Thirteen pioneering startups have reached the final round of the ZKB Pionierpreis Technopark 2025, an initiative by Zürcher Kantonalbank and Technopark Zurich. This game-changing award, which will be presented at Technopark Zurich on 20 May 2025, highlights groundbreaking innovations in Switzerland and comes with a prize of CHF 100,000.
Zurich, February 5th, 2025 – The ZKB Pionierpreis Technopark, one of the most important awards for deep-tech innovations in Switzerland, set a new record this year with 54 applications. This represents an increase of 25% compared to last year and underlines the high attractiveness and relevance of the award for innovative start-ups in the technology and science space.
A large proportion of the nominated startups originate from the Canton of Zurich, with over 50% of the nominees from the cleantech and CO2-reducing infrastructure technology sectors. Around half of the selected top 13 are developing solutions that leverage artificial intelligence.
After intensive evaluation by a 9-strong jury of experts from the fields of physics, medical technology, IT, chemistry and business, the top 13 startups have now been selected for the next round. This pre-selection will form the basis of the jury’s work in selecting the three finalists. These will then be given the opportunity to present their projects at the award ceremony on 20 May 2025 at Technopark Zurich. In addition, all startups amongst the top 13 will have the opportunity to compete for an audience award endowed with CHF 2,500.
“The record number of applications and the diversity of the projects submitted are impressive proof of the innovative strength of the Swiss startup scene. With the ZKB Pioneer Award Technopark, we want to promote this pioneering spirit and showcase outstanding achievements,” says Dr Matthias Hölling, member of the jury and Director Foundation Affairs at Technopark Zurich.
The startups nominated for the ZKB Pionierpreis Technopark 2025 (in alphabetical order):
|
Annaida Technologies (Lausanne) |
Annaida Technologies is setting new standards in fertility treatment by using Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (MRS) to analyze pre-implanted embryos for the first time. The Medtech’s device EmbryoSpin uses advanced micro-scale MRS to analyze samples up to a thousand times smaller than previous technologies. This innovative approach not only makes embryo selection faster, more accurate and safer. It also reduces costs and significantly shortens treatment times for clinics and patients. |
|
Apheros (Zurich) |
Startup Apheros has developed an efficient and scalable process to produce metal foams. The produced foam is highly porous and therefore offers exceptional heat transfer properties. These properties will be beneficial for the cooling of computer hardware, offering significant advantages for both single-phase and two-phase cooling. With this technology, the ETH Spin-off is setting new standards for high-performance and energy-efficient cooling solutions in the electronics industry. |
|
Borobotics (Winterthur) |
Borobotics, a ZHAW Spin-off, is developing 'Grabowski', an earthworm-like drilling robot that integrates the entire geothermal drilling rig into the borehole, drastically reducing the space required: geothermal drilling for heat pumps can be done in less than eight square meters - a fraction of the previous 50 square meters. The drilling process is completely autonomous and reduces emissions by an impressive 86 per cent. With 'Grabowski', geothermal energy is not only less emissions-intensive and more cost-effective, but also much better accessible - a significant step forward in the energy transition. |
|
Breezelabs (Zurich) |
Breezelabs uses the audio signal from standard headphones in combination with advanced software to precisely identify individual training zones. This enables efficient training control without the need for additional hardware. The technology also offers new opportunities in the health sector, where it can be used to monitor chronic lung diseases such as COPD and asthma. The ETH Spin-off thus combines sports performance optimization with innovative health technology. |
|
BTRY (Dübendorf) |
ETH Spin-off BTRY has developed a solid-state battery that marries the advantages of conventional lithium-ion batteries with those of supercapacitors. The battery combines high energy density with fast charge and discharge rates, closing a crucial gap in energy storage technology. Manufactured using standard semiconductor production methods, the battery is less than 0.1 mm thin, temperature resistant (-40 to +150 °C) and can be fully charged and discharged within one minute. These features open up new applications in the IoT, MedTech and consumer electronics sectors. |
|
Ex Nunc Intelligence (Lausanne) |
Ex Nunc Intelligence develops AI-powered software that simplifies the access and management of legal knowledge for professionals and laypeople alike. By combining several advanced AI models with an intelligent data architecture, the platform is constantly evolving and integrating the latest AI developments. The startup’s vision is to build a transformative, network-based legal ecosystem. This will enable seamless collaboration between experts and non-specialists, making it easier to navigate complex legal issues - while maintaining the highest standards of privacy. |
|
IMAI MedTech (Schlieren) |
