Seed treatment, reimagined by plasma.
Chemical-free. Heat-free. Scalable. Apolarion's technology enhances seed germination and removes the pathogens — without compromising seed viability.
Want to create a partnership? Contact us!
Spin-out of the EPFL UniversityThe Problem
Conventional treatments have hit their limits.
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Chemical treatments are under pressure
Chemicals are increasingly restricted by EU regulations to prevent their impact on the food chain at the same time as pathogens are developing resistance.
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Steam damages heat-sensitive seeds and is energy-intensive
Vegetable, beans, herbs and speciality seeds can't tolerate high temperatures and drying processes without vigor loss and deteriorating germination.
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Hot water is slow and resource-intensive
High water usage, drying steps, and low throughput make it uneconomical at scale.
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Batch bottlenecks in peak season
Existing lines cannot absorb demand surges during spring treatment peaks without costly backup machines.
Our Answer
Cold atmospheric plasma: A new paradigm
Plasma generated without costly vacuum systems, using only air, activates reactive oxygen and nitrogen species that eliminate pathogens, maintains or enhances germination, and can prime seeds — all without additional heat, water baths, or long-lived chemical residues.
How It Works
Plasma at the seed surface. Validated at the Swiss Plasma Center.
Our plasma discharge generates a plasma at atmospheric pressure, producing reactive species that act directly on the seed and surface biochemistry.
STEP 01
Plasma Generation
Seeds pass through the cold plasma volume field at ambient temperature and pressure.
STEP 02
Reactive Species Action
Reactive Oxygen & Nitrogen Species (RONS) penetrate the seed coat, inactivating fungi and bacteria while stimulating germination — potentially enhancing biochemical pathways.
STEP 03
Enhanced seeds, ready to plant or store
Seeds exit the treatment with maintained or improved germination rates, reduced pathogen load, and full viability — ready for planting.
*Data from controlled laboratory trials on cabbage seeds. Field trial validation planned soon.
Why Us?
The team and expertise to win.
Apolarion brings together plasma physics, agronomy, and business expertise to deliver a solution that moves from lab to commercial scale. Watch how we're transforming seed treatment.
Deep roots in science and market.
Our founding and advisory team brings strong combined experience across plasma physics, seed industry, and deep-tech ventures. We've already validated the core technology and we are building strong partnerships with research institutions and seed companies.
Plasma Physics Leadership
Co-founders from EPFL's Swiss Plasma Center, with peer-reviewed publications in atmospheric plasma applications.
Seed Industry Know-How
Advisory board with 10+ years in commercial seed treatment, market channels, and buyer relationships across Europe and beyond.
Built-in Partnerships
Embedded with EPFL, and developing collaborations with Agroscope and Changins HES-SO. Multiple seed-company LOIs in hand. Accelerated path to pilot and commercial validation.
The Team
The people behind Apolarion.
A multidisciplinary founding team combining plasma physics and business development — built to take our technology from lab to field and make a positive societal impact NOW.
Partners & Funders
Backed by a strong ecosystem.
Apolarion is supported by leading institutional partners and funding programs.
Funding & Programs
EPFL Innogrant
Venture Kick
Institutional Partners
Swiss Plasma Center
Startup Launchpad
Swiss Food Research
Get In Touch
Join us at the frontier of seed technology and remove chemicals from our food supply.
For Seed Companies & Research Institutes
Request a Field Trial
We are actively seeking seed company partners and farmers for collaborative field trials.
Useful Information
For Investors & Accelerators
Investor Enquiries
Apolarion is a deep-tech startup based in Switzerland, we are not currently raising, but we welcome conversations with impact investors, agri-food VCs with connections in the sector, and strategic partners.
Investment Highlights
For Industrial & Research Partners
Build a Partnership
We collaborate with equipment manufacturers, research institutes and seed processors to co-develop, validate and scale plasma treatment. If your work touches seed health, we would like to hear from you.
Areas of Collaboration