Objects that sculpt light and secure, interacting flying machines: spin-offs from EPF and ETH win the Venture Kick final
28.09.2016
The EPFL spin-off Rayform and the ETH spin-off Aerotain won CHF 130'000 each at the Venture Kick final. Rayform develops a technology that makes it possible to produce images on surrounding walls by illuminating transparent or mirror objects. Aerotain invented flying solutions that enables to interact in a unique way with an audience, for ex. during events.
 Romain Testuz and Yuliy Schwartzburg, Rayform's CEO and CTO
|
 |
 Andreas Schaffner and Daniel Meier from Aerotain
|
|
Rayform: The «magicians» of light
The technology of the EPFL startup Rayform may seem like magic: however, it requires complex scientific concepts, such as a series of algorithms and a 3D software, developed at the Computer Graphics and Geometry Laboratory.
Based on an optical effect known as «caustics», the technology makes it possible to produce surprisingly clear and complex images on surrounding walls by illuminating transparent or mirror objects. Rayform offers its services primarily to manufacturers of luxury goods like watches, jewelry, perfume and spirits, as well as for preventing counterfeit products. The technology can be used with a wide range of materials, including polished metals, transparent plastics, glass and certain crystals such as sapphire.
The support of Venture Kick comes at the right time for Romain Testuz, the CEO of Rayform: «The program supported us to define our commercial strategy. The CHF 130’000 will also help us acquire many new clients.»
Aerotain: friendly flying machines
The ETH spin-off Aerotain develops flying solutions that increase the attention and the coverage of brands or products. The objective is to offer new possibilities to flying robotics, i.e. by increasing interactivity between the machines and the public. Applications range from advertisement, leisure or the coverage of live events from the air.
Aerotain’s main product, called «Skye», is a combination between a drone and a helium-filled balloon. It is amazingly secure and can fly without danger above crowds, outdoors as well as indoors. It was used equipped with a video camera in live broadcasts of events such as the CeBIT conferenceor the TOP100 Swiss Startups Awardin 2016. «Skye» can take virtually any shape and make brands and products airborne: soda cans, soccer ball and even a giant grill.
For Daniel Meier, Aerotain CEO, Venture Kick helped him move his innovative idea «from lab to market». «We could also strengthen our strategy thanks to the program’s business development workshops, the kickers camps.»