One in six cancer diagnoses remains undetected - a limitation of traditional histology based on 2D imaging. IMAI MedTech, a spin-off from ETH and the University of Zurich, addresses this problem with a patented technology that combines mechanical and electrical methods, paving the way for 3D imaging. The innovation enables fast and uniform labelling of 3D tissue, reducing preparation time from months to days. This is complemented by AI-powered software that enables precise 3D visualization and analysis - a milestone in cancer diagnostics. The first application of the technology focuses on the detection of lymph node metastases, a crucial step in the fight against cancer. |
|
Irmos Technologies (Zurich) |
Irmos Technologies, an ETH spin-off, is revolutionizing infrastructure maintenance planning by deploying customized, low-cost sensors. The start-up's advanced software translates vibrations into key damage indicators and axle loads for bridges and buildings, providing real-time, actionable insights into a structure's condition and actual traffic loads. Using artificial intelligence, Irmos Technologies helps infrastructure stakeholders ensure that interventions are made both timely and cost effectively. |
|
K2 Photonics (Zurich) |
ETH Spin-off K2 Photonics has achieved a breakthrough in laser technology with the development of single cavity dual-comb lasers. These offer unrivalled precision and speed for metrology applications, opening new possibilities for ultra-precise distance measurement, semiconductor inspection and gas sensing. Detecting methane leaks in oil fields, controlling industrial processes and monitoring urban air pollution are examples of applications that can be revolutionized: Unlike conventional point sensors, single-cavity dual-comb lasers can detect multiple gases simultaneously over long distances. This enables cost-effective, real-time monitoring on a large scale, reducing complexity and lowering operating costs. |
|
LatticeFlow (Zurich) |
LatticeFlow has developed the first platform for assessing compliance with the EU AI Regulation. The ETH Spin-off, founded in 2020 by renowned AI safety researchers at ETH, focuses on supporting companies in the validation of their AI applications. The platform allows AI models to be continuously and effectively tested against the latest AI regulations and ISO AI standards. This ensures safe and compliant use. LatticeFlow thus makes a significant contribution to promoting trust and quality in AI systems. |
|
Nanoflex Robotics (Opfikon) |
Nanoflex uses magnetism to precisely bend the tips of endovascular instruments. This technology gives neuroradiologists precise control during the procedure. Using a user-friendly control console, doctors can change the shape of the tip of the device and move it controlled in any direction, making endovascular procedures much easier and safer. The ETH spin-off's technology also enables teleoperated thrombectomies, where the magnetic field unit and the patient no longer require to be in the same location as the surgeon in charge. This procedure drastically reduces transport and waiting times for thrombectomies, allowing life-saving procedures to be performed more quickly. The Medtech also enables remote-controlled treatment in smaller or rural hospitals. |
|
Optiml (Zurich) |
Optiml's AI-powered solution uses rudimentary data on address, area and age to perform building and portfolio analyses on insulation, heating systems, usage (etc.). These analyses are crucial for energy-efficient renovations and meet environmental, legal and financial requirements. The ETH spin-off draws on models from many years of research, uses existing data and adds missing parameters. The solution continuously adapts to guidelines and subsidies and offers asset managers, investors and consultants a tool for faster, more informed decisions with less up-front investment - a decisive step towards decarbonizing the real estate sector. |
|
Yuon Control (Oberburg) |
Yuon has developed a comprehensive solution for optimizing district heating networks, significantly reducing CO₂ emissions and energy consumption. By creating a digital twin of the entire network, the startup enables continuous optimization based on real-time data. Yuon's software predicts energy demand, considering factors such as weather forecasts and various data inputs, to make energy distribution more efficient. This results in average CO₂ savings of around 20 percent. Cumulatively, up to 1.3 million tons of CO₂ could be saved by 2030, making a significant contribution to a more sustainable energy supply. |
About the ZKB Pionierpreis Technopark
The ZKB Pionierpreis Technopark is awarded by Zürcher Kantonalbank (ZKB) and Technopark Zurich and is recognized as the most important award for deep-tech startups in Switzerland. For more than 20 years, the Pionierpreis has honored projects whose innovative implementation is about to enter the market – paying special tribute to the commitment and entrepreneurial risk-taking of the founders. In February 2025, the jury will make a further selection and decide which three startups will take to the stage at the award ceremony on 20 May 2025 at Technopark Zurich. The Pionierpreis is endowed with CHF 100,000. In addition to the winner, the nominated finalists will also receive CHF 10,000 each. For the second time, an audience award will be presented on the awards evening. Being of Switzerland’s leading innovation award, the prize provides young companies with a recognized platform to showcase their work to a wide audience and helps them raise additional capital.
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.
The finalists for the ZKB Pionierpreis Technopark are Avelo, Decentriq and Stimit. The winning team will receive CHF 100,000 in funding at the award ceremony at Technopark Zurich on 7 May.
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 7 May at Technopark Zürich.
