ermöglicht hat seine Seed-Runde abgeschlossen. Die zusätzlichen Gelder beschleunigen das Wachstum von BODDY, insbesondere in Europa und Nordamerika.  

Sandsiv, a customer experience and voice of customer solutions provider and Parashift, a specialist in AI-based document extraction, are working with global companies to bring their solutions to a broader audience. For fintech startup aisot, the partnership will lead to the development a new product to enable investors worldwide to participate safely in the crypto market.

Das Zürcher Startup FLOWIT hat gut 1,5 Jahre nach dem Go-Life seiner HR-Plattform den Skalierungsprozess eingeläutet. Über 60 Kunden mit insgesamt über 10'000 Angestellten nutzen die SaaS-Lösung für digitale und KI-unterstützte Personalentwicklung bereits. Kürzlich hat sich FLOWIT damit bei einer öffentlichen Ausschreibung des Unispitals Basel gegen 5 Mitbewerber durchgesetzt.

Following the unfortunate passing of Ecorobotix’s CEO, Simon Aspinall, the company’s board has named Aurélien G. Demaurex as the ad interim CEO. The new CEOs at Antion Biosciences and obvioTec AG and the newly appointed chief commercial officer at Nanoive are also not new in the startup scene.

The annual European Innovation Scoreboard highlights the commitment of the EU and its Member States to fostering innovation. Switzerland has maintained its position as the most innovative European country, with a performance of 139.6% of the EU average. It has scored particularly highly in education-related indicators, scientific publications, and environment-related indicators. Also in the top 5 are Denmark, Sweden, Finland, and the Netherlands.

Autonomous indoor drone company Verity completed an additional USD 11 m investment in its Series B funding round. Qualcomm Ventures joined as investor. This extension completes the USD 32 m Series B round that was previously announced in March this year.

Two of the five startups in the Qai Ventures accelerator program for companies focusing on quantum technology applications hail from Switzerland: Miraex is developing a bi-directional quantum converter, while Moonlight is developing AI-based models that allow for faster and more affordable cancer diagnosis.

AMNIS Treasury Services AG (amnis), ein 2014 gegründetes FinTech-Unternehmen mit dem Ziel, internationale Bankgeschäfte für KMU zu vereinfachen, hat das KMU-Portfolio der FX-Consulting AG übernommen. Auch das organische Wachstum von amnis ist eindrücklich: Im ersten Trimester 2023 wurde die Einnahmen praktisch verdoppelt.

Following approval from the national autorities, a clinical study has been initiated in Brazil to test Comphya’s CaverSTIM, the first implantable neurostimulator to restore erectile function, in spinal chord injury patients.

Jekta has received an order for 50 of our PHA-ZE 100 aircraft to Indian seaplane operator MEHAIR while Loft Dynamics has delivered its virtual reality simulator to a customer in Sicily. These milestones demonstrate the growing trust global companies demonstrate are putting in Swiss technologies.

The EPFL Startup Launchpad has granted two awards of CHF100,000 each to future EPFL startups MIROS Technology and AirCurve. The first startup project uses interactive robotic surfaces to build interactive spaces, and the second the second is looking to revolutionise airway intubation in hospital and emergency settings.

Swiss-based HeiQ, leader in materials innovation, and MAS Holdings, a global apparel & textile manufacturing and tech conglomerate headquartered in Sri Lanka with approximately USD2 billion in turnover, entered a partnership for MAS to secure a stake in HeiQ AeoniQ GmbH, a subsidiary of HeiQ Group that will produce HeiQ AeoniQ, a climate-positive cellulosic yarn.

ETH Spinoff Quazel built an artificial Intelligence-backed language learning app to empower learners get conversational fluency. With 21 languages already supported, the startup has raised $1.5M from Khosla ventures to scale the platform.

Adding divis intelligent solutions GmbH, a leading pioneer in classical optimization and machine learning algorithms, to Terra Quantum will enable the St. Gallen-based startup to accelerate the development and application of classical and hybrid quantum algorithms for real-world applications.

HAIR & SKIN, Marktführer im Bereich Haartransplantation und verwandte Therapien, eröffnet heute eine erste Klinik im Tessin. Erst vor drei Jahren gegründet, zählt HAIR & SKIN landesweit aktuell 21 Ableger. Der Erfolg ist nachfragegetrieben: Der Umsatz lag 2022 im mittleren zweistelligen Millionenbereich.

