»venture» 2004 winner Molecular Partners focuses on the development and commercialization of a novel class of protein therapeutics known as DARPins. The company is committed to creating drugs for diseases with unmet medical needs and to improving existing therapies dramatically.
What started out as a team of six PhD and post-doctorate ETH students in a makeshift office is now a company of more than 50 employees backed by an international syndicate of corporate and institutional investors.
Key data:
Legal form: AG, privately held
No. of employees: > 50
»venture» 2000 winner Olmero is a market leader in internet-based solutions for construction project management. It provides online tender and project management platforms that enable general contractors, architects, and builders to collaborate more effectively.
Founded in 2000 as a spin-off from the ETH Zurich, Olmero is now the Swiss market leader in its field and has more than 80 employees.
Key data:
Legal form: AG, privately held
No. of employees: > 80
»venture» 1998 winner Sensirion is a leading high-tech sensor manufacturer. The company provides humidity sensors as well as flow sensor solutions for a wide range of applications, including medical devices, building control, and process automation.
Founded in 1998 as a spin-off from the ETH Zurich, Sensirion has grown remarkably. It now employs over 250 highly skilled employees worldwide and is among the 100 most sought-after employers in Switzerland.
Key data:
Legal form: AG, privately held
No. of employees: > 250
»venture» 1998 winner Tibits is a vegetarian restaurant, bar and take-away. Combining the speed of fast food with the atmosphere and quality of a high class restaurant, Tibits provides a unique vegetarian dining experience.
At the beginning was the vision of three brothers: create a place were they could satisfy their own need for sampling tasty vegetarian food in a relaxed surrounding. Today Tibits has grown to 5 locations in Switzerland and one in London.
Key data:
Legal form: AG, privately held
No. of employees: > 240
»venture» 2000 winner Glycart developed an innovative technology to increase the potency of therapeutic antibodies.
Its proprietary technology platform has the potential to generate best-in-class antibody therapeutics in disease areas such as oncology.
In February 2005, Roche acquired Glycart for USD 235 million in an all-cash transaction.
»venture» 1998 winner EndoArt revolutionized the management of adjustable gastric bands using telemetry. The company established itself as a leader in the field of remote-controlled implants for the treatment of morbid obesity and other critical conditions.
In February 2007, Allergan acquired EndoArt for USD 97 million in an all-cash transaction.
»venture» 1998 winner ESBATech pioneered a powerful screening platform for therapeutic antibody fragments. As a result, the company developed several drug candidates for the treatment of ocular diseases.
In September 2009, Alcon acquired ESBATech for USD 150 million in cash plus contingent payments of up to USD 440 million depending on the achievement of future research and development milestones.