Four Future Deep-Tech Startups Begin the CSEM Accelerate Program - For Swiss Innovation with Global Impact

ACCELERATE: Transforming Innovation into Impact The ACCELERATE cohort this year brings together two internal CSEM projects and three external teams, emphasizing the program’s role as a bridge between CSEM research and the Swiss startup ecosystem.

A recent success story is the company CCRAFT, founded in April 2025. The spin-off produces photonic integrated circuits – a key technology for faster and more energy-efficient data communication – exemplifying how ACCELERATE turns deep-tech ideas into industrial reality.

The ACCELERATE 2025 Cohort Meet the four deep-tech innovations launching this year with ACCELERATE:

SmartHear – Neuroadaptive Hearing Technology that Trains the Brain SmartHear is developing a novel neurotechnology platform that connects auditory science with cognitive health. Using AI and precise in-ear sensors, the solution transforms hearing tests and training into a personalized, adaptive experience tailored to each user's brain activity. Unaddressed hearing disorders are currently considered the most important modifiable risk factor for Alzheimer's and dementia – early intervention is crucial for maintaining brain health. By deciphering neural hearing responses, SmartHear trains the neural pathways responsible for hearing, focus, and cognitive performance.

“SmartHear makes hearing training as routine as physical training – accessible, personalized, and deeply human.” – Zahra Khaliliardali, Founder of SmartHear

Needless – Better Health, No Needles Required Blood samples have been standard for health measurements for decades – Needless aims to change that. The team is developing a wearable patch that measures vital signs through the skin – without needing a blood draw. The platform paves the way for effortless, pain-free health monitoring – possible anytime, anywhere – helping to shift diagnostics from invasive to invisible.

“We want to make health monitoring more convenient, simple, and innovative – in a tiny patch.” – Brad Petkus, Co-founder of Needless along with Gabriel Christmann

HelioW – Power for Space: Lighter, Cheaper, More Efficient HelioW is developing ultralight, highly efficient solar cells and modules to power the next generation of satellites. Based on groundbreaking materials developed at CSEM, these flexible modules reduce weight and costs, enabling entirely new satellite designs. With tens of thousands of satellites in orbit and Europe’s drive for greater technological autonomy, HelioW hits the mark of a rapidly growing market.

“Thanks to ACCELERATE, HelioW benefits from CSEM’s solar material expertise, technical support, and access to partners and funding.” – Simon Russeil, Founder of HelioW

SecondWave – Material Analysis as Easy as a Photo SecondWave revolutionizes material identification with a miniaturized spectroscopy sensor that instantly identifies any substance with lab precision. Compact enough for a smartphone, the sensor turns everyday devices into powerful chemical analyzers – for applications in health, food industry, and security. No bulky equipment. No waiting times. Just light – and know. SecondWave sets a new standard for mobile material analysis, making advanced detection accessible anytime, anywhere.

“We turn every smartphone into a lab, changing how the world recognizes and analyzes substances.” – Andrea Morandi, Founder of SecondWave

Bahaa Roustom, VP Marketing & Business Development at CSEM, on the program: “ACCELERATE is far more than a support program – it’s a launch pad for the next generation of Swiss deep-tech innovators. We are excited to accompany these entrepreneurs on their journey.”

Looking to the Future This year’s participants impress with diversity and courage: they tackle challenges in energy, health, medtech, and photonics with disruptive technologies scalable worldwide.

With this new group, CSEM is writing the next chapter in Swiss innovation history – full of breakthroughs, partnerships, and opportunities.

Applications for the ACCELERATE 2026 call are open until the end of January 2026. Ambitious entrepreneurs can apply online to become part of the next generation of Swiss deep-tech innovators.

Media Contact:
CSEM
Jessica Volpe
Communication Campaign Owner
+41 79 242 19 62
media@csem.ch

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