ETH Zurich breeds new spin-offs

The number of spin-offs emerging at ETH Zurich has continued to grow, with 540 companies founded since 1973. Last year, 26 new companies were founded, representing only a tiny difference compared to 2021 (25 spin-offs). The highest number of companies was recorded in 2020, with 34 companies.

Most founded spin-off companies in the previous year have had a steady growth trajectory since founding and gained traction in various ways. Yasai, offering herbs from its vertical farms, found its way to Coop shelves in 2022, while Synhelion, a specialist in solar fuel production, entered a strategic collaboration with Swiss International Air Lines to enable carbon-neutral flying. These are some of the few examples.

“It’s important for ETH that good technologies and ideas give rise to companies with growth potential and thus create new jobs. In this way, the success of our spin-offs becomes the success of Switzerland,” says Vice President Vanessa Wood.

The startups provide solutions in a wide variety of fields that reflect the entire range of topics at ETH Zurich. The largest group comprising ten startups offers different solutions for the IT and communications technology sector – a trend that has continued for several years. Calvin Risk AG, for instance, specialises in artificial intelligence insurance, while Cerrion AG uses AI and sensors to monitor and improve entire production processes. Transcality AG creates complex models (digital twins) of traffic systems that enable analysing a city’s traffic flows and simulating future scenarios.

The healthcare sector also has several startups catering to different problems. Three of them are working on novel cancer drugs and improving existing therapeutics, while two others offer apps that help reduce stress and increase mental and physical well-being. One company, Kairos Medical AG, is developing biodegradable bone implants to stabilise bones during healing; but unlike conventional metal screws, they dissolve in the body over time.

Entrepreneurship boosters for ETH Students
Several initials are available to students aspiring to become entrepreneurs, which has played a pivotal role in enabling them to build thriving businesses. The support of the Student Project House has led to the founding of three companies. Among them is Bottleplus, offering a sustainable water bottle for carbonated water on the go and AtlasVR AG, providing virtual reality technology for professional training programs. A strategic partnership between the ETH and UBS also aims to promote entrepreneurship among students and get schoolchildren excited about STEM subjects.

Three new unicorns and numerous acquisitions
Investment in ETH spin-offs also saw positive development last year. The companies received around CHF 1.2 billion, more than ever before. Three ETH spin-offs attained unicorn status in 2022 – Scandit enables fast scanning technology for smart devices, while Southpole and Climeworks are fighting against climate change.

A complete list with all ETH Zurich start-ups can be found on the ETH website.

(Press release/RAN)