Flyability wins Venture Kick final
© 2015 EPFL
The EPFL spin-off Flyability secured a total funding amount of CHF 130.000 by winning the Venture Kick final. The world’s first collision-proof drone “Gimball” and a rapid and accurate method for cancer profiling are ready for commercial success.
A spherical flying robot enters a damaged building after an explosion. The lightweight drone is not disturbed by collisions and can fly safely in places out of reach and near injured people, transmitting live video footage to rescuers. This scenario might be soon a reality thanks to Gimball, Flyability’s insect inspired flying robot, the world’s first of its kind. The EPFL and NCCR robotics spin-off opens a world of new applications in search and rescue, industrial inspection or security.
Flyability: A flagship of Switzerland’s flying robotics
The startup’s vision is to bring drones closer to people indoors and in places out of reach for any other flying robot. Their innovation lies in Gimball’s patented rotating protective frame and control algorithms allowing the robot to remain stable even during collisions. It also makes it safe to fly close to humans. CEO Patrick Thévoz and his team were recently awarded with one million dollars at the “Drones for Good Award” in Dubai. He comments on the benefits of the Venture Kick program in the light of recent success: "When launching a startup in Switzerland, Venture Kick is for many entrepreneurs the support needed to “survive” during precious months and prepare for the next steps. Furthermore, the pathway to each stage of Venture Kick is recognized as a serious pledge by Swiss business angels”.