SideLights: improving visibility and safety for cyclists with a unique lighting device
In the European Union, over 2,000 cyclists die every year. However, with just one second of additional visibility, 50% of these accidents could be avoided. The problem is that existing lighting systems are not optimal, as they do not provide side visibility or visibility across the entire width of the cyclist, with a further lack of clear signalling when the cyclist changes direction.
SideLights has developed a unique lighting solution that makes bicycles as visible as cars. The system, which is directly integrated into bicycles in the form of a plug-and-play device that can be inserted into the handlebars, addresses all the identified visibility issues: 360° lighting covering the entire frame for increased safety at intersections and roundabouts, integrated indicators to increase visibility when changing direction, adjustable dual front beams to improve road lighting, and lights at the end of the handlebars that make cyclists visible across their entire width and encourage cars to overtake at a greater distance.
To date, the solution is available as a battery-powered lighting system that is ready to use and compatible with most bicycles. The use of the FIT's Tech Seed loan of CHF 100,000 will enable SideLights to carry out tests and obtain certification for its product, while supporting ongoing R&D.
Undae Science: rethinking clinical sleep monitoring with a solution for at-home use
In Switzerland, sleep disorders cost more than CHF 10 billion per year and affect one third of the population. For those affected, finding a solution to these disorders means facing diagnostic methods based on intrusive hospital examinations that are difficult to access, carried out over a single night, disrupt natural sleep and often lead to delayed or even inaccurate diagnoses.
In the form of a non-intrusive device called Noctae, the system is placed on the mattress and under the bed sheet, without direct contact with the patient, and allows clinical-quality sleep monitoring over several nights directly at home. The sensors in the device are integrated into an AI-powered platform that converts raw mechanical signals into clinically validated sleep indicators.
Noctae enables better access to care, earlier detection of sleep disorders and faster, more personalised treatment. By facilitating rapid intervention, the system also helps prevent the development of chronic diseases linked to poor sleep, such as cardiovascular disease, depression and metabolic disorders, thereby reducing the long-term social and economic burden associated with sleep deprivation.
The CHF 100,000 Tech Seed loan from FIT will be used primarily by Undae Science to advance the technical development of the Noctae prototype towards a first marketable product.
StudentsPool: an app that connects healthcare students with healthcare institutions to address staff shortages
In Switzerland, the healthcare sector is experiencing a critical staff shortage, which is getting worse and is expected to reach alarming levels by 2040. This situation is leading to overworked caregivers, lower quality of care and increased risks for patients.
At the same time, many students in health and social sciences struggle to find jobs that are relevant to their studies, compatible with their professional goals, and flexible enough to fit in with their curriculum. Due to a lack of relevant opportunities, many turn to jobs unrelated to their training (catering, sales, logistics), even though their skills could be put to direct use in healthcare institutions.
The StudentsPool app was created to address this dual challenge. The platform connects, in a simple and intuitive way, the urgent needs of institutions for qualified staff with the skills and availability of a large community of health and social care students. Institutions post their replacement or one-off assignment offers directly on the app, and interested students can apply with just a few clicks.
Today, the StudentsPool community already has over 600 students ready to work in local institutions. This solution helps to ease the burden on healthcare teams, while offering students valuable professional experience and an income in line with their academic background.
Thanks to the CHF 20,000 Digital Grant awarded by the FIT, the StudentsPool digital platform will be optimised for large-scale deployment.