July 26, 2024
Global quest for Swiss solutions
Dear reader
About 15.3 million spectators and more than 10,500 athletes are expected to attend the Olympic Games Paris 2024 – a huge number requiring a high degree of security. EPFL spin-off Technis, a solutions provider for monitoring and optimising physical space, is deploying its service to manage the flow of people at the various event venues. The start-up has already demonstrated the effectiveness of its solution at large events such as the Tour de France and the FIFA World Cup.
Security is also a major concern for organisations with general AI applications. ETH spin-off Lakera offers a robust, real-time GenAI security solution – Lakera Guard – powered by a proprietary database that combines over 50 million data points. Well-known international investors have injected USD 20 million into the company’s series A round to accelerate product development and expansion.
H55, which develops electric propulsion systems, is making progress in its North American expansion – not only has the company established a Canadian subsidiary, but it has also obtained an investment from the government of Quebec as part of its series C round, which closed at CHF 65 million. Even in technologically advanced Japan, companies look to Switzerland for new ideas. ETH Zurich spin-off and industrial 3D printing company NematX has signed a strategic partnership with Polyplastics, a subsidiary of the Japanese DAICEL Group, to support the development of eco-friendly materials and efficient production processes.
Malaica, a Kenyan born-global company founded by serial entrepreneur Pascal Koenig, is on track with its pregnancy care solutions. The company has obtained fresh capital to expand its services to help reduce the maternal mortality rate. Overall, news this week involved participation of global investors and organisations, underscoring the importance of Switzerland as a technology exporter.
Start-ups are also ambitious to grow beyond Switzerland. Internationalisation programmes such as Swissnex’s recently launched nexBio Amazônia for cleantech start-ups and its bootcamp for start-ups in digital and AI, which offers start-ups the opportunity to explore the market potential for their solutions, play a crucial role in helping them achieve growth. Registration for the Venture Leaders Medtech roadshow in Boston closes on Monday.
Don’t miss the various deadlines this summer: the i4Challenge on 31 July, Swissnex’s new programme Swissnex Valley, with AI Deep Dive for VCs on 1 August, Academia Industry Training India on 5 August, the Bluelion Accelerator programme on 11 August and the POWHER Awards on 14 August.
Have a good weekend.
Ritah Ayebare Nyakato
Duty Editor, 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". 
