In a global context where pressure on water resources is increasingly intense—between climate change, industrial activity, and intensive agriculture—the ability to promptly monitor contamination and environmental imbalances becomes crucial. "Many problems develop silently and spread before being detected," explains Marco Fumagalli. "By the time the results of traditional tests arrive, the damage is often already done. We want to get there faster and prevent a whole series of negative consequences."
Il heart of Neosens innovation It consists of a compact device—weighing approximately one kilogram—that can detect and quantify the presence of potentially harmful substances in water. It's not simply a matter of identifying whether a substance is present or not, but of measuring its concentration, providing crucial information for assessing its environmental or health impact.
"The innovation is twofold," Fumagalli emphasizes. "On the one hand, there's a new technology, never before introduced to the market. On the other, there's the product: an instrument that allows for precise measurements directly on site, without the need for a laboratory or highly specialized personnel."
The system is based on a biosensing platform with interchangeable cartridges, adaptable to different monitoring needs. This "kit" is complemented by data management tools that integrate temporal and geographic information, facilitating analysis and visualization of results. The goal is clear: to democratize access to advanced environmental testing: "We want to make these analyses accessible to anyone who needs them, not just large laboratories," says the founder.
The path that led to the creation of Neosens is rooted in academia. After initially training in mechanical engineering, Fumagalli specialized in biomedical engineering, first during his bachelor's degree and then with a master's degree in Life Sciences Engineering at EPFL in Lausanne. "I worked extensively on diagnostic sensors, particularly for detecting substances in human blood," he explains. "But the potential applications of these technologies are vast: the environment, food safety, industry, and pharmaceutical development."
The business idea was born during a university project, which later evolved into an international competition in the Netherlands. The team developed an innovative diagnostic device and won for both its technical performance and business model. "At first, it was an academic exercise," Fumagalli recalls. "But we quickly realized we had something that could have practical applications."
From that moment on, a years-long development journey began, encompassing university programs, competitions, and initial funding. "Not without challenges: team changes, bureaucratic obstacles, and the need to rebuild some skills from scratch. After completing his studies, he was the only member of the initial team to continue with the project, later building a new group until the startup was established. It was a complex, but also crucial phase." Today, Neosens is a well-established company, with a team spread across several Swiss cities and expertise ranging from research to finance to business development.
The technology developed by Neosens has broad potential, from environmental research to industrial monitoring, aquaculture, and food safety. A concrete example concerns algal blooms, increasingly frequent phenomena that produce harmful toxins. "Aquaculture managers need to know if these toxins are present, because it may be necessary to interrupt fish feeding, resulting in significant economic losses," explains Fumagalli. "With our device, we can get an immediate response."
A key element in Neosens' development was the support received from the Swiss innovation ecosystem, particularly in Ticino. "We benefited from a significant support network," Fumagalli emphasizes. "Among the key players, the Agire Foundation played a crucial role, facilitating access to contacts, programs, and funding opportunities. It opened many doors for us, allowing us to connect with investors and partners much more effectively."
Alongside Agire, initiatives like the SUPSI Startup Garage have been crucial in building our network in Ticino. Coaching programs and collaborations with students have also contributed to the startup's growth. "We've had contact with groups of SUPSI students who worked on our business plan, conducting market research and financial analysis. It's been invaluable."
The Swiss system, despite its regional dynamics between cantons, has proven to be fertile ground. "Each canton has its own programs and incentives, and this also creates a certain amount of competition," Fumagalli observes. "But at the same time, there is strong national unity regarding the importance of innovation." The decision to establish the legal headquarters in Ticino also reflects a personal and strategic connection. "I was born and raised here, and today I see a rapidly growing ecosystem, with many opportunities for startups to develop."
Neosens is currently at a crucial stage. The short-term goal is to develop a pilot product to test directly with end users. "This is a crucial step," explains Fumagalli. "Only by putting the device in the hands of those who will use it can we truly understand what works and what needs to be improved." At the same time, the startup is engaged in a fundraising round, necessary to support development and market entry. If all goes according to plan, commercial launch could occur as early as early 2027. Neosens' journey is a prime example of how research, entrepreneurship, and institutional support can converge to generate concrete innovation. In a world increasingly in need of rapid, reliable, and accessible tools to understand and manage its ecosystems, Neosens' challenge appears not only technological, but profoundly cultural: to change the world by observing and directly intervening in the reality around us.
