Wyss Zurich is a joint accelerator of the University of Zurich and ETH Zurich, funded by a generous donation from the Swiss entrepreneur and philanthropist Dr Hansjörg Wyss. By providing projects with capital and access to infrastructure along with coaching and mentoring, the program expedites the research translation into new treatment protocols and clinical therapies, as well as novel technologies and intelligent systems. Focus areas are in the emerging fields of regenerative medicine, robotics, and medical devices/bionics.
Since the launch in 2015, Wyss Zurich has supported 25 projects, many of which have transformed into startups and created over 700 jobs. The projects have received CHF 120 million through the program and went on to secure an additional CHF 270 million in financing rounds.
Over the past six months, three new projects joined the program. Tandem Therapeutics, with its project aimed at developing novel peptide drug conjugates to precision target and treat fibrosis-driven diseases, is the newest of them. Fibrosis represents a significant unmet medical challenge, contributing to over 45% of deaths in the developed world. Progressive fibrosis leads to the disruption of organ function and represents a significant cause of morbidity and mortality globally. Using a deep understanding of matrix mechanobiology and its relation to disease progression, Tandem Therapeutics is developing a pipeline of selectively targeted, efficacious, and safe therapies to treat progressive lung fibrosis.
MYNERVA and Tethys Robotics have been with Wyss Zurich for the last six months. Founded by Greta Preatoni, Mynerva is developing a wearable neuro-stimulating medical device in the form of a shoe sole to reduce chronic pain and to restore the sense of touch in patients suffering from diabetic neuropathy. Thanks to the technologies potential to transform lives for millions of people worldwide, Mynerva has stood out in several competitions, winning over 27 prizes and awards since embarking on their journey.
In the robotics segment, Tethys Robotics is developing a compact and autonomous underwater drone for automated inspection and assessments in rough waters. Tasks around underwater operations such as conducting critical inspections and interventions are conducted by human divers who expose themselves to vast risks, especially in turbulent waters. Current robotic solutions lack the necessary robustness in key metrics required for harsh aquatic environments, or necessitate costly, environmentally polluting vessels and infrastructure. Tethys drone solution addresses these limitations, enabling autonomous mapping and survey even in strong water flows and poor visibility. It even provides high resolution 3D models of submerged infrastructure.
(RAN)