Uplift - Materials for the future

Entrepreneurship

Where the future materialises

by Andrea Zeller
16 September 2024

Entrepreneurship

Where the future materialises

by Andrea Zeller
16 September 2024

Whether in the construction industry, the food tech sector or the field of biodiversity: thanks to the innovative use of materials and new manufacturing technologies, ambitious entrepreneurial researchers at ETH are helping to shape a more sustainable future.

A selection

Several promising start-ups were supported by the donors of the Pioneer Fellowship programme:

8inks: Customised battery production

Batteries are manufactured in an innovative process that enables customised coatings and speedier production while minimising energy consumption and material waste.

apheros: Metal foams for efficient cooling

The novel metal foams have the potential to significantly reduce CO2 emissions caused by cooling.

FenX: Insulation material from industrial waste

The spin-off uses excavated material from construction sites to produce insulation material that is non-flammable, inexpensive and recyclable.

Microcaps: Microencapsulation for ethanol-free perfumes

With their new microencapsulation technology, Microcaps set a new standard for alcohol-free perfumes and products in the food and pharmaceutical sectors.

Oxara: Decarbonised concrete from mineral construction waste

Oxara transforms waste materials into valuable resources, enabling circular and sustainable building materials with their cement-free admixture and binder technologies.

qCella: Cutable product heating

Instead of heating entire rooms or vehicles, paper-thin heating mats transport the heat to the intended places.

rrreefs: Coral reefs from a 3D printer

3D-printed, modular structures restore damaged reefs, supporting their function in the ecosystem of providing coastal protection and habitat for marine animals.

sallea: Edible structures

sallea's support structures enable steaks and fish fillets to be cultivated. This allows for animal protein to grow from cells without having to feed an entire animal.

Solabs: Clear vision with solar energy

Activated by sunlight, a durable coating protects all types of glasses from fogging, without the use of chemicals or the risk of degrading.

Treeless Pack: Materials made from microorganisms

Using environmentally friendly nanocellulose from organic waste, the spin-off aims to reduce the use of plastics and synthetic resins.

“With our funding, we can fuel the passion of promising young researchers.”

Patricia Kopp
responsible for Education and Science at the Ernst Göhner Foundation

Pioneer Fellows 2010 - today

Delve into the next story:

Where the future materialises

Where the future materialises

Whether in the construction industry, the food tech sector or the field of biodiversity: thanks to the innovative use of materials and new manufacturing technologies, ambitious entrepreneurial researchers at ETH are helping to shape a more sustainable future.

A selection

8inks: Customised battery production

apheros: Metal foams for efficient cooling

FenX: Insulation material from industrial waste

Microcaps: Microencapsulation for ethanol-free perfumes

Oxara: Decarbonised concrete from mineral construction waste

qCella: Cutable product heating

rrreefs: Coral reefs from a 3D printer

sallea: Edible structures

Solabs: Clear vision with solar energy

Treeless Pack: Materials made from microorganisms

“With our funding, we can fuel the passion of promising young researchers.”

Delve into the next story:

New bonds

Boosting battery power

Material research with market potential