Pix4d and SWISSto12 get the venture kick
18.05.2012
The two new venture kick winners which were able to win over the jury composed of 13 experts with their business model, are both EPFL spin-offs. Pix4d creates complex 3D models based on thousands of aerial images; SWISSto12 develops components destined for a whole variety of application areas in terahertz transmission. By winning the kick, both start-ups have secured the total funding amount of 130.000 francs.
 SWISSto12: Alessandro Macor and Emile de Rijk
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 Pix4D: Christoph Strecha and Olivier Küng
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The first round of the private funding initiative focused on the quality of the business ideas presented by the two companies, which at that point in time, weren’t allowed to be established yet. In the following two rounds, both start-ups had to demonstrate tangible progress towards the realization of their business idea and submit themselves to intensive questioning as well as to the expertise of the jury members on the issue of their respective business cases. This time around it was two innovative high-tech start-ups from the Romandie which were able to make the final cut and secure the kick.
SWISSto12: perfect wave-transmission from 0,3 to 10 THz
SWISSto12 aims at becoming a leading global supplier of components and systems for terahertz signal transmission. Both founders, Emile de Rijk and Alessandro Macor, want to revolutionize the existing manufacturing technology of wave-guiding materials, and have developed a comprehensive line of products which combines ideal high-intensity high-performance transmission lines, low loss and low dispersion, which is able to cover large distances. The innovative and patented technology can be implemented in a customizable way and appears to have a particularly promising future in medicinal and telecommunications technology. Emile de Rijk has been recently been nominated as a venture leader 2012. Now it’s time for them to expand their existing American and German customer base by convincing and attracting new clients.
Pix4D: image processing software for 3D aerial photographs
Today, lightweight flying platforms such as UAVs are increasingly used to provide aerial photography in the mining industry, for civil engineering, precision farming and urban areas modeling. Pix4D developed Pix4UAV, a unique software package that combines those thousands of aerial images into professional accurate 2D maps and 3D models, within just a couple of clicks. The service, which is offered both in a desktop and cloud based version, distinguishes itself through its high precision, user friendliness and speedy delivery of results. Several pilot-projects have already been initiated and first talks with potential investors have already been held. The technology developed by EPFL Post-Doc Dr. Christoph Strecha and EPFL graduate Olivier Küng – the two founders of Pix4D – has also demonstrated promising potential for application in other areas. The software was for example already deployed by the UN in Haiti when dealing with problematic issues in aviation.
venture kick as the perfect companion on the road
Olivier Küng from Pix4D: «The past eleven months at venture kick have ideally prepared us for the everyday life of an entrepreneur, and have enabled us to make significant steps forward. In the beginning it was about getting to know and analyze our market, latter, we
refined our business model and are now concentrating on getting our business to grow. The prize money will allows us to pursue the crucial task at hand, namely to acquire new customers.» Emile de Rijk from SWISSto12 was also convinced by the concept of venture kick: «With its three phases, venture kick provides extremely valuable advice and pre-seed funding to shape the success of young startups.»
SWISSto12: perfect wave-transmission from 0,3 to 10 THz
SWISSto12 aims at becoming a leading global supplier of components and systems for terahertz signal transmission. Both founders, Emile de Rijk and Alessandro Macor, want to revolutionize the existing manufacturing technology of wave-guiding materials, and have developed a comprehensive line of products which combines ideal high-intensity high-performance transmission lines, low loss and low dispersion, which is able to cover large distances. The innovative and patented technology can be implemented in a customizable way and appears to have a particularly promising future in medicinal and telecommunications technology. Emile de Rijk has been recently been nominated as a venture leader 2012. Now it’s time for them to expand their existing American and German customer base by convincing and attracting new clients.
Pix4D: image processing software for 3D aerial photographs
Today, lightweight flying platforms such as UAVs are increasingly used to provide aerial photography in the mining industry, for civil engineering, precision farming and urban areas modeling. Pix4D developed Pix4UAV, a unique software package that combines those thousands of aerial images into professional accurate 2D maps and 3D models, within just a couple of clicks. The service, which is offered both in a desktop and cloud based version, distinguishes itself through its high precision, user friendliness and speedy delivery of results. Several pilot-projects have already been initiated and first talks with potential investors have already been held. The technology developed by EPFL Post-Doc Dr. Christoph Strecha and EPFL graduate Olivier Küng – the two founders of Pix4D – has also demonstrated promising potential for application in other areas. The software was for example already deployed by the UN in Haiti when dealing with problematic issues in aviation.
venture kick as the perfect companion on the road
Olivier Küng from Pix4D: «The past eleven months at venture kick have ideally prepared us for the everyday life of an entrepreneur, and have enabled us to make significant steps forward. In the beginning it was about getting to know and analyze our market, latter, we
refined our business model and are now concentrating on getting our business to grow. The prize money will allows us to pursue the crucial task at hand, namely to acquire new customers.» Emile de Rijk from SWISSto12 was also convinced by the concept of venture kick: «With its three phases, venture kick provides extremely valuable advice and pre-seed funding to shape the success of young startups.»