A total of 37 new companies will emerge from ETH in 2024

(CONNECT) The number of spin-offs from ETH in 2024 has only been exceeded one year previously: 43 in 2023 and 37 last year. Start-ups specializing in artificial intelligence remained in the lead with ten start-ups, followed by biotechnology and pharmaceuticals with eight start-ups. The number of start-up teams with women rose to 35 percent.

According to an ETH press release, the attractiveness of ETH spin-offs is also reflected in the rising level of investment. Accordingly, the amount invested has increased tenfold over the past ten years. In 2024, CHF 425 million was invested in ETH spin-offs in 42 published financing rounds. This corresponds to an increase of 25 percent compared to the previous year.

Neustark proved to be particularly successful. The Bern-based company uses its proprietary process to bind CO2 from the atmosphere in concrete. It was able to raise capital of 69 million dollars in 2024. Bright Peak Therapeutics from the Switzerland Innovation Park Basel Area in Allschwil BL even raised 90 million dollars for its immunotherapies.

The founders of the ETH spin-offs established between 2017 and 2024 come from 46 different countries: 45 percent come from Switzerland, 18 percent from Germany and 6 percent from Italy. Of the 530 ETH spin-offs still active since 1973, 519 are still active in Switzerland. According to the ETH, the survival rate of the spin-offs is also remarkable: 93 percent are still active five years after their foundation.

"These figures clearly show that it pays off for Switzerland when ETH Zurich attracts the brightest minds from all over the world to the country," says Vanessa Wood, Vice President for Knowledge Transfer and Corporate Relations. "They develop new products, found companies and thus create added value for Swiss society and the economy." ce/mm