CERN and UNIGE Spinoffs awarded FIF Funding

The FONGIT Innovation Fund (FIF) fosters innovation and the scale-up of promising companies from the Canton of Geneva that are working towards the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The FIF is supported by the State of Geneva, the Fondation Genevoise pour l’Innovation Technologique (FONGIT), the Geneva Chamber of Commerce (CCIG), the United Nations International Trade Center (ITC) and the United Nations Environment Agency.

The FIF supports innovative startups and scale-ups at different stages of their journey with three types of financing options: the FIF Grant (up to CHF 50,000), the FIF Seed Loan (up to CHF 100,000) and the FIF Growth Loan (up to CHF 400,000).

Grant of CHF 50,000 awarded to LightEye

Climate change is making turbulence worse, according to recent studies. Not only an issue for passengers, turbulence also costs the aviation industry millions annually in repairs, delays and settlements. LightEye, a CERN spinoff led by Georgios Stoikos, a PhD candidate in Quantum Optics at UNIGE, has developed LiDAR technology capable of measuring wind speeds within a 10km range. This innovation helps pilots detect sudden atmospheric changes. The FONGIT Innovation Fund (FIF) has awarded CHF 50,000 to support LightEye in developing their cutting-edge laser technology.

Seed Loan of CHF 100,000 awarded to Planeto

Planeto, an award-winning startup, has developed innovative software in collaboration with Université de Genève (UNIGE) to address clean energy and sustainable urban planning. This software helps planners incorporate low-carbon technology into district energy projects for more sustainable cities. After winning a FIF Grant of CHF 50,000 in 2022, Planeto has now received a Seed Loan of CHF 100,000 to continue advancing their impactful work. The team consists of co-founder and CEO Stefano Cozza, co-founder and CTO Jonathan Chambers, and Data Scientist Xiang Li.

Seed Loan of CHF 100,000 awarded to HekeTiss

UNIGE and HUG spinoff HekeTiss, another award-winning startup, has secured a Seed Loan of CHF 100,000, building on their previous FIF Grant of CHF 50,000 awarded in 2022. HekeTiss has developed trophiPatch, an innovative treatment for chronic wounds that dissolves naturally on the patient's wound, promoting the healing process. This patch utilizes living stem cells with enhanced regenerative properties, thanks to a patented technology developed in collaboration with UNIGE. Co-founder and General Manager Dr Nicolò Brembilla is a world-renowned expert in inflammatory skin disorders, and co-founder and Scientific Manager Dr Olivier Preynat-Seauve has over 20 years of research experience and holds several patents based on innovative stem cell solutions. Both are Associate Professors at the HUG and UNIGE.

Next deadline for applications is Juy 7th

The FIF meets several times a year to evaluate and award startups with funding, supporting local innovation that has a far-reaching impact on both the market and society. Entrepreneurs may learn more and apply on FIF page.

(PR)

Image: HekeTiss co-founder and General Manager Dr Nicolò Brembilla (right) and HekeTiss co-founder and Scientific Manager Dr Olivier Preynat-Seauve (left) in their laboratory