Meet Isochronic founder Melvin Haas—a Venture Leader Deeptech who designs the next generation of industrial robots

18.11.2021 07:15, Isabelle Mitchell

Isochronic develops next-generation industrial robots for pick-and-place applications. The startup’s patented robot is the first solution that allows simultaneous part transfer, enabling companies to optimize their supply-chain processes, including part transportation, inspection, palletizing, and packaging. Compared to existing solutions, Isochronic’s technology allows companies to achieve higher throughput and reduce their manufacturing floor space. Get to know Isochronic founder Melvin, learn more about his expectations for the Venture Leaders experience, and discover what an ancient language has to do with the future of robotics.

The Swiss National Startup Team has 10 new deeptech members: An expert jury has chosen 10 companies whose innovative potential transforms engineering, robotics, supply chains, logistics, and sustainability. Before the startups embark on their investor roadshow to Munich and London later this month, we will introduce you to the Venture Leaders Deeptech 2021. We asked each entrepreneur to complete a short profile and choose at least six questions from a questionnaire about their personal and professional life.

Name: Dr. Melvin Haas 
Location: Denges 
Nationality: German/Swiss 
Graduated from: EPFL with PhD in 2013 
Your job title: Founder and CEO of Isochronic 
Number of employees: 8 
First touchpoint with Venturelab: In 2009, during my studies at EPFL
 
“Isochronic develops a novel type of industrial robot for pick-and-place applications.”
 
How and where did you come up with the idea for your startup?
While working as a sales engineer for a Swiss robotics components manufacturer, I was fortunate to see the automation systems of many of the world’s leading manufacturing companies firsthand. Whether in Europe, North America, or Asia—everyone relied on the same simple robot kinematics invented more than 20 years ago, which were clearly not satisfying customer demands in several high-production volume sectors. Isochronic’s first patented idea originated in 2016 during my travels, describing how a simultaneous part-transfer kinematic could be achieved. 
 
What do you expect from the Venture Leaders roadshow, and how will it help you achieve your vision?
Being part of the Swiss Venture Leaders is a great honor and recognition of the work that my team has already accomplished. The initiative facilitates the exchange with other like-minded, ambitious entrepreneurs, which has already helped us navigate some challenging decisions ahead of us. The roadshow is expected to further enlarge our network of investors and help us establish ties with potential pilot customers and industry experts abroad. 
 
What is your favorite podcast? 
The daily NZZ Akzent podcast does a great job of summarizing current events in a concise and interesting format.
 
What is always in your fridge?
A couple of Swiss yogurts—they are setting the global standard in terms of flavor and selection. 
 
What are you most proud of?
The world-class team collaborating on Isochronic’s ambitious vision. 
 
How did you come up with the name of your startup?
While brainstorming many different options with my cofounder Albrecht Lindner. He finally invented the perfect name that summarizes the paradigm shift of Isochronic’s technology. (Ancient Greek: iso = equal | chrónos = time, i.e., something happening simultaneously). 
 
What is the most challenging aspect of being a founder?
You’re responsible for everything and have to learn how to do many things that you’ve never heard of before. 
 
What is the most rewarding aspect of being a founder? 
You’re responsible for everything and have to learn how to do many things that you’ve never heard of before. :)
 
What is the most important lesson you have learned as a founder? 
Surround yourself with people who are better than you in some way. 
 
What is your greatest professional failure, and what did you learn from it? 
Picking the important battles to invest your time and energy in can be a challenge that I’ve failed at in the past. 
 
Last but not least, could you show us your workspace or team? 
Here, I am surrounded by Isochronic’s co-founders, Albrecht Lindner (CTO, left) and Pierre-Alain Buchs (Chief Engineer, right), in front of our first offices.



For more information and updates on Isochronic and the Venture Leaders Deeptech, follow the Venture Leaders Deeptech 2021 team with #VLeadersDeeptech on social media or subscribe to our newsletter. 
 
Venture Leaders Deeptech 2021 program is organized by Venturelab and supported by swissnex, EPF Lausanne, ETH Zurich, Helbling Group, Walder Wyss, the Canton of Vaud, and the Canton of Zurich.