Population growth, climate change and limitations of natural resources mean that agriculture must become more productive, efficient and environmentally sound. According to the United Nations (UN), the world population is expected to reach 9.7 billion by 2050, placing further strain on food production. Global agriculture is tasked with meeting this demand, with cereals as its cornerstone. The Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) believes food demand will require raising cereal production by 70% globally. As part of improving agricultural yields, irrigation plays a crucial role.

The Swiss company develops and produces high precision elastomeric sensors and actuator solutions for applications such as active feedback, shape-changing surfaces (morphing), immersive stimulation, user’s posture monitoring and force sensing. It has specialized in the dielectric elastomer actuator allowing fully 3D design thanks its flexibility and light weight. Compared to conventional actuators, this elastomer actuator generates high force (up to 10N) and displacement (up to a few mm), paving the way to system miniaturization.

Background and service propositions: The Swiss foundation works in two main areas: as an interest representation for people in the second half of their lives and as a service provider in the market for elderly people, consulting on the needs of the generations in and beyond the pensioning age. The foundation is involved in gathering research on user requirements, stakeholder-dialogues and the testing / piloting of products, facilities and services with the goal to support the generation-friendly shaping of products, services and infrastructures.

Established in 2014 in Switzerland, the company is active in the healthcare sector and mainly focused on dermatology and personal care. Its core business is to provide consumers with a safe option to skin repair. The products can cater all types of person, from pregnant women, children to people with sensitive skin. The company focus is on key ingredients in order to respond efficiently to all types of skin problems. They focus on a no compromise philosophy meaning that they only partner with the most advanced skin repair actors on the market.