The Swisscom Startup Challenge and three Swiss Deeptech winners
This year's Swisscom Startup Challenge focused on Deeptech. i.e. startups based on highly developed technologies and research results. In the final of the Challenge 2023, the Swiss startups Irmos Technologies, Swistor and Synthara prevailed over the international competition on September 21.
A total of 240 startups from more than 30 countries applied for the eleventh edition of the Swisscom Startup Challenge funding program. The following three Swiss startups prevailed over the competition in the finals on September 21, 2023:
- Zurich-based ETH spinoff Irmos Technologies uses simple sensors and an AI-powered monitoring platform to monitor the structural condition of bridges, reducing maintenance costs and environmental impact while improving safety.
- Lausanne EPFL spinoff Swistor is developing ultrafast chargers that combine high energy storage capability with high power output. This next generation of long-lasting and environmentally friendly energy storage devices can be used in the future for portable consumer electronics, autonomous IoT sensor nodes or even in the power grid.
- Zug-based startup Synthara is empowering chipmakers with their patented solution to revolutionize their microchips and make them an astonishing 50 times more efficient.
The prize for the most popular startup in the public vote went to the Zurich-based company HOPR, which develops highly secure digital infrastructures.
The ten-member jury was impressed by how Irmos Technologies, Swistor and Synthara not only demonstrated enormous commercial potential with their deep-tech solutions, but were also able to make an active contribution to solving social challenges. Isa Müller-Wegner, Head of Group Strategy & Business Development at Swisscom since June 2023 and a member of the Challenge jury, says: "I am delighted that all three winners have come up with amazing solutions to the challenges of our time. This proves once again the innovative power of our startups - let's make them great."
The three winners secured participation in a tailored support program in Silicon Valley, access to the Swisscom ecosystem and the chance to receive an investment from Swisscom Ventures.
Source: www.swisscom.ch
