SICTIC

Yeastup is a food tech company based in Brugg, Aargau, founded in 2020, that focuses on upcycling by-products from the beer-brewing process into high-quality ingredients. The company aims to enhance global sustainability by transforming these by-products into vegan protein and fiber, which are natural, sustainable, and rich in essential amino acids. Through this innovative approach, Yeastup promotes a circular economy and provides versatile ingredients that cater to the growing demand for animal-free products.

Luya is a producer of fungi-based alternatives to meat, focusing on sustainable and organic food options. The company utilizes a unique process that combines traditional fermentation techniques with modern technology to transform okara, a by-product of tofu production, into nutritious and flavorful meat alternatives. By prioritizing natural ingredients and avoiding additives and ultra-processing, Luya aims to provide customers with healthier choices while addressing food waste. Through its innovative approach, the company contributes to the growing demand for plant-based products in the market.

Nemis Technologies AG is a Swiss biotech startup founded in 2018 and headquartered in Dübendorf, Switzerland. The company specializes in the innovation and development of diagnostic test kits utilizing AquaSpark technology, which allows for on-site pathogen detection. Its diagnostic kits, which include bacteria-specific reagents and swabs, are designed for microbiological detection across various sectors, including food safety, clinical diagnostics, and water treatment. By addressing the challenges of ensuring safe food and environmental monitoring, Nemis Technologies aims to set new benchmarks for microbiological excellence and improve safety programs at cost-efficient prices.

Rqmicro is a Swiss company based in Zurich that specializes in pathogen separation and detection technology. Founded in 2013, it focuses on providing rapid microbial assessments for water and food safety. The company has developed proprietary reagents and instruments that deliver accurate results in less than one hour, allowing for quick detection of dangerous water and foodborne pathogens. This technology enables clients to obtain quantitative data on contamination levels, thereby enhancing overall safety in food and water supplies.

Gaia Technologies specializes in upcycling agricultural sidestreams, particularly olive waste, into valuable bio-compounds and ingredients for the cosmetics, food, and feed industries. By employing a modular and scalable extraction process, Gaia addresses the growing demand for natural alternatives to synthetic compounds while helping primary sector firms create new value streams and minimize their environmental impact. The company's innovative approach is built on insights from the EIT Food project Phenoliva, enabling the commercialization of products such as antioxidants, biochar, activated carbon, and biogas. This technology not only supports a circular economic model within food production but also positions Gaia as a cost-effective solution provider in the agro-based technology sector.