Large renowned financial players continue to rely on startup technologies to advance their offerings. Taurus has enabled Credit Suisse to roll out its digital asset strategy with NFTs issued by the Swiss Football Association; Conercard is relying on Rivero’s platform for its compliance needs. Peer-to-peer lending platform Loanbox has remained on its revenue growth trajectory thanks to the continued support of its customers.

The emergence of blue-economy sectors - such as wind power, carbon capture and storage, fish and seaweed farming - is requiring an increasing number of submerged assets to be monitored. To achieve this in an affordable, safe and sustainable way, Hydromea is building a unique ecosystem of autonomous collaborating, underwater drones. With more than 50 customers across the world, the startup is preparing for the launch of its novel EXRAY inspection robot.

Gleich fünf Startups lancierten im Juni Crowdinvestments. Zwei Kampagnen davon sind bereits beendet und bescherten den Startups Selma Finance und KA-EX jeweils deutlich über eine Million Franken. Auch Lend hat bereits vor Ablauf der Kampagne über 2,3 Millionen Franken auf sicher. Das Kinderbücher-Startup Librio kratzt ebenfalls an der Millionen-Grenze. Etwas bescheidener ist Stagend unterwegs.

With I-State, Innolith introduces a new green battery alternative to Li-ion for electric vehicles and e-mobility applications. To support its ongoing licensing negotiations, the company has signed Memoranda of Understanding with five customers for a production requirement of 100 MWh per year for off-road, aviation and mining applications.

The Technology Fund portfolio today comprises 130 Swiss startups that received loan guarantees to get attractive bank loans in order to support their efforts in reducing greenhouse gas emissions in accordance with the CO2 Act. This article presents the newly added companies in the first half of 2023

Swiss FinTech startup Numarics has raised a €10.2M seed round for its AI-powered accounting and administration solution tailored to SMEs. The investment was co-led by UBS through UBS Next, the firm’s venture and innovation unit, together with FiveT Fintech. In addition, UBS announced plans to form a strategic partnership with Numarics.

Die Schweizer Finanzplattform UMushroom hat in einer Finanzierungsrunde 1.5 Millionen Franken generiert. Mir den frischen Mitteln soll die internationale Expansion vorangetrieben werden. Zudem wurde die UMushroom University lanciert und Ausbildungsprogramme für Unternehmen und Verbände gestartet.

In their policy brief on cultivating the entrepreneurial ecosystem in Switzerland, Rico Baldegger, Raphaël Gaudart and Pascal Wild provide recommendation based on the results of the Global Entreprenereurship Monitor 2022 / 2023.

Als ehemaliger Leiter des Bereichs Technology & Ventures der TX Group und als VR-Mitglied von Zattoo, Lend.ch und Bexio ist Samuel Hügli in der Schweizer Startup-Szene kein Unbekannter. Nun hat er die Climartis AG gegründet, um eine Gruppe von unternehmerisch geführten Energie-Dienstleistern in der Schweiz aufzubauen. Das erste Unternehmen wurde bereits übernommen.

One year after its commercial launch, Urbio draws first positive conclusions from the use of its energy planning software, which uses artificial intelligence. Centralizing all energy data and enabling detailed analysis of the building stock, the start-up’s "Google Maps of Energy" impressed Central Valais energy distributor OIKEN. In Switzerland and abroad, demand for the solution is bound to grow.

Two Swiss start-ups were just granted Biopôle Start-up Fund support: Sulfiscon and biped.ai. Receiving an initial 12 months of funding, Sulfiscon is developing a novel treatment for disorders of pathologic calcification in man and is based on research generated in the Rheumatology Laboratory of the CHUV. Meanwhile, biped.ai will benefit from a second year of support. Both companies are established members of Biopôle’s vibrant life sciences community.

Die Post übernimmt per 3. Juli 80 Prozent der Aktien des Cybersecurity-Unternehmens terreActive AG aus Aarau. Die Firma mit 90 Mitarbeitenden bietet ein umfangreiches Angebot, das ihre Kundinnen und Kunden vor Cyberbedrohungen schützt.

Seit dem Launch seiner Investor Relations-Kollaborationsplattform vor anderthalb Jahren hat Konsento bereits über 150 Kunden mit insgesamt rund 8'000 Aktionärinnen und Aktionären überzeugt. Allein im ersten Halbjahr 2023 konnte das Zürcher Startup die Anzahl Kunden mehr als verdoppeln.

