Five breakthrough startup projects win the first stage of Venture Kick

Comphya (EPFL) – Life Science
Comphya develops an active implantable medical device to restore the erectile function of patients who are non-responsive to oral drugs (e.g. Viagra or Cialis). To achieve erection, these patients have access to problematic and outdated methods such as intrapenile injections of vasodilators or penile implants. Comphya fills the need for better modalities for these patients, with a main focus on spinal cord injury and prostatectomy patients, both large segments with high potential of use.

This year, Comphya was selected as part of the venture leaders Life Science business development program in Boston, with 6 other Venture Kick startups. CTO Rodrigo Araujo Fraga de Silva met many investors and expert to give his project commercial opportunities in the US.

Largo (EPFL) – entertainment, film, IT
Largo is a short film distribution platform that creates new distribution channels for short-film makers and allows a wide audience to enjoy the increasing quality of short films. By providing strong deep-learning based features, we provide a high level of user engagement in the film watching experience.

Zaphiro Technologies (EPFL) - Cleantech
The startup develops and commercializes a power-grid monitoring and automation system that helps electrical utilities to operate their grids more reliably, efficiently and cost effectively during both normal and emergency conditions. This is possible thanks to synchronised sensors that transmit their data in real-time to a grid controller unit integrating advanced algorithms to protect and control the grid.

Robotic Exoskeletons for the Consumer Market (ETHZ) - electronics, mechanics
The startup’s aim is to develop and sell consumers oriented robotic exoskeletons for education and entertainment. The consumer market has not yet been tapped by robotic exoskeletons. Especially with the growing fields of medical exoskeletons, industrial exoskeletons and virtual reality (VR), Robotic Exoskeletons expects a quickly growing demand for educational exoskeletons and exoskeletons to increase VR immersion.

AIROS (CHUV/UNIL) – Medtech
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a life-threatening slowly evolving condition, which can be slowed if diagnosed early. Unlike the spirometry test currently in use, AIROS proposes a device which is able to detect early signs of the disease.