In a significant boost to Western Switzerland’s burgeoning tech ecosystem, the Foundation for Innovation and Technology (FIT) has awarded three Tech Seed loans, each worth CHF 100,000, to early-stage start-ups CCRAFT, Databaum, and Lemna Bio. These loans are set to propel these innovative companies from conceptual validation to market readiness, addressing critical challenges in photonics, agriculture, and life sciences.
The Tech Seed loans are instrumental in financing early structuring steps, technology validation, and initial commercialization efforts. This latest round of funding underscores the diversity and potential of Western Switzerland’s research and entrepreneurial landscape, with solutions poised to impact global industries.
CCRAFT is at the forefront of tackling a significant bottleneck in next-generation photonics. The company is establishing what it claims to be the world’s first independent foundry dedicated to thin-film lithium niobate (TFLN) chips. TFLN is widely recognized for its potential in high-performance optical components, yet industrial-scale manufacturing capabilities are still largely absent. CCRAFT aims to bridge this gap by enabling the high-volume production of energy-efficient and scalable optical chips that outperform conventional silicon-based platforms. These components are expected to be crucial in data centers supporting artificial intelligence, high-performance computing, and quantum technologies. The FIT loan will support CCRAFT’s initial setup and strengthen the protection of its intellectual property.
Databaum is focusing on regenerative agriculture by transforming raw field data into actionable insights for farmers. Its artificial intelligence platform aggregates real-time measurements from a network of sensors monitoring soil moisture, rainfall, temperature, humidity, and frost risk. These inputs are analyzed to generate practical recommendations, delivered directly to farmers via mobile notifications, covering irrigation timing, disease pressure, and treatment optimization. With the FIT support, Databaum plans to finalize and launch its irrigation management system in collaboration with EPFL, while expanding its business development activities across several European markets.
Lemna Bio is applying artificial intelligence to one of the most complex challenges in biomedical research: understanding biological interactions at the molecular level. The company develops AI models capable of deciphering these interactions to identify robust therapeutic targets and guide drug discovery. By generating explainable, biologically grounded hypotheses, Lemna Bio aims to reduce failure rates in drug development. The Tech Seed loan will enable further validation of its platform and preparation for customer access.
The implications of these advancements are far-reaching. CCRAFT’s work in photonics could revolutionize data centers and computing infrastructure, making them more efficient and powerful. Databaum’s focus on regenerative agriculture promises to enhance food production sustainability, providing farmers with the tools they need to optimize their practices. Lemna Bio’s AI-driven approach to drug discovery could significantly accelerate the development of new therapies, reducing costs and improving success rates.
As these start-ups move forward with their innovative solutions, the FIT’s support plays a pivotal role in nurturing Western Switzerland’s tech ecosystem. The region continues to emerge as a hotbed of innovation, with solutions that address some of the world’s most pressing challenges in computing, food production, and healthcare. The success of CCRAFT, Databaum, and Lemna Bio will not only benefit their respective industries but also inspire further innovation and investment in the region.