Versive gets CHF 150,000 from Venture Kick to reshape wheelchair mobility with steering-by-leaning
26.05.2025
ETH spin-off Versive is introducing a new body-responsive control system that transforms manual wheelchair navigation. With CHF 150,000 in support from Venture Kick, the startup is moving closer to its goal of making self-propulsion more efficient, intuitive, and accessible.
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Manual wheelchairs still rely on differential steering, requiring users to brake with one hand to control direction. This inefficient method wastes up to one-third of users’ energy, increases the risk of shoulder injuries, and makes daily mobility a struggle. Despite these challenges, wheelchair design has seen little change for decades.
The ETH spin-off Versive offers a smarter solution: a control system that responds to upper body movements. Users can lean to steer and sit upright to go straight, eliminating the need to brake and push unevenly. This makes propulsion up to twice as efficient, with smoother, more natural handling—a feeling similar to skiing or gliding on water.
More than 64 million people worldwide rely on manual wheelchairs. Versive is first focusing on active users in Europe, with plans to enter the US market next. A product launch is expected by late 2026, with goals to produce 1,800 units per year by 2030.
The CHF 150,000 from Venture Kick will support building a fully digital manufacturing pipeline that enables high product personalization with short lead times, addressing critical market demands.
Versive is led by co-founders Dr. Reto Togni and Stefan Villiger, who combine deep expertise in movement science, engineering, design and bringing innovative projects to life. Their mission: make everyday movement easier and more empowering for wheelchair users around the world.
“The Venture Kick program helped us sharpen our value proposition and develop a comprehensive vision beyond the technology itself,” highlighted Versive CEO Reto Togni.
CEO Reto Togni and CTO Stefan Villiger
The ETH spin-off Versive offers a smarter solution: a control system that responds to upper body movements. Users can lean to steer and sit upright to go straight, eliminating the need to brake and push unevenly. This makes propulsion up to twice as efficient, with smoother, more natural handling—a feeling similar to skiing or gliding on water.
More than 64 million people worldwide rely on manual wheelchairs. Versive is first focusing on active users in Europe, with plans to enter the US market next. A product launch is expected by late 2026, with goals to produce 1,800 units per year by 2030.
The CHF 150,000 from Venture Kick will support building a fully digital manufacturing pipeline that enables high product personalization with short lead times, addressing critical market demands.
Versive is led by co-founders Dr. Reto Togni and Stefan Villiger, who combine deep expertise in movement science, engineering, design and bringing innovative projects to life. Their mission: make everyday movement easier and more empowering for wheelchair users around the world.
“The Venture Kick program helped us sharpen our value proposition and develop a comprehensive vision beyond the technology itself,” highlighted Versive CEO Reto Togni.
CEO Reto Togni and CTO Stefan Villiger