As a spin-off of the EssentialTech program, Pristem SA will introduce the technology to the market in the next two years once it has recruited specialist engineers to join the more than 100 researchers, clinicians, engineers, technicians and students throughout Switzerland and Africa currently collaborating on the project.

The University of Applied Sciences and Arts, Western Switzerland (HES-SO) and its advanced engineering school is one such party involved, and has devised a preproduction prototype with the Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), which runs the EssentialTech program.


"I am particularly pleased that the startup we spun out of the program has attracted Swiss and African investors, because this shows that it's possible to combine social impact with an attractive business model,” Schönenberger said. “Switzerland, with its technical and scientific skills, its quality-focused culture and its openness to the world, has what it takes to improve global access to essential technologies. At the same time, this is creating a whole new set of economic opportunities."

A full-functional prototype was introduced in March 2015 at Lausanne, Switzerland.

The project falls in line with the objectives of the EssentialTech program which aims to develop necessary technologies to alleviate the challenges of poverty and vulnerabilities worldwide.

The preproduction prototype will be presented to the public on October 29 in the presence of federal councilor Johann Schneider-Amman, at an event organized by HES-SO.

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