LBMA, the pre-eminent standard-setting body for the global wholesale market for precious metals, appointed aXedras as the official service provider for its newly established Gold Bar Integrity Database. The news comes hot on the heels of the Royal Canadian Mint's announcement that it collaborates with the Swiss company for the end-to-end tracing of gold.

TissueLabs has closed a pre-seed round of $800,000 led by Mergus Ventures, with notable contributions from MIT Angels, among other funds and private investors. Concurrently, the company proudly unveils its state-of-the-art biofabrication hub in Bellinzona, advancing its mission to revolutionize healthcare through tissue engineering.

In a key milestone, Sparrow Analytics has completed €2 million seed financing round. Investors are Ground Capital, a Lisbon-based venture capital fund, and Ascending Productions, a Dubai-based fund. The funding paves the way for expansion of the environmental analytics startup in Switzerland and beyond.

An der diesjährigen START Summit Konferenz konnte der Unternehmer Pascal Bieri die Auszeichnung als «HSG-Gründer des Jahres 2024» entgegennehmen. Er ist Mitgründer des ETH- und HSG- Spin-offs Planted und leitet die Bereiche Sales und International Business Development.

Im Januar musste Koch & Gsell, das Unternehmen hinter der Zigarettenmarke Heimat, Insolvenz anmelden. Bestellungen von neuen Grosskunden aus dem Ausland und ein neues Investment in Millionenhöhe ermöglichen nun den Neustart.

Anlässlich der erstmals durchgeführten Bern Upcycling Challenge wurden Scrimber, Mymyio und Second Life Recharger als Gewinner gekürt. Die drei haben mit ihren Ideen zu kreislauffähigen Geschäftsmodellen in den Bereichen Bau, Möbel und Batterien die Jury am meisten überzeugt. Die Challenge war mit insgesamt 30'000 Franken dotiert.

Vaud-based TeraSol - a company specializing in soil protection and the reuse of excavated materials - has secured its first round of financing to expand its product catalog and make urban renaturation projects more accessible and sustainable. Founded in 2022, the circular economy startup is seeing its revenues grow.

The EPFL innovation Park launched its Tech4Regeneration program to support start-ups whose solutions can have a regenerative impact if we help them bring them to market on a large scale. The first 20 start-ups have now been selected. They will spend the next 9 months taking part in the acceleration program that includes training workshops, tailored coaching and contacts with industrial partners, customers and potential investors.

Nach dem Sprung in die Vorauswahl der Top 11 Anfang des Jahres, schafftes es drei Startups nun in die Finalrunde um den Pionierpreis 2024: Es sind dies Avelo, Decentriq und Stimit. Das Gewinner-Team wird am 7. Mai bei der Preisverleihung im Technopark Zürich mit einer Fördersumme von 100'000 Franken prämiert. Die anderen zwei Finalisten werden ebenfalls nicht leer ausgehen. Sie erwartet ein Preisgeld von je 10'000 Franken.

Das Fintech-Startup  Finpension schafft den «Hosenlupf» zur zweithöchsten FINMA-Lizenz als Wertpapierhaus. Nun wollen die Luzerner noch diesen Frühling ihre Anlagelösung für Privatvermögen anbieten und so schnell als möglich das Bewilligungsverfahren für die Banklizenz anstossen.

Zurich-based startup rrreefs, focused on regenerating degraded coral reefs with modular reef structures, has raised a total of CHF 420’000 in its first investment round from multiple investors. The funds will facilitate scaling up operations globally.

Up to 25 early-stage startups will have the opportunity to advance their solutions during two months with experts from across the globe as part of the newly launched accelerator program, InnoQube Startup Program. Registration is open until April 1.

Lors de la 5e édition de RENT Swiss, un événement B2B majeur au SwissTech Convention Center réunissant les professionnels des secteurs immobilier et institutionnel de Suisse romande, les startups iGère, Oxara, Refreshing Unit et Big Sack ont remporté le Prix de l'Innovation, une récompense importante dans le domaine de la proptech.

FDA approved Idorsia’s hypertension drug. Its the first oral anti-hypertensive therapy which works via a new therapeutic pathway to be approved in almost 40 years. iOnctura obtained FDA’s Orphan Drug Designation for its autotaxin cancer therapy. And TORQUR announced the publication of promising phase 1 clinical trial results for bimiralisib, its innovative anti-cancer drug candidate.

The Geneva-based medical device company Spineart already has a turnover of over €100 million and is continuing to expand. A new investment will enable the establishment of new production and training centres in Switzerland and the USA as well as the continued follow-up of patients enrolled in two clinical trials in which a new product for cervical disc replacement is being tested.

CustomSurg, provider of data-driven, end-to-end solutions for faster surgeries on complex bone fractures, has obtained an undisclosed amount in its funding round led by US East Coast Fund CHMBR Partners LLC. The funds will be used to accelerate the FDA regulatory application process and launch the first-in-human study and establish its presence in the US market.

Swiss quantitative asset management startup Alquant and Leonteq have started their collaboration with the launch of three novel ETPs+. The collaboration aims to make innovative investment strategies and advanced investment technologies accessible to a broad group of investors. Alquant currently serves over 50 clients. The partnership with Leonteq is a prime example within its quant-as-a-service offerings.

