Enerdrape is the winner of the AMAG Sustainability Challenge 2024

08.11.2024 15:49, Rita Longobardi

The AMAG Group, Switzerland's leading provider of individual mobility, is looking for groundbreaking startup ideas to pursue its Net Zero Ambition by 2040. As part of the AMAG Sustainability Challenge, 5 startups were selected from more than 100 applications to present their startup to an expert jury. Startup Enerdrape is the winner of the AMAG Sustainability Challenge 2024 with its innovative geothermal panel, the first of its kind in the world, which transforms underground spaces into renewable sources of heating and cooling.

On October 30th, five Swiss startups pitched their ideas at the AMAG Sustainability Challenge Pitch Day in Zurich. The five finalists – 8inks, CarDust, enerdrape, exnaton, and Grensol – showcased the diversity of Switzerland's startup ecosystem with their creative and forward-looking innovations. The jury, including Helmut Ruhl, CEO of AMAG Group, Ina Maria Walthert, Head of Sustainability at AMAG, Mehran Zaker, Investment Director of Emerald Ventures, André Podleisek, Professor of Quality and Sustainability in Industry at the Eastern Switzerland University of Applied Sciences, Stefan Steiner, Co-Managing Director at Venturelab, and Selina Schmid, Lead Innovation Scouting at AMAG, faced a difficult decision. Ultimately, Enerdrape edged out the competition to take first place, with 8inks and Exnaton coming in close behind.

In partnership with Venturelab, the AMAG Group is searching for new companies with innovative ideas to help create a sustainable future and achieve the goal of Net Zero 2040.



"For us, sustainability is not a trend but a fundamental shift in society and business. As we work to decarbonize our business model by 2040, we focus on electromobility, photovoltaics, and entrepreneurship and innovation," highlighted Helmut Ruhl, CEO of AMAG Group. "This requires new technologies and business models, which is why we launched the AMAG Sustainability Challenge for the first time in 2024. I am overwhelmed by the response and inspired by the ideas. Congratulations to the winners and all participants."

Founded in 2021 in Lausanne, the winning startup Enerdrape impressed the jury with its concept of converting underground spaces into sources of heating and cooling, enabling sustainable climate control for the buildings above. Using a geothermal panel, Enerdrape can transform an underground parking garage into a heating source by capturing existing heat, which helps warm the building above.

With its victory, Enerdrape receives CHF 50,000 from the AMAG Climate Fund as support for its innovative project, along with a branded Volkswagen ID.3 for one year.

The second and third-place winners, 8inks and Exnaton, were also recognized for their forward-thinking solutions. They will receive a branded Volkswagen ID.3 for six months and tickets to the Swiss Economic Forum 2025, where they will have the opportunity to connect with leaders in Swiss business and further advance their ideas.


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