Nanoflex Robotics AG has secured the prestigious 2025 ZKB Pionierpreis Technopark, a leading Swiss deeptech innovation award, for its cutting-edge telerobotic technology designed to revolutionize endovascular interventions. Competing against two formidable finalists – LegalTech innovator Ex Nunc Intelligence from Lausanne and Zurich-based infrastructure monitoring specialist Irmos Technologies – the Glattbrugg-based MedTech startup emerged as this year’s winner. Nanoflex Robotics also received the Audience Award.
Zurich, May 20, 2025 – Nanoflex Robotics AG, founded in 2021 by Matt Curran, Dr. Christophe Chautems, and Professor Bradley Nelson, has been awarded the 2025 ZKB Pionierpreis Technopark, a CHF 100,000 award recognizing breakthrough technological innovation. The award highlights Nanoflex’s Remote Intervention System (RIS), an ETH Zurich spin-off innovation that leverages precise magnetic fields to guide microrobots through the complex network of blood vessels, enabling life-saving procedures such as thrombectomies for stroke patients.
The MedTech’s RIS represents a significant leap forward in telerobotics, allowing for precise, minimally invasive interventions. The system’s ultra-flexible guidewires enable smooth navigation through the body’s most delicate vascular pathways without excessive force, reducing the risk of trauma and complications. Its compact, mobile magnetic control unit can be deployed in a variety of clinical settings, including remote or emergency environments, where time is critical. The system’s remote-control capability further enhances its potential, allowing specialized procedures without requiring expert surgeons to be physically present – a critical advantage for smaller or rural hospitals.
Recognition for Finalists Ex Nunc Intelligence and Irmos Technologies
In addition to the winner, two other standout finalists were recognized with CHF 10,000 each:
Celebrating Innovation and Risk-Taking
The 25th Pionierpreis ceremony, held at Technopark Zurich, also featured the second annual Audience Award. It was also presented to Nanoflex Robotics, accompanied by a CHF 2,500 prize.
The evening, attended by around 350 guests, was guided by moderator Eva Pauline Bossow and focused on the theme “Risk Appetite.” Neuroscientist and author Dr. Henning Beck delivered a captivating keynote on the human brain’s unmatched capacity for risk-taking and innovation, exploring why our minds remain more creative and adaptive than even the most advanced algorithms.
The event concluded with a dynamic panel discussion featuring investor Nicole Herzog, startup founder Phil Lojacono, Zürcher Kantonalbank President of the Board of Directors Jörg Müller-Ganz, who shared their insights on embracing risk, seizing opportunities, and building the future with courage.
About the ZKB Pionierpreis Technopark
The ZKB Pionierpreis Technopark is awarded annually by the Zürcher Kantonalbank and Technopark Zurich and is considered one of Switzerland’s most prestigious awards for deep-tech startups. For 25 years, the Pionierpreis has recognized projects that demonstrate exceptional innovation and are on the verge of market entry, celebrating the boldness and dedication of startup founders.
With a top prize of CHF 100,000, the award also provides each finalist with CHF 10,000, acknowledging their achievements and supporting their continued development. Additionally, an Audience Award is presented at the award ceremony, giving attendees the chance to recognize outstanding startups.
Since 2001, 43 startups have been awarded a total of CHF 2,251,264.16, reinforcing the Pionierpreis as a critical driver of innovation and growth for emerging companies in Switzerland. Beyond financial support, the award offers a recognized platform, providing winners with increased visibility and valuable industry connections.
Important Notice:
The application deadline for the ZKB Pionierpreis Technopark 2026 is September 22, 2025.
Further Information:
The finalists for the ZKB Pionierpreis Technopark 2025 have been announced. Three promising start-ups from the areas of legal technology, smart infrastructure and medical technology have prevailed against a record number of applicants.
Zürich – The panel of judges has made its shortlist: From 45 applications, eleven start-ups are still in the running for the Pionierpreis 2024 – an initiative by Zürcher Kantonalbank and Technopark Zürich – which will be presented on 20 May at Technopark Zürich.
The start-up Decentriq from Zurich uses data protection technology and artificial intelligence to create completely new opportunities for collaboration between companies. The start-up won over the ZKB Pionierpreis Technopark jury with its “clean room for data” and can look forward to CHF 100,000 in prize money.
