To address shortcomings in global recycling systems, WasteFlow has received a CHF 150,000 investment from Venture Kick to develop advanced waste detection technologies. The startup’s AI-powered solution uses strategically positioned cameras throughout recycling facilities to provide actionable insights and optimize the recycling process.
Worldwide, 2 billion tons of household waste are generated annually. Despite numerous initiatives aimed at enhancing waste recycling, Europe’s average is currently stagnating at 50%. A large part of the problem stems from the complexity of managing diverse types of waste and the operational inefficiencies within recycling facilities. These factors hinder progress in sustainable waste processing and exacerbate the global environmental crisis.
WasteFlow from Ecublens (VD) addresses facility operation challenges and performance monitoring by integrating a copilot with advanced artificial intelligence vision systems into existing recycling facilities. This innovative approach enhances operational efficiency by up to 50%, allowing major players in the sector to improve their processing capabilities and reach up to 75% recycling rate, without requiring extensive new investments.
As new legislation, rising taxes on incineration and landfilling, and environmental concerns become more pressing, the European market alone exceeds EUR 2 billion. WasteFlow, currently used in several Swiss facilities and rapidly expanding thanks to its first strategic distributor, aims to further extend its reach in Switzerland and across Europe.
The founding team brings a wealth of experience to the startup, with CEO Valentin Ibars combining technical and business knowledge, COO Théophile Agresti overseeing operations, and Théo Vitupier contributing his extensive industrial product development experience. The startup will invest the CHF 150,000 from Venture Kick to strengthen its operations team, supporting the first wave of product sales, and executing its distribution strategy across Switzerland and Europe.
“The support from Venture Kick is a strong validation of our team’s efforts and our potential to transform the recycling industry,” highlights COO Theophile Agresti. “Venture Kick's support has been instrumental in shaping our strategy, defining the initial version of our product and kickstarting our pre-seed round.”
(Press release/RAN)
Image: Valentin Ibars (CEO), Theo Vitupier (Head Hardware), and Theophile Agresti (COO)
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". 
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