Addressing the chemical pollution challenge, CellX Biosolutions develops high-performance bacterial degraders that enable CO2 emission-free degradation of industrial pollutants. The company has closed its pre-seed round, raising CHF 1.7 million to develop the first commercial bacterial solution for PFAS degradation.
CellX Biosolutions, an ETH spinoff co-founded by Estelle Clerc, Geoffrey Besnier, Fabienne Kurt, and Christian Engler, has developed a groundbreaking microfluidic-based tool that identifies unique bacteria with high degradation performance. These bacteria are capable of breaking down harmful chemicals, including PFAS, pharmaceuticals, and microplastics, even in remote environments. This sustainable approach offers an eco-friendly alternative to traditional chemical disposal methods.
The solution is built on Estelle’s PhD research on bacterial behaviour in the ocean, using in situ microfluidics. For this innovation, CellX was awarded a Bridge Proof of Concept Fellowship from Innosuisse, further supporters, accelerating its development.
In its latest pre-seed investment round, led by Positron Ventures, the startup secured CHF 1.7 million. Contributions came from Kickfund, Venture Kick, business angels, and early supporters such as Marcello Campanelli and Ian Metcalfe. Additionally, the city of Zurich supported the startup with non-dilutive funds through the KlimUp initiative.
This funding will drive the development of CellX’s first commercial bacterial solution for PFAS degradation. "We are now launching exciting collaborations with industrial partners to create tailored products that address real-world challenges," says the startup.
(RAN)
The new Swiss Venture Capital Report was published on 26 January. It analyses 304 financing rounds closed in 2020 and includes further article such as an interview with Michael Hengartner, President of the ETH Board, and a list of Swiss "soonicorns". 
Please login or sign up to comment.
Commenting guidelines