Fribourg unveils nine finalists for the 2024-2025 IFF Innovation Awards

The canton of Fribourg, together with the Banque Cantonale de Fribourg (BCF), has revealed the nine finalists of the prestigious IFF (Innovation Fribourg Freiburg) Awards.

The 2024-2025 edition of the IFF Awards (Innovation Fribourg Freiburg) will recognize innovative companies in three categories: Enterprise, Start-up and Sustainability. This year, 39 applications were submitted, presenting a range of groundbreaking solutions from different sectors. Nine finalists were selected, three in each category, to compete for cash prizes totaling CHF 50,000.

Olivier Curty, President of the Jury and State Councillor of Fribourg, highlighted the competitiveness of this year’s entries: “These nine finalists should be very proud of their selection. Their creativity and commitment to innovation set a high standard for Fribourg’s entrepreneurial landscape”.

Finalists for the Prix IFF Enterprise

1. Asyril SA (Villaz-St-Pierre) – Smart Bin for Manufacturing: Asyril has developed the Merlin concept, a smart bin equipped with eight cameras and an AI-based interface. This system allows robots to pick parts directly from the bin, automating repetitive tasks in small-scale manufacturing.
2. Contrinex SA (Corminboeuf) – 3D Smart Camera for Industrial Applications: Designed for real-time image analysis, the Contrinex 3D camera can be configured via a mobile app. Its easy-to-use interface makes it ideal for quality control, packaging inspection and defect detection in a variety of industries.
3. Liebherr Machines Bulle SA (Bulle) – Hydraulic Air Boosting System: Liebherr’s innovation optimizes air injection in combustion engines, reducing turbo lag and stabilizing engine performance. The system promises increased fuel efficiency and reduced emissions for construction equipment.

Finalists for the Prix IFF Start-up

1. Seprify SA (Marly) – Cellulose-Based White Pigment: Seprify has developed a natural pigment derived from cellulose that offers a safe and sustainable alternative to titanium dioxide. This pigment is already gaining ground in the food, cosmetics and pharmaceutical industries.
2. Xemperia SA (Bulle) – Breast Cancer Detection Blood Test: Xemperia’s innovative blood test identifies biomarkers associated with breast cancer, providing a more accurate and accessible alternative to traditional mammography. The PCR-based test is particularly beneficial for younger women who are often excluded from mammography screening.
3. Yllyl Sàrl (Givisiez) – AI Learning Optimization Platform: Yllyl’s Yepa platform uses AI to improve the learning experience by modeling user interactions and providing personalized recommendations. The platform connects users with similar goals and allows educators to refine their teaching methods based on real-time feedback.

Finalists for the Prix IFF Sustainability

1. E2PME Sàrl (Marly) – Real-Time Energy Waste Analyzer: E2PME has developed a device that identifies energy losses in manufacturing processes. It measures electrical, pneumatic and thermal energy consumption and provides companies with key insights to improve energy efficiency.
2. ROMAG aquacare SA (Guin) – Autonomous Water Quality Monitoring System: ROMAG’s aquacare PowerFlow system combines water quality monitoring with autonomous power generation, making it ideal for remote locations. The system measures key parameters such as pH, turbidity and conductivity, ensuring continuous water quality control.
3. SWISS-B (Marly) – Biodegradable Plant Pots: SWISS-B’s PLANTEX pots are made from recycled and organic materials such as plant fibers and biochar. These pots decompose naturally, enriching the soil and promoting sustainable gardening practices.

The IFF Award: a driving force for Fribourg’s economic development

The IFF Innovation Award, formerly known as the Innovation Award of the canton of Fribourg, was created in 1991 by Fribourg’s economic development agency (FDA). Co-organized by FDA and BCF, the IFF Award recognizes and rewards innovative projects that drive Fribourg’s economic development. More than 50 companies have benefited from this platform, gaining visibility and support for their entrepreneurial efforts.