Swiss Silicon has developed construction materials made from natural rubber, offering a high-performance, sustainable alternative for various applications including advanced insulation, waterproofing, fire protection, promising extreme weather durability and flexibility. Their Bio Nano Rubber technology was built on more than 15 years of research by Prof. Elsayed Saad Elmeligey, who together with CEO Mohamed Ahmed have established the company, positioning it as a pioneer in bio nano rubber materials.  

With the rubber raw material sourced from Thailand and Vietnam, the company built a manufacturing hub in Egypt in 2018, where real-world pilot projects with construction developers were conducted with in the country and the Middle East. In January 2025, Swiss Silicon started operations in Switzerland with a warehouse in Zug dedicated to providing its nano products for the European market.  

The company has today built a product portfolio comprising over 25 products, with more under advanced development such as GBR (Geo-Bitu-Rubber), a Nano Rubber–modified bitumen binder developed to decarbonize infrastructure. With 30% fewer CO₂ emissions, volatile organic compounds (VOC)-free content, and full recyclability, GBR is an advanced solution for roads, bridges, roofs, and tunnels.  

“The launch of GBR marks a turning point here in Switzerland. It shows that even bitumen — one of the most carbon-heavy materials — can be transformed. We’re combining Swiss innovation with real impact”, said Mohamed Ahmed, co-founder of Swiss Silicon Solutions. 

In February this year, Swiss Silicon attracted its first Swiss clients, including one project in Vilters applying and testing the material under freezing conditions – the feedback has been positive. The customer base has since continued to expand with B2C and B2B clients in Zurich, Lucerne, and Zug. Among the clients are companies. In the meantime, more collaboration deals with painting companies and real estate developers, who have now fully approved their product line and committed to exclusively use Nano Rubber materials for their work due to its durability, environmental performance, and ease of application. Private customers are also increasingly using the startup’s products.  

“Honestly, I’ve been in this business for over 20 years, and I have to say — this product really surprised me. The coating and insulation base is just great. It’s easy to work with, dries fast, and does exactly what it promises. Definitely something I’d recommend for both small and big jobs”, Dominic Bucher, CEO of Wir Malen Gmbh, one of the clients using Swiss Silicon's products.   

Parallel to establishing a strong foothold in Switzerland, the startup has started working with customers in the neighboring countries. Just recently, it signed a new contract with Italian real estate developers to launch their product in September this year. 

High demand from the industry 
Demand has continued to surge, sending a positive signal validating their solution: “We have received positive feedback on our products, and we are currently overwhelmed by the number of requests from potential customers. We currently have several discussions; however, we need to scale our production to meet this demand”, said Mohamed.  

The Zug-based startup is currently planning to set up a new Nano Rubber factory in Zug or in another Canton, and hire more employees - this requires substantial capital. The company is now raising CHF 4.5 million to achieve these goals and expedite its growth.  

Behind Swiss Silicon is a team of four core employees, and the company has been selected to benefit from the Innosuisse mentorship program and Swiss Innovation Park. Research partnerships with Swiss universities and federal laboratories are also currently ongoing to further advance their material.  

 (www.startupticker.ch)