The five finalist of the Prix Strategis 2025 were evaluated according to four demanding criteria: Innovation, Achievement, Scaling Potential and Impact, with the aim of rewarding a company that brings real added value to the Swiss economy. The jury was composed of experts from the academic, entrepreneurial and innovation worlds.
Lightium, founded in 2023, is developing a proprietary Thin-Film Lithium Niobate (TFLN) platform. By offering production-grade PIC foundry services, the startup empowers photonic device manufacturers to streamline production, reduce costs, and scale seamlessly. TFLN, a glass-like material, significantly enhances data transmission rates while dramatically lowering power consumption. With its scalable platform, Lightium eliminates the need for complex, multi-step integrations, making high-performance photonic devices more accessible and efficient to produce. the start-up has attracted Vsquared Ventures and Lakestar as investors.
In second place was HekeTiss SA, which has developed TrophiPatch, a stem cell-based patch for treating chronic wounds, with clinical trials planned for 2025. This is a promising advance in the field of regenerative medical technologies.
In third place, Yeastup stood out with its solution for recycling surplus brewer's yeast, which it transforms into high value-added ingredients for the food and cosmetics industries. In addition to its place on the podium, Yeastup also won the Audience Award, presented by AGEFI, Prix Strategis media partner.
Giovanna Dipasquale, co-founder of HeroSupport and winner of the previous edition, introduced this year's podium announcement. After sharing a few words about her company's journey since its victory, she revealed the startups ranked third and second, before handing over to Lightium, winner of the 2025 Strategis Prize.
Among the other finalists, Green-Y Energy offers an innovative 3-in-1 system capable of storing electricity and producing both heat and cooling using patented compressed air storage technology. Qaptis, meanwhile, is developing a plug-in CO₂ capture kit for heavy-duty vehicles, contributing to the decarbonization of road transport.
Highlighting Swiss entrepreneurs since 1993
The Strategis Prize is organized each year by the student association HEC Espace Entreprise, which works to bring together the academic world of HEC Lausanne and the Swiss entrepreneurial ecosystem. The 2025 edition was coordinated by Antoni Huber, head of the Strategis Prize.
Since its creation in 1993, the Strategis Prize has established itself as a benchmark in the Swiss entrepreneurial landscape, highlighting the country's most promising startups each year.
(Press release / SK)
Photo: Lightium cofounders L-R: Frédéric Loizeau and Amir Ghadimi
0Comments
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