Ionic Wind
Solid-state airflow technology for energy-efficient device cooling.
| Date | Investors | Amount | Round |
|---|---|---|---|
| - | investor | €0.0 | round |
* | CHF150k | Grant | |
| Total Funding | 000k | ||
Ionic Wind Technologies is an Empa spin-off that is replacing conventional fan systems with a solid-state cooling technology. The company's internationally patented concept uses electrostatic principles to move air, a phenomenon known as ionic or corona wind. This direct conversion of electricity into airflow eliminates the need for mechanical parts like motors and blades, resulting in a quieter, more compact, and more energy-efficient cooling solution.
The company was founded by Dr. Donato Rubinetti, an engineer, along with co-founders Dr. Rico Chandra, a serial entrepreneur, Liubov Shishaeva, a materials science specialist, and Jan Fehse, who has extensive experience in sales and business development. The technology originated from a non-thermal drying process developed at Empa and was significantly advanced through an Innosuisse project that more than tripled its airflow capabilities. A key breakthrough was the development of novel needle electrodes, which are more efficient and compact than previously used wires, combined with a flow-optimized housing that uses the Coandă effect to amplify airflow. This allows the technology to save up to 60% of cooling energy compared to traditional fans.
Ionic Wind Technologies is initially targeting the electronics and data center air cooling market, which is valued at an estimated USD 19 billion. The technology is also suitable for other applications requiring air movement with a small pressure difference, such as air purification and drying processes. The company has secured CHF 150,000 in funding from Venture Kick and has received support from the Gebert Rüf Stiftung and won the "Startfeld Rohdiamant" prize. Its business model includes producing and selling airflow amplifier components, with the potential for licensing agreements in the future.
Keywords: solid-state cooling, ionic wind, electrostatic airflow, energy-efficient cooling, data center cooling, electronics cooling, fanless cooling, electrohydrodynamics, corona wind, airflow amplifier, thermal management, quiet cooling, EMPA spin-off, deep tech, hardware, cleantech, air purification, drying technology, compact cooling, sustainable technology