STAGE UP 2021

Idea
People with tetraplegia rely heavily on physical assistance for many activities of daily living. Electric wheelchairs allow for mobility, but to date there is no satisfactory substitute for the function of the arms. Conventional robotic arms are made of hard materials. They are heavy, noisy, and pose a risk of injury to users and those around them. SARA, our soft assistive robotic arm, is based on soft-actuator technology that we developed and patented. Our arm is safe, powerful, lightweight, and operates silently. SARA enables people with tetraplegia to achieve a new level of independence.

Team Members
Ivo Herzig
Dr. Lukas Lichtensteiger
Dr. Bratislav Svetozarevic
Gabriel Kreuzer Sanchez

Idea
The Smartbreed locust box finds a new use for fiber-rich, unused agricultural byproducts. These byproducts are fed to the locusts in the box and converted into high-quality protein. The fully automated breeding box enables farmers and zoos to breed grasshoppers independently and sustainably and to use them as an alternative and locally sourced feed in animal husbandry.

Team Members
Christoph Bertschi
Adrian Bertschi
Patrik Bertschi

Website

Concept
Boum combines modern technology and biology into an environmentally friendly, all-in-one system that guarantees successful gardening on balconies and patios. This allows even people without a green thumb to successfully grow, experience, and enjoy plants.

Team Members
, Prof. Dr. Matthias Erb
, Dr. Ludwig Auer

Website

Idea
NaturLoop has developed a technology that minimizes rainforest deforestation and transforms coconut shells—an otherwise unused resource—into particleboard and medium-density fiberboard (MDF) using bio-based adhesive. The end product:Cocoboard© —sustainable, affordable, and versatile for use in the construction industry.

Team Members
Michail Kyriazopoulos
Daniel Dinizio
Aira Ackermann
Andrés Garcia Vogel
Arne Wegener

Website

idea
The MYLEG insole improves the quality of life for people with below-knee prostheses. The insole’s sensors send precise signals to the brain, leading to better perception of movement, all without invasive procedures. This increases confidence in the prosthesis and promotes mobility in everyday life. MYLEG provides a better quality of life for people with below-knee prostheses.

Team members
Dr. Giacomo Valle
Dr. Francesco Petrini
Dr. Gaia Risso

STAGE UP Award Night: Praise for the startup with the robotic arm — Read more in the press release:

Concept: New technologies are changing and influencing our lives. As a catalyst, inscape experiences offers interactively designed workshops and a live escape room for companies and public institutions to help alleviate fears about digitalization. Participants experience firsthand the interconnectedness and application of new technologies and develop strategies for harnessing their potential in their own environments. In this way, inscape experiences makes an important contribution to Switzerland’s journey toward Industry 4.0.

Team Members
Amanda Bickel
Tatjana Guggisberg
Raphael Furrer
Mathias Ramseyer

Idea
‘Green building’ is made possible in a simple way by using Isoterra Construction Blocks as insulation material. The sustainable and natural materials used, as well as the resource-saving processing, reduce the environmental impact in buildings and effectively insulate against temperature fluctuations and noise.

Team members
Dr. Guilhem Amin Douillet

Website

Idea
Luya is a tasty plant-based alternative to meat and takes sustainability to the next level. We rescue organic okra – a by-product of tofu and soy milk production, of which more than 1500 tons are thrown away in Switzerland every year – and process it into ready-to-cook slices, pieces and patties. Thanks to traditional fermentation techniques, we can dispense with all additives and highly processed ingredients and offer 100% natural, round delicacies made in Switzerland.

Team Members
Michael Alistair Whyte
Tobias Kistler
Christoph Denkel
Flavio Hagenbuch

Website

Idea
Turning your free time into time out and recharging your batteries in pure nature – a wonderful idea. Cosy, simple and minimalist, the free-standing ‘mySaess’ cabin provides unique and comfortable accommodation for up to four people. Sustainably produced and resource-saving Swiss raw materials and products form the basis and equipment of ‘mySaess’.

Team Members
, Jérôme Rütsche
, Alain Brülisauer

Website

Idea
In order to promote a scientific career and secure funding for projects, studies must be published in English – not so easy if English is not your native language. Publisher Pro’s Web App offers scientists specialized writing tools, automatic coaching, customizable templates and helps to write studies twice as fast.

Team members
, Kali Tal
, Tal Herman
, Sam Campbell

Idea
SmartAir specializes in improving the efficiency of airports and the traveler experience. The specially developed AI-controlled solution avoids delays, minimizes waiting times and helps passengers to relax at the airport. Gone are the days when travel was characterized by hectic and stress.

Team Members
Dominique Henri
Daniel Dorigatti
Marcel Leiprecht
Prof. Dr. Annett Laube
Prof. Andreas Meier