Vatorex receives EUR 1.6 million to develop and implement beekeeping technology platform and chemical-free varroa treatment
23.09.2020
Agritech startup Vatorex AG has received EUR 1.6 million from the European Commission’s Horizon 2020 program. The grant will be used in the development and implementation of Vatorex’s beekeeping platform and chemical-free varroa treatment technology.
 Vatorex Team 2020
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Vatorex was a Venture Kick winner in 2016. The company’s mission is to be at the forefront of the movement to save the bees by becoming the world leader in eco-positive apiculture technology.
Innovation is a key focus for Winterthur-based Vatorex, which will use the funds to enhance its product road map, conduct research into new technologies, and drive the go-to-market strategy for the commercial beekeeping sector. The accelerated development road map will be led by the newly created Chief Technology Officer position. Software development, sales, and marketing teams will also be expanded.
Vatorex was founded in 2016, with the objective of developing a chemical-free solution for the varroa mite—a primary cause of global honey bee losses. Vatorex’s patented varroa solution consists of an automated heat treatment technology, which destroys mite infestations without harming bees or contaminating bee products. Building upon the success of the varroa treatment, Vatorex has expanded its technology suite to include temperature and weight sensors, and a complete colony management app.
Founder and CEO of Vatorex, Pascal Brunner, says, “This is an amazing opportunity for the Vatorex team and a huge vote of confidence from the EU commission. At a time where many of society’s structures are being severely tested, the world’s honey bee populations, and the food systems that rely on them, are at their most vulnerable. It is a privilege to be at the forefront of the fight to save the honey bees, while also providing an ecological and commercially exciting solution for our partners and clients.”
Horizon 2020 is the biggest EU Research and Innovation program ever, with nearly 80 billion of funding available over seven years (2014 to 2020) – in addition to the private investment that this money will attract. It promises more breakthroughs, discoveries, and world-firsts by taking great ideas from the lab to the market.