Schlieren-based startup OBaris is developing a novel technique for painless administration of injectable drugs. Shortly after receiving an InnoBooster grant, the ETH spinoff convinced the Venture Kick jury in the last selection round, earning CHF 150'000 to validate its regulatory strategy, connect with the FDA, and scale-up manufacturing. 

Weev, a Zurich-based platform that connects brands and suppliers in the shoe, leather and clothing industry, has secured a substantial investment and advisory support from Salesforce boss Marc Benioff. This marks the investor's first investment in Switzerland.

With Resistell’s device physicians get crucial antimicrobial resistance information in hours instead of days. This is confirmed by the results of a study that have been published in a peer-reviewed article in the Nature Communications journal. The publication marks the completion of the company’s technology validation stage and showcases the potential of the Resistell nanomotion technology platform as a diagnostic in the fight against antimicrobial resistance (AMR).

Earlier this year, climatetech startup Crosstown H2R made a debut after partnering with Sulzer to decarbonize gas turbines using the startup’s H2R burner solution. Fortum has also joined forces with the Baden-based startup to accelerate the shift to zero-carbon energy production. With these partnerships alone the startup will be installing into 100s of gas turbines. In addition, Crosstown secured €2 million to propel technology advancements. 

Die Standortförderung Uri und das Urner Startup Moodtalk wollen den Erfahrungsaustausch unter Jungunternehmen mit skalierbaren und innovativen Geschäftsideen erleichtern und damit das Unternehmertum im Kanton Uri weiter stärken. Zu diesem Zweck wurde am vergangenen Mittwoch das Gründernetzwerk Gipfelsicht lanciert.

Swiss startups have continued to impress juries across the world with their solutions, scoring the top spot in the competitions. The startups took home diverse prizes, including a 6-month partnership to create a proof of concept.

PeriVision, an innovative spin-off from the University of Bern and the University Hospital Bern, just announced the FDA registration for its first medical software product VisionOne. Currently launching its VR-based eye test in the United States, PeriVision has ambitious plans to gain traction on several markets.

Zurich-based startup MidFunder, the provider of non-dilutive funding to companies has joined the Levenue family, a leading player in the revenue-based financing sector. This acquisition allows Levenue to solidify its operations in the Swiss market.

Following the FDA approval for its OdneFill and OdneCure solution, Swiss dental startup Odne (former Lumendo) has raised USD 5.5 million to fund the upcoming US market launch for their minimal invasive Root Preservation Technology (RPT).

Chopfab Boxer ist durch einen forcierten Wachstumskurs und eine Welle von Teuerungen in finanzielle Schieflage geraten und stand kurz vor dem Aus. Nun ist die Sanierung unter Dach und Fach. Mit Aktionären, Banken und Geschäftspartnern konnte eine Einigung erzielt werden. Die Appenzeller Brauerei Locher übernimmt die Aktienmehrheit.

Der Kanton Zürich und Partnerinstitutionen haben während zweier Jahre fünf KI-Projekte in einer Testumgebung begleitet und im Anschluss implementiert. Dabei waren vier Startups involviert. Nun folgt im Frühling eine zweite Ausschreibung, bei der erneut Projekte Zugang zur «Innovation Sandbox» erhalten sollen. Die Organisatoren zielen wiederum auf eine inhaltlich breite Palette ab und wollen zusätzliche Implementationspartnerschaften ermöglichen.

En annonçant l'acquisition de easyDivorce.ch, la LegalTech amiable.ch entend élargir son impact sur le marché du divorce en ligne. Traitant déjà plusieurs centaines de cas par an, la société dirigée par Pascal Gemperli franchira une nouvelle étape dans sa croissance en devenant une entité indépendante.

Vor einem Jahr nutzten drei Dozierende die smarte Lehr- und Lernsoftware des St. Galler Startup Brian. Nun sind bereits über 840 Lehrpersonen verschiedener Schulstufen registriert. Das HSG-Spin-off hat seine SaaS-Lizenz an 17 Bildungsinstitutionen vertrieben – knapp die Hälfte davon sind deutsche Unis und Schulen. Noch fokussiert sich Brain auf das Wachstum im DACH-Raum, will jedoch in naher Zukunft für eine Expansion nach Nordamerika gewappnet sein.

Ein Expertengremium hat die Finalistinnen und Finalisten für den Swiss Economic Award 2024 ausgewählt. Wer von den neun Startups in einer der drei Kategorien als Sieger hervorgeht, wird sich am Swiss Economic Forum (SEF) in Interlaken am 7. Juni 2024 zeigen.

Led by the Novalis Biotech Acceleration fund, Alithea Genomics has finalised its seed extension round, raising CHF 2.8 million ($3.2 million). The proceeds from the round will fuel the company’s commercialization and expand the manufacturing capacity of its unique RNA sequencing products. In line with the round, the startup announced the establishment of its US subsidiary.

TALNETS aims to democratise talent scouting by leveraging the power of data analytics and AI with its platform. Sol Campbell will spearhead the platform’s capabilities to add further insights to talent identification data. He brings a wealth of experience both as a footballer and as an entrepreneur.

