September 20, 2024
A focus on application
Dear reader
Neo Medical’s combination of surgical hardware, AI-supported augmented reality data tools and innovative procedural techniques support surgeons in delivering personalised spinal surgery treatments. Neo’s series B financing round of USD 68 million is one of the most significant in the sector over the last decade. The two founders both have more than 20 years of experience in medical technology companies and start-ups.
Lightium’s founders are also very experienced, with two working at CSEM for many years. Lightium has now secured USD 7 million in a seed round led by Lakestar and Munich-based VC Vsquared Ventures. The start-up’s solution – a proprietary manufacturing process – significantly increases transmission bandwidth and reduces energy consumption in data centres.
For a long time, the belief in this country was that Switzerland is good when it comes to invention, but other countries are ahead when it comes to application. My impression is different: Swiss start-ups are putting new technology into practice based on experience and a no nonsense approach, as exemplified by Almer Technologies. The Bern start-up’s augmented reality headset, tailored for industrial applications, provides a lightweight, user-friendly and cost-effective alternative to competing products. Almer has now received an investment of CHF 3 million.
Companies are also looking to collaborate with industry players. LOXO and Planzer have joined forces in a pilot operation to test parcel distribution in Bern with an autonomous vehicle.
The basis for application proximity often lies in the problem-centred approach. Abrinca is developing an intuitive solution that enables biologists to conduct data-based genomic research without having to rely on bio-informaticians. The University of Bern spin-off has secured CHF 150,000 from Venture Kick.
Practical relevance in a different context: a bachelor’s thesis has examined exactly what female entrepreneurship looks like at business consulting company Genilem. We spoke to Genilem director David Narr about the results and the measures that are now being considered to improve the situation.
The Female Innovation Forum, which focuses on knowledge exchange, networking and recognition of female entrepreneurs, took place this week. Read about the winners in Ritah Nyakato’s article.
Applications are open for the Y Science Pharma Pitching Competition until Monday. The selected finalists will go to Helsinki to pitch to investors and scientists at an official side event of Slush and network with experts in their fields. They will also receive a Startup Pass to attend Slush. ZKB Pionierpreis Technopark and Boost My Startup Challenge are also open for registration. The deadline for the Genilem competition Prêt, Partez, Pitch! and for free workplaces at the Büro Züri Innovationspark is on 30 September. Start-ups can also register for a booth or the pitching competition at Startup Nights, which will take place in Winterthur at the end of October, and for the next StartAngels Pitch Event. And an ESA BIC info event in Lausanne on Wednesday will give start-ups the opportunity to learn everything about the program.
Next week you can meet my colleague Eugene Schön at the SEF.Growth event on the topic of strategic partnerships. I would also like to point out the Tech4Growth Conference on Monday in Lausanne and Quantum Industry Day in Arlesheim.
Have a good weekend.
Stefan Kyora
Editor in Chief, Startupticker.ch
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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". 
