Female-led team at Sallea continues to make headlines. After winning the Female Innovation Forum last month, the ETH Zurich spinoff has raised $2.6 million in pre-seed funding to develop edible scaffolds for cultivated meat and fish production. This technology aims to accelerate the creation of premium whole cuts without animal farming, potentially revolutionizing the cellular agriculture industry.
Building on this momentum, many startups in their early stages are increasingly turning to alternative funding sources to fuel their growth. One of such initiatives is the First Ventures program by the Gebert Rüf Foundation, which supports university projects and helps young entrepreneurs transform their ideas and research into viable businesses. In the recent selection, Dzhuliia Kolodko’s startup Reliq has secured funding to advance its solution that transforms visitors’ phones into personalized museum guides. Adoram Therapeutics, a Life Sciences spin-off from the University of Geneva, has received a 100,000 CHF FIF Seed Loan to support the advancement of their drug discovery platform.
Alveolix is part of a consortium that just received EU funding working on the PANC-CKI project addressing pancreatic cancer. Alveolix offers a patented AXBarrier-on-Chip System, a platform enabling advanced safety and efficacy models for pre-clinical testing. Another grant went to Kuori, the startup now moving into its first own laboratory space in the Bio-Technopark Schlieren-Zurich. The new facility, in addition to the support of the Migros Pioneer Fund, will enable the cleantech startup to accelerate its material developments to provide customers with a bio-based plastic alternative. Lealy, a digital habit change program in relation to sustainable weight loss, is also showing promising growth. The startup’s approach to personal development and behavior modification is resonating with users. The startup has recorded monthly customer growth of 15%, with the break-even anticipated to occur next year.
Some female-led startups in the health sector are also making strides in their respective field. NUCLIDIUM, led by CEO and co-founder Leila Jaafar-Thiel, has recently imaged the first patient in its Phase 1 clinical trial for its radiotracer, 61Cu-NuriPro™, aimed at diagnosing and staging prostate cancer. Similarly, Daniela Morino, co-founder of medtech startup Cutiss announced treating the first patient in the US with their bioengineered graft, denovoSkin™ in reconstructive surgery under FDA compassionate use. This procedure was performed at Massachusetts General Hospital. Following two successful grafting procedures, the patient is reportedly recovering well, and a third procedure is planned. In partnership with Bayer, Impli is working to advance women’s health and deliver the first real-time hormone monitoring device – making fertility more accessible, safer and more successful. The collaboration with Bayer will see the company advance its early-stage research while exploring a variety of potential use cases for hormone monitoring. The startup will also get access to Bayer’s global innovation ecosystem.
As collaborations pave the way for new technologies, other sectors are also witnessing exciting developments. In the realm of tech and consumer goods, companies like IDUN Technology are making headlines. IDUN Technology, co-founded by Séverine Gisin and Simon Bachmann, is expanding its solution to more customers. The company has launched the third generation of its smart in-ear EEG device, designed to measure brain activity through wireless earbuds. Also launching a new product is Sundays Beverage, which introduced its «Hard Seltzer» drink to the market. Available in over 60 retailers in Switzerland, this success comes after a somewhat long and tough journey.
The major collaboration between outdoor apparel company Odlo and Depoly made waves, among others, because it will set the foundation for Odlo’s first circular base layer. In a proof-of-concept, Depoly will leverage its chemical recycling technology to recycle 20 kilograms of cut-off fabric from Odlo’s popular Active Warm base layers.
The US remains an attractive destination for Swiss startups
As the above companies innovate locally, many are setting their sights on international markets. Several programs facilitating the US expansion have been actively scouting for startups. The industry agnostic Startup Camp, organised by Swissnex and powered by Innosuisse has invited founders of Biosimo and Mynerva to join the cohort heading to Texas for a business development trip. The CES Vegas delegation comprises several female-led companies that will showcase their solutions to a global audience amidst the world’s leading technology trade show. These companies will travel to Las Vegas in January: Algorized, Identic ai, among others.
Helpany, Sedimentum’s US subsidiary is already making positive progress in the US market with its event detector, a smart prevention tool with a dashboard for employees of the retirement homes. Half a year following its expansion, the startup continues to expand its footprint in the country. In addition to opening a new office in Nevada, three co-founders have also moved overseas.
With expansion comes recognition, and female founders are being celebrated for their leadership and innovation. Recent awards highlight the achievements of entrepreneurs like a Natalya Lopareva, CEO of Algorized who was awarded at the 1000X Silicon Valley Summit with the 1000X Award for Visionary Leadership and Groundbreaking Innovation. Ananya Bala, founder of the dance footwear startup marleys, recently won the 2024 IMD MBA Venture Award, securing 100,000 CHF in funding and mentorship. Her innovative designs aim to provide stylish and comfortable dancing shoes. Gaudio, an ArtTech startup, also gained recognition by winning a €10,000 prize at the ArtTech Prize & Conference in Munich. Their AI-driven platform enhances art engagement by offering personalized virtual guides for museum visits, transforming visitor experiences and providing insights for cultural institutions. Inveel has emerged as a winner in the i4Challenge and is exploring market entry opportunities in India through the AIT India program, alongside fellow startup SaisiR founded by Claudia Bigoni.
Breath Medical and tasty spready, founded by Anita Limacher, were awarded prizes at the RiseUp Summit while SmartPurse is part of the Venture Leaders Fintech cohort heading to London for growth opportunities. Roxana B. Kerns is advancing her company Amarastesia with minimally invasive medical solutions through the DayOne accelerator. APTISSEN co-founder Silvia Scherer received recognition on the EY stage, highlighting the success of female entrepreneurs in Switzerland’s startup ecosystem. Sustainable solutions of female founders have been recognized with reCircle receiving the Swiss Packaging Awards and Jungle Folk the Fair Fashion award.
Leadership changes bring more role models
In tandem with these accolades, leadership changes within startup organizations are also shaping the entrepreneurial landscape. Recently, two leadership appointments were made, providing female leaders with the platform to support startups on their startup growth journey. Julie Louise Gerberding has joined Artidis‘ board, bringing her extensive healthcare experience, while Zeba Ahmad has joined MPower Ventures, contributing her financial expertise.
