Burgdorf – Visienco AG has won first prize at the Ypsomed Innovation Award 2026. The startup is developing an automated process for producing mini organs, known as organoids, which can be used in drug development, among other applications, as an alternative to animal testing. Three companies were recognized at the award ceremony in Bern. Presented by the Ypsomed Innovation Fund Foundation, the award is endowed with a total of CHF 100 000 and was presented for the twelfth time.
The goal of the award is to promote the transfer of knowledge and technology from universities of applied sciences and universities in the Swiss midlands to the industry. This year, 34 projects were submitted. A jury of seven experts selected seven projects for the shortlist, of which three were ultimately chosen as winners. Submissions were evaluated based on criteria including degree of innovation, team quality, market potential, and technical feasibility.
“Swiss universities are among the best in the world. It is important that we make their knowledge and research accessible to the Swiss economy,” said Simon Michel, President of the Foundation Board and CEO of Ypsomed, at the award ceremony. Lucie Jandet, co-founder of Visienco, shared this sentiment: “Thanks to the Ypsomed Innovation Award, we can deliver our first platforms to customers and translate years of research into real-world applications and commercialization.”
The winning project 2026
Visienco AG (Swiss Center for Electronics and Microtechnology, CSEM
With “Orgadroid,” Visienco is taking the production of organoids to a new level. Organoids are mini organs grown in the laboratory, such as brains, livers, or retinas. They are considered a promising alternative to animal testing, support personalized medicine, and play an important role in drug development, particularly in cancer research. To date, however, organoids have not been able to fully realize their potential, as many steps are performed manually and processes are neither scalable nor reliably reproducible. Visienco combines robotics and artificial intelligence to automate the production and application of organoids, enabling a standardized and traceable process.
The two additional award winners
Optohive AG (ETH Zurich in partnership with the University of Bern)
Optohive develops wearable and modular brain imaging systems based on functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS). The system is worn on the head like a cap and enables mobile monitoring of brain activity in clinical, scientific, and everyday settings. This opens new possibilities in psychiatry, neurology, sports science, and the field of brain-computer interfaces. With high-quality neurodata and intelligent analysis methods, optohive provides the foundation for scalable healthcare solutions.
Rhovica Neuroimaging AG (Inselspital, Bern University Hospital)
With its SoNav system, Rhovica Neuroimaging AG is setting new standards in neurosurgical emergency care. The miniaturized ultrasound technology enables precise placement of EVD brain catheters directly at the patient’s bedside. SoNav reduces catheter placement time by up to 45 minutes, increases safety by eliminating the need for multiple attempts, and lowers average costs per patient by approximately CHF 2 100. The system addresses a key clinical need: improved treatment outcomes combined with lower hospital costs.
About the Ypsomed Innovation Award
The Ypsomed Innovation Award has been presented since 2007. Prize money totals CHF 50 000 for the winning team and CHF 25 000 each for the two additional awarded projects. The foundation’s goal is to encourage innovative and entrepreneurial teams at universities of applied sciences and universities with ties to the capital region to consider market needs in their research and to translate their developments into market-ready products or services. The next Ypsomed Innovation Award will be launched in summer 2026. The award ceremony for the Ypsomed Innovation Award 2027 will take place on 21 January 2027.
More information about the Ypsomed Innovation Award is available at www.ypsomedinnovationaward.ch.