Ilise Lombardo brings years of experience from pharma and academia to help advance Noema Pharma’s pipeline of drug candidates, while Brian Ray will support Amazentis, now called Timeline, to strengthen its US operations. Fintech startup Teylor appointed two managers: a Chief Financial Officer and a Chief Commercial officer, to accelerate its growth.

Die Cobea AG, das Startup hinter ALPINE WHITE, konnte sich 3.75 Millionen Franken im Rahmen einer Seed Extension Runde sichern. Zudem hat die UBS 1 Million Franken an Fremdkapital gesprochen. Mit den Geldern baut das Dental-Startup das Service- und Produktportfolio weiter aus und bereitet den Markteintritt in Brasilien vor.

As one of the five winners in the EU Agency for Space Programme, Swiss startup Onocoy took home a significant cash prize of €100’000. The startup leverages web3 technology to provide affordable GNSS reference station data for the mass market on a global scale.

Avea, a pioneer in science-backed longevity solutions, closed an extended seed funding round. The round, led by Maximon, their lead investor, has raised an additional $2.5 million, bringing Avea's total seed funding to $5 million. The funds will be used to accelerate growth in Europe and expand the presence in the APAC region.

Starting from drugs that have to be injected today, Biolingus is working on products that can be taken sublingually in the future. The Swiss-based company has filed for an IPO with the objective of raising close to USD50 million.

A group of former corporate bankers, led by CEO Riccardo Balasmo, have built the Delega platform to allow treasurers and corporates to easily access and maintain digital signatory records. The startup has now secured fresh capital to accelerate product development.

In 2016 FONGIT, in Geneva, and EPFL Innovation Park launched the Geneus program – the first innovation initiation program – transforming life sciences research into startup projects. After 7 successful years in which 150 innovators were supported, FONGIT has upgraded this program and extended the approach to all areas of deep tech, becoming the FONGIT Innovation Initiation Program.

Medtech startup Berlin Heals aims to advance heart failure therapy with its implantable C-MIC (Cardiac Microcurrent) device. Following positive pilot tests in patients, the startup seeks to obtain a CE certification and FDA approval. The invested CHF 6 million from Swiss company Fumedica and further investors will facilitate the process.

Six promising Swiss startups with the goal to explore and conquer the US market participated in the two week bootcamp run by Swissnex in San Francisco. This bootcamp was part of the internationalization camps proposed by Innosuisse across the world to Swiss startups participating in its coaching program, and the 14th edition of the bootcamp in San Francisco.

Floundering Babylon Health has opted for a take-private proposal. The transaction will transfer core operating subsidiaries of Babylon to Swiss digital health unicorn MindMaze. Update: On 7 August 2023, Babylon Health announced that the transaction has been cancelled. 

Augment IT gründet sich als eigenes Unternehmen aus der Schweizer Softwarefirma Netcetera aus, um einen starken Fokus auf das immer grössere Potential im Augmented- und Virtual-Reality-Markt zu legen. Der ehemalige Gründer und CEO von Netcetera unterstützt diesen Schritt und ist neuer Hauptaktionär der Augment IT AG.

Five Swiss startups with solutions in the nanotech, energy, ICT and medical sectors have impressed juries worldwide, winning themselves cash and honorary prizes.

Startups brauchen in der Regel mehrere Jahre bis sie Gewinn erwirtschaften. Nun soll die Möglichkeit, frühere Verluste mit Gewinnen zu verrechnen von sieben auf zehn Jahre ausgedehnt werden. Der Bundesrat hat eine entsprechende Vorlage in die Vernehmlassung geschickt.

Spun out of UNIL/CHUV, DNAQuraCy works on the next generation DNA sequencing tools. The three other projects are spin-offs from EPFL: Dewi anticipates anxiety attacks through neuroscience, naialabs allows at-home blood testing and MagFlow is miniaturizing microcatheters. The FIT-InnoTREK grant to DNAQuraCy and the three FIT-Innogrants to the EPFL-projects will help them further develop their prototypes and cover first expenses.

CompagOs is developing an advanced platform for in vitro drug efficacy testing on mineralized 3D bioprinted bone organoids. By exposing the replicated cancer in bone models to various drugs, the startup can assess their reactions and determine the most suitable treatment options, thus enabling personalized medicine. The CHF 150’000 from Venture Kick will be used to further build and bring to market its prototype for personalised clinical applications in cancer and bone diseases.

Companies that make it to the Technology Pioneers community of the World Economic Forum solve some of the world’s pressing problems with technology. Among the 20 startups that received the membership this year are three Swiss startups: Goodwall, MobyFly and Transmutex.