In an effort to reach its new CO₂ reduction targets for 2030 starting from 2026, AXA Switzerland selected two innovative companies, one of them being neustark, the cleantech startup revolutionizing CO₂ removal through its mineralization technology. By capturing CO₂ from biogas plants and injecting it into demolished concrete, they transform waste streams into permanent carbon sinks. The solution is already being used at various locations in Switzerland and Europe. As part of this project, Neustark will remove and store a further 1,800 tons by 2030. “We are transforming demolition concrete, the world's largest waste stream, into carbon sinks. This removes CO₂ locally and permanently, and the CO₂-enriched granulate can be reused as recycled building material,” explains Lisa Braune, Head of Carbon Removal at neustark. “Partnering with pioneering companies like AXA Switzerland, who are investing in permanent CO₂ removal, helps us to scale the carbon removal industry.” 

Neustark has also announced significant advancements in its collaboration with Holcim, a prominent provider of innovative and sustainable construction solutions. Together, they are launching 14 newly developed storage facilities for slurry water. The mixed water from the residual water basin is fed to the facility by a pump and then brought into contact with biogenic CO₂ in a static mixer. The CO₂ reacts with the cement phases in the water and turns into limestone, which is thus permanently stored. This process also neutralizes the highly alkaline water. After enrichment, the mixed water can be reused for concrete production. As part of this strategic partnership, Holcim Switzerland will be the first to implement these storage facilities on a large scale. The solution was successfully tested at the Avenches concrete plant in 2023, demonstrating its autonomous functionality and minimal additional workload for plant staff. Depending on the location, these plants can permanently store between 40 and 200 metric tons of CO₂ annually.  Last year, the Holcim Group and neustark entered into a partnership, setting new standards for a more circular concrete economy. Following the pilot project’s success, the solution is now being used at several Holcim locations throughout Switzerland. Additional facilities are planned for Germany, Italy, and France. 

Meanwhile, two startups have completed projects with their industry partners, with impressive results. Movement, a Swiss snow sports company specializing in lightweight, high-performance skis, has developed the SEQUENCE Series skis, using the ampliTex™ flax-based technology developed Bcomp. The Swiss scale-up has been developing in sustainable lightweighting solutions using natural fibers, resulting in its two core products ampliTex™ and powerRibs™, which are designed to reduce environmental impact across various high-performance applications, including automotive, motorsports, luxury yachting, and aerospace. This collaboration with Movement focuses on creating high-performance, eco-friendly skis with enhanced stability and reduced vibration. In the SEQUENCE Series, Bcomp’s ampliTex™ technology was optimized to deliver unparalleled stability, control, and comfort, whether navigating groomed trails, backcountry slopes, or deep snow. Thanks to significantly better vibration damping properties than fibreglass and carbon fibre, Bcomp’s highly engineered flax fabrics deliver a smooth ride experience with less fatigue. 

Zaphiro Technologies’ project with SIG Services Industriels de Genève (ZIG) has is also making strides in optimizing grid reliability and fault detection capabilities, leveraging the technology of the EPFL spinoff. SynchroGuard, Zaphiro's flagship product, is recognized as the first distribution grid monitoring and automation system utilizing Distribution-Phasor Measurement Unit (D-PMU) technology. This system is designed for easy integration into existing infrastructure, enabling utilities to improve grid efficiency and resiliency. The project with ZIG, which covers 85 kilometers of distribution lines, involves the installation of 11 Phasor Measurement Units (PMUs) to accurately monitor 6 MV feeders for a total of 85 substations. The main focus of this initiative is fault location, ensuring faster and more accurate identification of faults within the grid, which helps minimize downtime and enhance operational efficiency. The project also includes the setting up of automated email alerts and periodic reporting systems. 

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