BioLNP, ElCoat, OneCell and Déploya receive an Ignition grant
© 2025 EPFL
Four EPFL-based startups: BioLNP Innovation, ElCoat, OneCell Protein, and Déploya have become the latest recipients of the EPFL Startup Launchpad Ignition grant. The startups were each awarded a CHF30,000 grant to continue developing their technology.
BioLNP Innovation
Viruses (including Respiratory Syncytial Virus or Hepatitis B) are a major public health concern. While scientists have developed treatments that block virus growth and spread, targeting the right cells remains a challenge. Many end up in the liver by default, limiting their impact and causing side effects.
BioLNP Innovation is developing a new way to deliver antiviral treatments straight to infected cells. Their technology uses specially designed particles carrying genetic material (siRNA) that blocks viruses from multiplying, without affecting healthy cells. The result is stronger treatments and fewer side effects. Because the approach can be quickly adapted to new viruses, it could also be a powerful tool against new outbreaks. With the support of the grant, the team will work on further testing and develop a clear proof of concept.
Contact: Rémi La Polla
ElCoat
Hydrogen fuel cells and electrolysers are key technologies in the global transition to clean energy. However, corrosion of metal components remains one of their main degradation challenges. These parts are also among the most expensive in the stack, and their degradation significantly limits system lifetime.
The team at ElCoat is developing advanced protective coatings designed to withstand the complex environments inside fuel cells and electrolysers. Both the coating material and the method provide more efficient protection, enhancing durability while reducing costs. With the support of this funding, the team will refine its business case and define its go-to-market strategy.
Contact: Samaneh Daviran, PhD
OneCell Protein
Climate change and food insecurity aren’t just future concerns – they’re already putting pressure on farmers today. The increased demand for protein, in particular, comes at a high environmental cost. OneCell Protein is developing a technology that uses carbon dioxide and renewable electricity to create high-quality protein. Instead of growing crops or raising animals, their method cultivates protein-rich microbes without the need for land, fertilisers, or fresh water.
Unlike other approaches, the technology doesn’t rely on natural gas, agricultural waste, or complex chemical processes. It’s a clean, safe, and efficient way to produce protein, with the potential to feed fish, animals, and potentially humans. With the support of the Ignition grant, the team will build and test their first prototype to prove the concept.
Contact: Tao Manni
Déploya
Scaffolding is essential for most of construction projects, however highly depending on manual assembly which can take days and wrong assembly can lead to safety and healthy risks. The manual assembly is the major expense what makes scaffolding staying on buildings even when not necessary with low level of adaptation to exact working needs.
Déploya is creating an intelligent scaffolding system to address this challenge. It uses lightweight, foldable structures that work much like origami. The scaffolding arrives on-site pre-assembled and can be deployed with minimal effort. Once in place, it moves tools, sensors, materials on automated working decks exactly where they’re needed. With the Ignition grant the team will refine their concept.
Contact: Jan Petrš