Second funding round 2023 of the Swiss Climate Foundation

"We are once again impressed by Switzerland as a location for innovation," says Vincent Eckert, Managing Director of the Swiss Climate Foundation. For 15 years, the foundation has been promoting and supporting technologies and projects that have a demonstrable impact on climate protection. Together with the spring funding round, a total of CHF 2.4 million was distributed for 17 projects in the anniversary year. Below we present some of the projects from the second funding round in brief. We will be happy to put you in touch with the supported companies if required. 

With a mini-submarine from Gossau/SG against water consumption

A lot of drinking water is lost in Switzerland every year due to outdated or broken pipes. Fluidbot AG, a company based in Gossau/SG, has developed a submarine-like robot to precisely record the condition of water pipes and identify potential weak points at an early stage. This robot makes it possible to make the water supply more sustainable and reduce the impact on the environment. 

Low-carbon and circular floor slabs from Zug/ZG

The construction sector produces too much CO2 emissions and causes a large proportion of resource consumption. The "low-carbon and circular floor slab" project by Zug-based Rematter AG produces sustainable floor slabs made of wood and clay. These are intended to replace environmentally harmful reinforced concrete.

Organic precision farming with robots from Opfikon/ZH

The Opfikon-based company Caterra AG has its sights set on herbicide-free agriculture. The ETH Zurich spin-off is developing a robot that autonomously roams vegetable fields and weeds. Organic farmers are the primary beneficiaries, and the robot also makes it easier to switch from conventional to organic farming.

E-single-axle tractor "Monotrac" from Rueun/GR

The Graubünden-based company Novaziun is developing a powerful, electric single-axle tractor for heavy-duty work in agriculture and the municipal sector. The Monotrac works quietly, with low vibration and without emissions that are harmful to health and the environment. The multifunctional device can also be used as a stationary storage unit for photovoltaic power or as a mobile battery storage unit to supply remote locations with electricity.  

Sustainable process for reducing food waste from Renens/VD 

The company AgroSustain from Renens in the canton of Vaud has developed an innovative, sustainable process to reduce food waste and CO2 emissions from fresh produce after harvesting. A natural coating extends the shelf life of fresh fruit, vegetables and cut flowers. 

Decarbonization of trucks and ships from Sion/VS

EPFL spin-off Qaptis, based in Valais, is developing a technology that aims to reduce CO2 emissions in the freight transport sector. A plug-in can be fitted to trucks and ships and capture up to 90% of CO2 emissions. This CO2 is then stored or converted into a product with high added value via a network of partners.

Broad support in the anniversary year 2023

The Swiss Climate Foundation is delighted that another company has joined the circle of partner companies in its anniversary year 2023. Finnova, the IT service provider for finance and banking from Lenzburg, has been supporting the foundation since the beginning of the year. This brings the total number of companies supporting the Swiss Climate Foundation to 31.

As part of this year's 15th anniversary celebrations, the foundation was able to expand its sphere of activity. Various personalities from the worlds of business, politics and science have also contributed to this. In addition, numerous interested parties came together at two anniversary events in Zurich and Bern. 

Source: www.klimastiftung.ch