FIT backs three start-ups to advance photonics, agritech and AI-driven drug discovery

The Foundation for Innovation and Technology (FIT) has awarded three Tech Seed loans of CHF 100,000 each to emerging start-ups CCRAFT, Databaum and Lemna Bio, supporting the next phase of development for technologies spanning advanced photonics, data-driven agriculture and artificial intelligence applied to life sciences.

The Tech Seed loans are designed to help young companies move from validated concepts toward market readiness by financing early structuring steps, technology validation and initial commercialization efforts. The latest recipients reflect the diversity of innovation emerging from Western Switzerland’s research and entrepreneurial ecosystem, with solutions addressing global challenges in computing, food production and healthcare.

CCRAFT is tackling a critical bottleneck in next-generation photonics by establishing what it describes as the world’s first independent foundry dedicated to thin-film lithium niobate (TFLN) chips. TFLN is widely recognized as a breakthrough material for high-performance optical components, yet industrial-scale manufacturing capabilities remain largely absent. CCRAFT aims to fill this gap by enabling high-volume production of energy-efficient and scalable optical chips that outperform conventional silicon-based platforms. Such components are expected to play a key role in data centers supporting artificial intelligence, high-performance computing and quantum technologies. The FIT loan will support the company’s initial setup and strengthen the protection of its intellectual property.

Databaum focuses on regenerative agriculture by transforming raw field data into actionable insights for farmers. Its artificial intelligence platform aggregates real-time measurements from a network of sensors monitoring soil moisture, rainfall, temperature, humidity and frost risk. These inputs are analyzed to generate practical recommendations, delivered directly to farmers via mobile notifications, covering irrigation timing, disease pressure and treatment optimization. Databaum plans to use the FIT support to finalize and launch its irrigation management system in collaboration with EPFL, while expanding its business development activities across several European markets.

Lemna Bio applies artificial intelligence to one of the most complex challenges in biomedical research: understanding biological interactions at the molecular level. The company develops AI models capable of deciphering these interactions to identify robust therapeutic targets and guide drug discovery. By generating explainable, biologically grounded hypotheses, Lemna Bio aims to reduce failure rates in drug development. The Tech Seed loan will enable further validation of its platform and preparation for customer access.