Bluefactory start-up Yord’s smart energy optimization awarded in Fribourg

Yord, a pioneering start-up based at the Bluefactory in Fribourg, has won the inaugural Fribourg Energy Prize along with CHF 10,000, marking a significant milestone in its journey towards revolutionizing energy optimization.

In an era where sustainability and energy efficiency are paramount, Fribourg-based Yord has carved its niche. Awarded the first-ever Fribourg Energy Prize and its CHF 10,000 honor, the innovative company, spearheaded by Sébastien Bron, has made significant strides since launching its energy optimizer in October 2023. Yord’s solution, now serving numerous major cities and municipalities of Western Switerzald, stands as a testament to the growing commitment towards reducing energy consumption and heating costs.

Held at the Safe Gallery of the Banque Cantonale de Fribourg, Yord emerged victorious in this inaugural edition of the Fribourg Agglomeration’s Energy Prize. Located at the Bluefactory site, Yord’s solution targets the reduction of heating consumption in buildings, a pressing issue it began addressing installations just a month following its market debut.

The recognition from the Energy Prize underlines the significant impact of Yord’s work and its solution among its clientele. CEO Sébastien Bron expressed the award as both a validation of their efforts to lower energy consumption and heating expenses and an excellent promotional tool.

Founded in 2021 by Denis Zufferey, Vincent Pilloud, Lucien Blanchard, and Sébastien Bron—four engineers from HEIA-FR—Yord addresses the challenge of energy overconsumption within the Swiss real estate market. Its device utilizes artificial intelligence to optimally and autonomously regulate heating for both private and public sector buildings, potentially saving up to 30% of energy consumption.

Exemplifying the innovative spirit fostered within the Bluefactory

Yord’s clientele includes major cities and municipalities such as Fribourg, Martigny, Monthey, Geneva, Yverdon-les-Bains, and Biel/Bienne, alongside collaborations with the canton of Vaud and various companies from the region. The start-up is currently seeking funding to expand its presence in the Swiss market and explore the French market, alongside forming strategic partnerships for solution distribution, installation, and product development.

With a team of seven, Yord exemplifies the innovative spirit fostered within the Bluefactory—Fribourg’s epicenter of sustainable innovation. This award not only elevates Yord’s standing but also highlights Bluefactory’s role in supporting start-ups that drive forward the agenda of sustainability and technological advancement.