Technology fund supports AI-based energy optimisation
The technology fund has provided a guarantee for the Zurich-based start-up Scandens. The spin-off from the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich offers software solutions for energy-related property analyses. These show which renovations are worthwhile in terms of returns and the environment.
Scandens can finance upcoming business developments with a guarantee from the technology fund. According to a statement by Dominik Bucher, co-founder and CCO of the Zurich-based cleantech company, receiving this guarantee confirms its approach: “Enabling the right investment decisions for real estate portfolios – economically sound and future-proof” while making the best possible decisions for the climate and the environment. “We are delighted to be part of the technology fund,” said Bucher.
Founded in 2021 as a spin-off from the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich, the company launched software in 2023 that makes it easier to plan and implement energy-efficient building renovations. With this artificial intelligence-based internet application, owners of real estate portfolios as well as private homeowners can check whether and which renovation measures make economic and ecological sense.
According to a statement from Scandens, the software displays over 500 renovation combinations and creates a plan that serves as a basis for implementation. This is intended to save time and promote sustainable decisions.
With the technology fund, the federal government promotes innovations that reduce greenhouse gases or resource consumption, favour the use of renewable energies and increase energy efficiency. Guarantees make it easier for innovative companies to take out loans. The guarantee is granted to banks or other suitable lenders. To cover guarantee losses, a maximum of CHF 25 million per year from the proceeds of the CO2 levy is paid into a technology fund.