The Hardware Horizons immersive Startup Accelerator Program is designed to provide tailored support to selected Swiss startups seeking to unlock the potential of their hardware business in China. Update: Swissnex in China awaits new applications until 26 April.

Backbone Ventures has successfully completed the fundraising for its new 5502 Fund. The company intends to use the fund to invest in around 30 start-ups founded by migrants or other underrepresented groups such as women.

Das Berner Startup Bakery Bakery hat für die weitere Expansion in der Schweiz bei knapp 700 Unterstützerinnen und Unterstützern 1,4 Millionen Franken eingesammelt. Auch für qiibee und seinen Rewards-Marketplace gab es über eine Million Franken von gerade mal 75 Backers. Insgesamt sammelten die sieben Startups über 4,1 Millionen Franken ein.

RULEMATCH has welcomed four new members to its board of directors who bring vast expertise in trading, risk management, cryptography, blockchain and finance to fuel its growth while Findependent won the former CEO of Vermögenszentrum. Innosuisse and Foundation Campus Geneva have also welcomed new experienced leaders to further shape the startup ecosystem while SWICO bid farewell to its head, Judith Bellaiche.

A consortium of environmental and climate-focused investors has infused USD 1 million in Cotierra, a Swiss-Colombian carbon removal and AgTech startup pioneering decentralized biochar production for carbon removal and emission reduction. The funds will fuel the development of its biochar reactor technology and robust Monitoring, Reporting, and Verification (MRV) system in Colombia.

Das SaaS-Startup Inventsys ist in den vergangenen Jahren stark gewachsen. Seine Wartungssoftware kommt bei Stadtwerken, Wasserversorgern und Energiedienstleistern zum Einsatz. Jetzt weiten die Zürcher ihre Lösung auf Gemeinden und Städte beziehungsweise deren Werkhöfe aus. Ein nicht verwässernder Wachstumskredit der UBS läutet zudem die Scale-up-Phase von Inventsys ein.

Das Foodtech-Startup Planted hat das planted.steak als erstes Produkt einer neuen Produktkategorie lanciert. Dahinter steht eine Plattform, die es erlaubt Produkte herzustellen, die mit einem ganzen Lendenstück vergleichbar sind. Um das Potenzial der Plattform zu erschliessen, erweitert Planted seine Produktion in Kemptthal um eine hochmoderne Fermentationsanlage und schafft 30 neue Stellen.

Avallain, a twenty year veteran of innovative and impactful edtech, has acquired TeacherMatic, one of Europe’s fastest growing generative AI toolsets for educators. The acquisition supports Avallain’s broader AI strategy including remediation and copyright protection, both features developed for its industry leading content creation tool, Avallain Author. 

Five Swiss startups have made major personnel changes in their management teams: South Pole, wefox and Wecan have welcomed their new CEOs Daniel Klier, Mark Hartigan and Philippe Reynier. Meanwhile, Yokoy has introduced their new Chief Marketing Officer, Caroline Mogford, and Westhive has appointed Marc Mutter as their new CFO. 

A few months ago, Pristem's South African subsidiary opened its first state-of-the-art, affordable radiology center in the township of Alexandra. This initiative, which brings quality care to an underserved population, has met with a positive response from authorities, doctors and patients alike. The Swiss medtech, now headed by Lars Beykirch, is due to open a second center in Soweto this month, and has big plans for the future.

Four Swiss startups have received European grants to further develop their innovative solutions. EH Group and reCIRCLE received Horizon Europe funding, while Vandria’s and Terapet’s medical research is boosted by Eurostars grants.

Vom Pop-up zur Systemgastronomie: kaisin schreibt seit 2017 konstant an seiner Erfolgsgeschichte. Mittlerweile beschäftigen die Zürcher über 100 Mitarbeitende und verzeichnen jährlich ein Umsatzwachstum von rund 20 Prozent. Künftig will kaisin vermehrt Firmenkunden gewinnen, die für den Business-Lunch im Betrieb direkt beim Jungunternehmen bestellen.

High-impact journal Nature has published a paper featuring MaxWell Biosystems’ high-density microelectrode array technology, with which researchers identified a new potential therapeutic target against the rare and terminal disease ALS. The publication has the potential to significantly broaden and diversify the startup’s customer base.

Besides enabling the company to conduct operations across Europe, the receipt of the European Crowdfunding Service Provider licence opens new gateways for investors to conduct equity crowd investing activities within a secure, transparent, and regulated setting. Based in Zurich and Portugal, the startup is the first Swiss company to obtain the permit. 

Der Wirtschaftspreis der Frauen wurde vergangenen Freitag zum 4. Mal vergeben. Die diesjährige Gewinnerin in der Kategorie «Jungunternehmerin des Jahres» geht an Alessia Schrepfer, Co-Gründerin der Pflegefachkräfte-Plattform WeNurse. Das Thurgauer Startup verfügt derzeit über einen Pool mit 30 Angestellten, die für kürzere oder längere Einsätze von Gesundheitseinrichtungen beigezogen werden können