What was the trigger for turning a research project into a company?
Liubov Shishaeva: I initially followed the project passively when Donato Rubinetti was investigating the use of ionic wind as part of his doctoral thesis. I recognised the potential of the technology early on. In St.Gallen, we found an environment that supported this step towards entrepreneurial realisation. The research focused on performance characteristics, not on marketable variants. Although the industrial relevance had long been discussed, there was no product. Our aim was to translate this potential into a concrete solution. Founding the company was the logical step.
What role did the environment play in the startup phase?
The technical requirements are high, the technology complex. Developing a viable business model from this is equally challenging. It was crucial for us that we had early access to exchange formats, programmes and contacts in the canton. Initiatives such as the START Summit, Startfeld, the Switzerland Innovation Park Ost and the HSG Start Accelerator provided us with structure, visibility and direct contacts. This accelerated our entrepreneurial development.
How has your company changed as a result of the 1.7 million Swiss francs of pre-seed financing?
In addition to capital, it brought expertise and networks. The due diligence process was intensive and made us more professional. We were able to validate assumptions about product-market fit. The fact that we were able to realise this financing with offices in St.Gallen shows that access to capital is not tied to individual centres. We are now focusing on the market launch.
1.7
1.7 million Swiss francs of pre-seed in the first year
How do you view St.Gallen as an international business location?
Regional roots are not a source of tension. International communication is possible digitally without any problems. Being based in St.Gallen does not limit our ambitions. A smaller city offers focus and concentration, which is valuable in a startup where quick decisions are made.
What does the location mean for Ionic Wind today?
St.Gallen is our operational hub. Access to skilled workers is more challenging due to the lower population density, yet new initiatives are emerging to strengthen the ecosystem. We often travel to Zurich, Bern or Lausanne for meetings, but at the end of the day we always like to get back on the train to St.Gallen.
Written by Leader / Kanton St.Gallen
“It was crucial for us that we had early access to exchange formats, programmes and contacts in the canton. Initiatives such as the START Summit, Startfeld, the Switzerland Innovation Park Ost and the HSG Start Accelerator provided us with structure, visibility and direct contacts.”
Liubov Shishaeva, Co-founder of Ionic Wind
In the video, meet Donato Rubinetti, co-founder of Ionic Wind, and discover the Canton of St. Gallen as a startup hub.
