Data centers are the backbone of the digital age, and the rapid rise in the use of AI, machine learning and supercomputing is driving unprecedented demands on digital infrastructure. However, data center energy consumption is skyrocketing. It is estimated that by 2030, 6% of global energy consumption will be used just for cooling data centers. The transition from traditional cooling methods to cost- and energy-efficient liquid-based solutions is inevitable.
Swiss deep tech startups are making this transition possible Aphelos Apheros is pleased to announce a €1.65 million pre-seed funding round led by Founderful that will accelerate the development and adoption of Apheros’ innovative metal foam-based cooling solution.
According to the founders, Apheros’ patented manufacturing process creates a foam structure with completely open porosity and unparalleled surface area, outperforming traditional solutions by 1000x, resulting in exceptional heat transfer and flow properties, ideal for high-performance cooling applications. Apheros’ metal foams can be easily integrated into customers’ existing cooling systems, helping address their immediate need to reduce energy consumption and cooling costs.
Addressing the cooling challenge
Founded in August 2023, Apheros AG was developed as a spin-off from ETH Zurich to address cooling challenges in a wide range of applications, including high-performance computing and mobile devices.
The startup is led by a team with a track record of innovation, business development, and technology transfer. Apheros Co-Founder and CEO Julia Carpenter was recently named one of MIT Review’s “Innovators Under 35” for inventing Apheros’ novel metal foam manufacturing process. Co-Founder and CTO Gaëlle Andreatta has over 16 years of experience in R&D, tech transfer, and startup development.
“We are thrilled to partner with Apheros to bring this technology to market,” said Julia Carpenter, co-founder and CEO of Apheros. “Our technology has the potential to set new industry standards and significantly reduce the environmental impact of cooling solutions worldwide. This funding will enable us to further our mission of helping our customers achieve superior thermal performance, increase energy efficiency and contribute to a greener future. We will immediately scale up production, strengthen our research and development efforts and bring our cutting-edge solutions to the broader market.”
Materials Innovation
Apheros is currently targeting the thermal management market with a focus on liquid cooling. This sector is rapidly expanding due to the needs created by the increasing demand for high performance computing, artificial intelligence and data centers. More efficient cooling systems are needed to overcome the current energy shortage and achieve ambitious climate protection goals. There is an urgent need to bring high performance cooling solutions to the market.
“We are excited to join forces with Apheros to bring our innovative solutions to the next generation of enterprises,” said Gaëlle Andreatta, co-founder and CTO of Apheros. “There is a desperate need for more efficient cooling solutions. The rise of AI is causing an exponential increase in energy consumption in data centers, primarily due to inefficient cooling. Our unique metal foams have excellent heat exchange and fluid transport properties, especially in liquid and two-phase cooling. Together with our customers, we are redefining thermal management.”
Apheros’ vision is to accelerate the transition to a more sustainable future through materials innovation. Apheros is redefining sustainable high performance liquid cooling and establishing its products as the gold standard in sustainable high performance liquid cooling.
Lukas Weder, founding partner at Founderful, added: “We are pleased to support Apheros in its mission to revolutionize cooling technology. Their groundbreaking approach has the potential to significantly reduce energy consumption and set a new industry standard. We are confident in the team’s vision and capabilities and look forward to seeing the positive impact they will have on both the industry and the environment.”
