Launched in 2020 as an EPFL spin-off, CompPair has invented a new composite material that is capable of self-healing: damage due to manufacturing, impact or mishandling can be easily repaired in just one minute by applying heat.
CompPair’s vision is to offer total circularity to the composites industry. These materials are used everywhere: in the aerospace, automotive, wind, marine, sports industries, and many more. In total, the global composites market represents USD 100 billion and has grown by 40% since 2014. Nevertheless, these materials are sensitive to damage and current repair solutions are costly, time-consuming and the industry produces tons of unrecycled waste.
CompPair is addressing this issue by developing a unique self-healing technology for composites to reduce maintenance costs, manufacturing defects and extend their life. Inspired by nature, HealTech is based on a new type of resin that gives composite materials the ability to heal cracks and delaminations in minutes, up to 400 times faster than other options currently on the market.
In addition, the promising start-up has won several awards and distinctions along the way. The Foundation for Technological Innovation (FIT) has decided to support CompPair with a FIT Tech Growth loan of CHF 500’000 to bring its technology to new markets.
Collaborations with prominent industry players
A Solar Impulse label holder, a Top 100 Swiss startup, an ESA BIC alumni, a winner of the Strategis 2022 Prize and the JEC Startup Booster, and a recipient of a FIT Tech Seed loan in 2020, CompPair has made a name for itself on many occasions and is now working with several companies. With Salomon, the start-up has created a lighter, more durable ski that reduces carbon emissions by up to 20% by decreasing ski weight, increases cushioning and thus comfort by up to 80%, and repairs scratches and breaks on the edges of skis. CompPair also highlighted their work with Decathlon in sports applications. Finally, CompPair and Ariane Group worked together on the future of access to space with reusable vehicles to reduce launch costs.
The FIT Tech Growth loan will allow the start-up to develop a second product line, to establish itself in the wind, leisure and aerospace markets, and to recruit new talent.
