Etavalve: The Venture Leader Cleantech converting waste heat into electric power

22.09.2025 10:30, Rita Longobardi

Meet Andyn Omanovic, CEO of Etavalve. The Cleantech startup is generating electricity efficiently from fluctuating heat with a compact, piston-driven system. In November, Andyn and the other nine Swiss National Cleantech Team members will travel to Munich on a business development and investor roadshow.

Name: Andyn Omanovic
Location: Zurich
Nationality: Swiss
Graduated from: ETHZ
Job title: CEO
Number of employees: 4
Money raised: CHF 600k


Can you tell us who your product or solution helps, and how?
We generate green electricity by converting waste heat from industrial processes into power. Our solution combines proven technology with modern AI-based valve control, making waste heat recovery economically viable even for small industrial plants. This not only helps companies cut costs and reduce emissions, but also supports the decentralization of power generation. With reliable 24/7 operability, our system strengthens grid stability – an essential factor as intermittent renewable energy sources continue to grow.

What market are you addressing and what is the potential of your startup in that market?
Every year, industries release nearly 9 petawatt-hours of heat into the atmosphere – energy that could instead be converted into electricity worth around CHF 87 billion. In our first phase, we target smaller plants with highly concentrated high-temperature heat sources, such as animal and human crematories, gas flares from chemical processes, and emerging pyrolysis facilities. As we scale through component standardization and higher power outputs, we will expand into larger industries including cement plants, steelworks, and ceramic kilns – boosting their economy with the generation of clean electricity.
 
How and where did you come up with the idea for your startup?
During my studies at ETH, I had the privilege of working in Empa’s engine laboratory. My supervisors inspired new ideas, while the mechanics patiently covered the inevitable mistakes of a young engineer. This environment proved incredibly fruitful: etavalve’s core technology, the valve actuator, was born and performed flawlessly. In 2018, I was able to explore, within my Master’s thesis, whether this actuator could enable a piston-based Brayton engine. The simulation results were outstanding. Still, it took several more years of research, including a doctorate focused on control and optimization of the valve actuator, before I finally felt ready to take the entrepreneurial path.

What do you expect from the Venture Leaders roadshow, and how do you think it will help you achieve your vision?
Operating in the heavy-industry field, international expansion is a must for us. The Venture Leaders Cleantech roadshow offers the ideal platform to build connections with potential partners, suppliers, and customers, while gaining valuable feedback on our strategy. We are eager to learn from experienced mentors and fellow entrepreneurs, strengthening our business skills and preparing etavalve for the global stage.
 
What are your team’s key achievements to date?
To date, our team has developed three generations of our core technology, establishing them as the fastest and most efficient valve actuators available. Their robustness has been demonstrated through millions of cycles under the harshest conditions, reaching Technology Readiness Level 7. We are equally proud of the strong backing we receive from both Swiss and international industry partners, built on long-term collaborations and proven results.

Is there a key principle or value that guides you as you build your company?
We uphold integrity both in our culture and in our engineering. We value every co-worker, partner, and supplier equally, recognizing that progress is easiest when achieved together. True to this spirit, we are committed to delivering on our promises – not just making them look good on paper. The foundation of this approach is open and transparent communication.

What is the most important lesson you have learned as a founder?
Take nothing for granted. This mindset fuels extra effort when applying for grants or competitions, while also preparing you to handle setbacks. Most importantly, it teaches that partners or customers may walk away at the least convenient moment – and that is precisely when your ability to navigate challenges matters most.

What is your favorite productivity hack or tool and why?
Working at unconventional hours is what boosts my effectiveness most. I’m not a fan of the 5 a.m. club – my productivity peaks in the evening. During intense workloads, I’ll have dinner with my co-founder and then get back to work. Because my brain usually associates dinner with relaxing at home, staying in the office afterwards feels like starting a fresh day – suddenly making me just as effective as in the morning.

What was your dream job when you were a child?
Growing up in the countryside, I was surrounded by farmers. Even then, the little engineer in me was fascinated by all the machinery – spending a weekend on a tractor was the best! To me, being a farmer seemed like the dream job: unlike my parents, they didn’t “go to work” but stayed home, choosing each day which cool machine to use. Perhaps my entrepreneurial drive has its roots in farming.