IMD Startup Competition

The FiberLocker System, a cutting-edge solution for rotator cuff repair reinforcement, has obtained FDA clearance. This milestone for the Swiss MedTech startup ZuriMED Technologies AG marks the upcoming U.S. launch in early 2025 and enables surgeons to leverage this novel technology for rotator cuff repair procedures.

Swiss startup Dufour Aerospace and Air Zermatt, a globally recognized leader in rescue operations, are set to explore the use of drones in improving emergency services, particularly in the rugged mountain terrain of the Valais region. This milestone collaboration is an important step towards starting serial production of Dufour Aerospace forthcoming Aero2 drone in 2026.

With the first commercial sale of the ARC-EX System in the US, ONWARD Medical has reached a key milestone in its journey to provide innovative solutions to people with spinal cord injuries. This medical device is the first and only FDA approved technology indicated to improve hand strength and sensation in people with spinal cord injury.

With the receipt of the De Novo Marketing Authorization from the US Food and Drug Administration Distalmotion is set to bring its surgical robot, Dexter into the US. This will expand access to its robotic assisted surgery in the hospital outpatient and ambulatory surgery centers, where over 90 percent of inguinal hernia repairs are currently performed.

TIME’s annual Best Inventions list celebrates 200 ground-breaking innovations from around the world. Swiss start-ups are well represented on the list.

HeiQ, a global leader in biotech ingredients and specialty chemicals for diverse applications, has been experiencing significant challenges in its core business units, including Textiles, Flooring, and Antimicrobials, due to ongoing curtailed demand and price pressure. In response, the company has initiated a restructuring plan, which includes delisting from the London Stock Exchange and selective divestments.

ONWARD Medical successfully raised an amount of EUR 50 million in gross proceeds by way of an upsized bookbuild offering through a private placement with institutional investors. Ottobock, a global leader in the fields of prosthetics, orthotics and exoskeleton technology, acquires c.10% of ONWARD Medical N.V.’s share capital and initiates a strategic relationship. Updated 24 October.

In collaboration with various players across Europe, BioVersys and Maven Health aim to advance their solutions to address bacteria infections and expand the understanding of gut issues, respectively. Funding for the projects stems from the European Union and industry players such as PPP Allowance.

With the launch of Ascento Research, the security robotics startup is offering a new version of its advanced 2-wheel-legged mobile robot designed specifically for research purposes. To achieve its goal of empowering robotics researchers, Ascento has partnered with MYBOTSHOP, the leading distributor of robotics products in Europe, to serve this customer segment.

Lymphatica Medtech SA is a clinical-stage company based in Lausanne, specialized in innovative treatments for lymphedema, a chronic vascular condition that currently has no cure and affects millions worldwide. The investment will accelerate the clinical development and validation of LymphoDrain, a breakthrough implantable device designed to treat lymphedema.

xFarm Technologies a Swiss-Italian startup dedicated to digitalising the agri-food sector, has raised €36 million in series C round. The funds will enable the company to accelerate its expansion across Europe, Turkey, Latin America, India and the US, enhance its services and provide even greater support for the implementation of regenerative agriculture, using models based on artificial intelligence technologies for data analysis.

Dexter, Distalmotion’s surgical robot has already completed over 1000 surgeries in Europe. The company has now completed a new financing round led by Revival Healthcare with participation from the Swiss Entrepreneurs Fund to fuel the company’s commercial phase.

Swiss SafetyTech startup Privately has signed an agreement with action group “Our Vape Advocacy” to provide a customized version of its AgeAI app in hundreds of vape stores across the UK. Launched in July 2023 also in Ireland, the app has enabled Privately to perform nearly a million age checks in stores already.

Netguardians’ AI-driven anti-fraud solutions are currently used by 60% of all Swiss state-owned commercial banks, signalling the financial industry’s growing trust in digital solutions. Wecan and CelsiusPro have also enabled companies in Switzerland and Fiji to launch new solutions based on their technologies.