Apheros is a Swiss deeptech startup specializing in advanced metal foam solutions designed to revolutionize thermal management across multiple industries. Founded in August 2023 as a spin-off from ETH Zurich, the company is headquartered in Zürich, Switzerland. Apheros’ patented metal foam technology features ultra-high surface area, open porosity, and excellent wetting properties, making it a game-changer for heat exchange and fluid transport applications. These innovative materials serve as drop-in replacements for traditional cooling systems, offering superior performance in electronics, automotive, aerospace, and energy sectors.
Apheros is also exploring applications beyond thermal management, including energy storage, green hydrogen production, and catalysis. The company’s scalable, low-waste manufacturing process ensures both ecological and economic benefits. With a recent $1.85 million pre-seed funding round led by Founderful, Apheros is poised to expand its production capabilities and bring its cutting-edge solutions to a global market.
Battery Technology
While Apheros primarily focuses on thermal management, its metal foam technology has significant potential in the battery industry. The company’s metal foams are being researched as performance-enhancing components for batteries, particularly as electrodes and current collectors. The ultra-high surface area and open porosity of these materials improve heat dissipation and fluid flow, which are critical for maintaining battery efficiency and longevity.
In energy storage systems, Apheros’ metal foams can optimize thermal regulation, reducing the risk of overheating and enhancing overall battery performance. This is especially relevant for electric vehicles and renewable energy storage, where effective thermal management is essential. Additionally, the materials’ adaptability allows for customization to meet specific battery design requirements, making them a versatile solution for next-generation energy storage technologies.
Recent Projects
In the past year, Apheros has achieved several notable milestones. The company secured a CHF 1.1 million grant from Innosuisse in December 2024 to further develop its metal foam solutions. This funding supports ongoing research into applications such as green hydrogen production and high-temperature filtration.
Apheros was also ranked 58th among the Top 100 Swiss Startups in 2024, reflecting its growing influence in the deeptech sector. Co-founder Julia Carpenter was recognized in the MIT Technology Review’s 2024 Innovators Under 35 list for her contributions to the company’s innovative manufacturing process. Additionally, Apheros was selected for the spring 2024 Climate Collider cohort, highlighting its commitment to sustainable technology development.
Investors
Apheros has attracted significant investment to support its growth and innovation. The company raised $1.85 million in a pre-seed funding round led by Founderful, a prominent venture capital firm. This funding is being used to scale production, enhance research and development, and expand market reach.
The backing from Founderful underscores confidence in Apheros’ potential to disrupt the thermal management market. While additional investors have not been publicly disclosed, the company’s strong financial foundation positions it well for future growth and technological advancements.
Business Details
Location: Zürich, Switzerland
Website: https://apheros.ch
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/apheros
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