
Seprify SA & Xemperia, finalists of the IFF Prize

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The State of Fribourg and BCF announce the nine finalists for the IFF Prize. 9 companies, out of 39 applications, have been selected. Two of them, Xemperia and Seprify, are promising start-ups of the Swiss Health Valley.
Seprify SA: A white pigment derived from cellulose
Seprify develops and produces plant-based ingredients to offer safer, more sustainable alternatives. Its flagship product is a white pigment derived from cellulose, designed to replace titanium dioxide. Titanium dioxide is classified as a potential carcinogen and banned as a food additive (E171) in the EU and Switzerland. In addition to the food industry, Seprify is extending the use of this pigment to the cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, inks and coatings sectors, providing a natural solution that combines performance and safety for a variety of industrial applications.
Xemperia SA: A blood test to detect breast cancer
With its innovative blood test, Xemperia is rethinking breast cancer screening, drawing inspiration from the body’s natural immune response to pathogens. The test detects biomarkers in immune cells modified by the presence of cancer cells, offering a more accurate, affordable and convenient method than mammography. Requiring only a simple blood test, it avoids exposure to X-rays and uses PCR technology, renowned for its reliability. What’s more, it provides access to screening for women under 50, who are often excluded from traditional methods, making screening more effective and widespread.
The IFF Prize
The 2024-2025 edition of the IFF Prize will be awarded in three categories: the IFF Enterprise Prize, the IFF Start-up Prize and the IFF Sustainability Prize. The IFF Enterprise Prize, worth CHF 10,000, is open to companies founded before 2019. The IFF Start-up Prize (CHF 30,000) is for companies founded up to five years ago. Finally, the IFF Sustainability Prize (CHF 10,000) is awarded to companies that stand out for their particularly sustainable projects.
The other companies are: Asyril SA, Contrinex SA, Liebherr Machines Bulle SA, Yllyl Sàrl, E2PME Sàrl and ROMAG aquacare SA. At the awards ceremony on 6 November 2024, the three winners will be announced, and the nine finalists honoured for their commitment to innovation.
Source: Press Release