SCALE receives CHF 150,000 from Venture Kick to power sensor innovation with novel mid-infrared lasers
29.12.2025
The micro- and nanotechnology startup SCALE Lasers has obtained CHF 150,000 from Venture Kick to create a new class of mid-infrared semiconductor lasers designed for portable and multicolor sensing. Its technology aims to democratize laser-based sensing, transforming high-end mid-infrared applications into ubiquitous, everyday technology.
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While laser-based sensing in the mid-infrared spectral range is the gold standard for gas analysis, the technology faces a critical bottleneck. Current laser sources are too bulky, power-hungry, and expensive for widespread use. These limitations prevent the scalable deployment of portable, multi-gas analyzers, restricting the technology to niche markets.
Rooted at ETH Zurich, SCALE Lasers bridges this gap by delivering miniaturized, surface-emitting laser components produced using standard semiconductor manufacturing. This approach significantly reduces size and cost while enabling automated wafer-level testing. The platform supports multi-wavelength operation, allowing sensor manufacturers to integrate mid-infrared lasers seamlessly into compact, portable multi-species sensors.
SCALE Lasers targets an initial USD 100 million opportunity in industrial and environmental gas monitoring. Ultimately, by sharply reducing size and cost, the technology opens the door to future mass-market applications in consumer electronics and non-invasive health diagnostics.
The CHF 150,000 from Venture Kick will fuel the company’s market entry, accelerating the transition from prototyping to production. This will allow the team to convert active pilot projects into customers and expand its base, positioning the company for its upcoming financing round.
CEO David Stark and CTO Killian Keller lead the team, bringing expertise in entrepreneurial leadership, semiconductor laser physics, and photonic integrated circuits. Their combined background enables the startup to bring novel mid-infrared lasers from the lab to scalable, real-world deployment.
“Venture Kick pushed us from day one to look beyond the physics and validate the commercial potential of our technology. That mindset shift was the key to securing the commercial traction we have today,” highlighted CEO David Stark.
SCALE Lasers: CEO David Stark and CTO Killian Keller
Rooted at ETH Zurich, SCALE Lasers bridges this gap by delivering miniaturized, surface-emitting laser components produced using standard semiconductor manufacturing. This approach significantly reduces size and cost while enabling automated wafer-level testing. The platform supports multi-wavelength operation, allowing sensor manufacturers to integrate mid-infrared lasers seamlessly into compact, portable multi-species sensors.
SCALE Lasers targets an initial USD 100 million opportunity in industrial and environmental gas monitoring. Ultimately, by sharply reducing size and cost, the technology opens the door to future mass-market applications in consumer electronics and non-invasive health diagnostics.
The CHF 150,000 from Venture Kick will fuel the company’s market entry, accelerating the transition from prototyping to production. This will allow the team to convert active pilot projects into customers and expand its base, positioning the company for its upcoming financing round.
CEO David Stark and CTO Killian Keller lead the team, bringing expertise in entrepreneurial leadership, semiconductor laser physics, and photonic integrated circuits. Their combined background enables the startup to bring novel mid-infrared lasers from the lab to scalable, real-world deployment.
“Venture Kick pushed us from day one to look beyond the physics and validate the commercial potential of our technology. That mindset shift was the key to securing the commercial traction we have today,” highlighted CEO David Stark.
SCALE Lasers: CEO David Stark and CTO Killian Keller