NovoViz, ReShape and FindATutor get FIT Funding

NovoViz: a new generation of imaging sensors
To capture high frame rates, even in environments without optimal lighting, single-photon avalanche diode (SPAD) sensors are used. However, existing SPAD imaging sensors face certain limitations for broader use: their operation is complex due to the large amount of data generated, the sensors require additional electronic components, are slow, and are not easy to integrate. Furthermore, and this is a fundamental obstacle, they are very expensive.
 
By integrating the computing part directly onto the SPAD photon sensor chip, NovoViz’s unique innovation addresses these challenges. The system features a miniaturized camera (3x3x3 cm³) that is much faster, capable of capturing up to 100 million frames per second. These are highly attractive characteristics in terms of speed and usability, unmatched by any other SPAD camera on the market today. The use of NovoViz's computation SPAD imaging sensors, either as standalone sensor chips that can be integrated into systems or as all-in-one camera systems, has a wide applicability in various fields, including medical imaging, automotive, space, inspection, surveillance, and more.
 
With the FIT’s Tech Seed loan of 100,000 CHF awarded to NovoViz, the company can bring more value to the team while scaling up the production of sensor chips and cameras.
 
ReShape: automating risk analysis for complex systems
Today, complex systems such as smartphones, autonomous cars and drones are ubiquitous in our daily lives. As their use grows and their complexity increases, producers and consumers need to ensure that these systems meet the highest standards of reliability and safety. Increasing market expectations are also pushing complex systems towards shorter development cycles and reduced engineering costs.
 
At present, modern industries suffer from a lack of automated tools to identify the risks associated with these complex systems, which can lead to accidents involving individuals, with varying levels of risk depending on the context (such as the recall of faulty engines by Pratt & Whitney in 2023/2024 at a cost of more than $5 billion).
 
Reshape System SA, a CERN spin-off, is tackling these challenges with an innovative software solution that automates the risk analysis process for all complex technical systems. At the heart of this solution is Artificial Intelligence (AI), which is revolutionising the way services are designed, moving from a ‘software as a service’ model to a ‘service as software’ model, acting as a ‘risk analysis co-pilot’. AI takes care of the most arduous and error-prone tasks in the risk analysis process, reducing engineering costs, with risk analyses ten times faster and cheaper thanks to the latest generative AI technologies. The result is faster and cheaper time-to-market of products for companies across a range of sectors, with improved levels of reliability, whatever the context and level of risk.
 
The CHF 100,000 Tech Seed loan from FIT will enable Reshape Systems SA to expand its team by creating a full-time position dedicated to improving the AI models of its software solution.
 
FindATutor: a platform that reconciles the needs of students and tutors from the same university
In Switzerland, more than half of all students encounter difficulties in their studies, whether it be learning difficulties, a lack of self-confidence, etc. 40% of them seek help, particularly from their fellow students - the most effective solution - or from external sources.
 
In both cases, there are obstacles: difficulty in finding a qualified peer for the problem they are facing, difficulty in asking a fellow student for help, high costs if they go through an external tutor, and so on. Moreover, external tutors specialise in a subject but unfortunately are not able to provide a personalized learning experience. On the other hand, many students are looking for work, including tutoring. However, they come up against a high barrier to entry, because until now there has been no effective platform for connecting students who are looking for this kind of help, and the administrative and logistical management involved in organising a tutorship is cumbersome.
 
The FindATutor platform reconciles the needs of students and tutors (who are themselves students), with the aim of creating a self-sufficient circular economy. It operates as a ‘marketplace’ for students from the same university - the peer-to-peer relationship brings understanding of the issues, empathy, etc., which are key to success. It offers solutions that students can afford (such as group learning), reducing the average cost of tutoring by 80%. This frees tutors from administrative issues, allowing them to concentrate solely on teaching, while students can get support at any time from someone who understands their needs.
 
The Digital Seed loan of CHF 50,000 will be used by FindATutor for marketing purposes, to develop the start-up in Switzerland and around the world and to hire an employee responsible for marketing.

(PR)