Data centers are the backbone of the digital age, with unprecedented demand for digital infrastructure driven by the surge in the use of AI, machine learning, and supercomputing. However, their energy consumption is skyrocketing. By 2030, an estimated six percent of global energy consumption will be used specifically for cooling data centers. A shift from traditional cooling methods to more cost- and energy efficient liquid-based solutions is inevitable. Enabling this transition, deep tech startup Apheros is today announcing a $1.85m funding round seizing this critical moment to introduce its innovative metal foam technology, offering a superior solution to this pressing industry challenge.
The pre-seed funding round, led by venture capital firm Founderful, will accelerate development and deployment of Apheros' revolutionary metal foam-based cooling solutions.
The Apheros patented manufacturing process creates unique foam structures with completely open porosity and unparalleled surface area, surpassing traditional solutions by a factor of thousand, which translates into exceptional heat transfer and flow properties. Ideal for high performance cooling applications, Apheros’ metal foams are easily integrated within its customers’ existing cooling systems. They address customers’ urgent needs of reduced energy consumption and cooling costs.
Apheros AG, founded in August 2023, was developed as an ETH Zurich spin-off to tackle cooling challenges in a wide range of applications including high-performance computing and mobile devices. Apheros is led by a team with a proven track record in innovation, business development and tech transfer. Apheros’ co-founder and CEO Julia Carpenter was recently named one of Switzerland's Top 10 “Founders to Watch” for her invention of Apheros novel metal foam manufacturing process. Co-founder and CTO Gaëlle Andreatta, has over 16 years of experience in R&D, Tech Transfer, and start-up development.