Aseptuva moves to preclinical validation and opens a CHF 5 million Series A round

Following a CHF 2.4 million seed round, Bern-based medtech start-up Aseptuva has moved from early prototyping to preclinical validation of its Far-UVC technology designed to prevent catheter-related bloodstream infections, and is now raising a CHF 5 million Series A.

Aseptuva, a Swiss-UK medtech start-up, has progressed from early prototyping to preclinical validation in Europe following the CHF 2.4 million seed round it closed last year. The company is developing a targeted Far-UVC disinfection technology designed to prevent hospital-acquired infections, particularly bloodstream infections associated with intravenous catheters. By disinfecting directly at the catheter entry site with non-carcinogenic doses of Far-UVC light, the technology aims to reduce infection risk and reliance on antibiotics, contributing to the fight against antimicrobial resistance.

The seed round brought together well-known figures from the healthcare sector, including Simon Michel, CEO of Burgdorf-based Ypsomed; Roger Nitsch, CEO and President of Neurimmune; Armin Diethelm, President of Emitec; the single family office Auxinam; and the investment group weInvest. Existing investors Valuemaker and Fortyone also provided follow-on funding.

Since then, Aseptuva has conducted more than 50 interviews with clinical staff in eight hospitals in Europe and the US to establish the product-market fit of its device. Product development followed an iterative process with Philips Innovation Services in Eindhoven, Fraunhofer FEP in Dresden and Laser Zentrum Hannover, leading to a functional prototype that has since passed preclinical efficacy testing in the UK. A recent study using a 3D human skin model found no adverse biological effects from the Far-UVC treatment, supporting its safety under the tested conditions.

Scientific and industry backing

Founded independently in 2021 by its three founders rather than as an academic spin-off, the company has secured competitive funding from Innosuisse, Horizon Europe, the UK’s National Institute for Health and Care Research and Innovate UK. In 2025, it joined a Horizon Europe project under the Transforming Health and Care Systems partnership, receiving EUR 600,000 to develop its device for intensive care units.

Its advisors include Dr. Hugo Sax, former President of Swissnoso, the Swiss National Center for Infection Prevention; Dr. Michael Hengartner, President of the ETH Board; and Dr. Fabian Unteregger, Co-President of Swiss Healthcare Startups. Dr. Daniel Delfosse, former Vice Director of Swiss Medtech, joined the board of directors earlier this year.

The CHF 5 million Series A round will support clinical development, expansion in the UK and preparations for entry into the US market. Existing shareholders have already committed more than CHF 400,000 in additional funding.