Swiss cleantech startup Apolarion, a spin-off from EPFL, has received €164,000 (CHF 150,000) from Venture Kick to advance its chemical-free seed treatment technology.

Founded by Jesus Poley and Luke Simons, Apolarion is developing a modular device that uses cold atmospheric plasma to eliminate harmful microorganisms from seeds without chemical treatments.

Protecting seeds from disease is essential for maintaining healthy crops and reliable harvests. However, conventional seed treatments often rely on chemical coatings that can leave harmful residues in the soil, while heat-based alternatives require significant energy and may not always be effective. These limitations create challenges for high-value seeds and the growing demand for more sustainable agricultural practices.

Apolarion aims to address these challenges through a technology that uses only air and electricity to generate reactive particles capable of neutralising pathogens while preserving the seeds' ability to germinate. The device is designed for low energy consumption and flexible application, offering an alternative to conventional chemical and heat-based treatments.

The company is initially focusing on the Swiss and European markets, aiming to provide seed treatment companies with more sustainable solutions for protecting crops and improving agricultural yields.

Commenting on the support received from Venture Kick, Luke Simons, CEO and co-founder of Apolarion, said:

The Venture Kick program has been so important in our journey. It introduced us to the startup network in Switzerland and gave us access to world-class training, coaching and advisors; helping achieve the early successes of Apolarion.

The funding will support Apolarion's first field trials and initial customer deployments. The company plans to use the capital to cover operational facilities, equipment and personnel required for its pilot programmes, supporting its market entry and further development.