Impact Build
An ETH Zurich spin-off commercializing 'Impact Printing,' a robotic additive manufacturing technology that uses high-velocity deposition to build low-carbon structures from local excavated earth.
- CEO / Founder
- Lauren Vasey
- Team Size
- 1-10
- Stage
- Active
- Total Funding
- $356K
- Latest Round
- Pre-Seed
- Key Investors
- Venture Kick, Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF), Innosuisse, Gebert Rüf Stiftung (InnoBooster)
Technology & Products
Key Products
Impact Printing (proprietary robotic manufacturing process)
Technological Advantage
Enables the use of raw, non-standardized local materials (excavated soil) which significantly lowers material transport costs and carbon footprint while allowing for faster build speeds than layer-by-layer extrusion.
Differentiation
Value Proposition
Reduces construction CO2 emissions and costs by utilizing on-site excavated soil as a primary building material, eliminating the need for cement, chemical additives, or traditional formwork.
How They Differentiate
Unlike traditional 3D printing that relies on cement-based 'inks' or chemical binders, Impact Build uses high-velocity 'Impact Printing' to bond raw, excavated earth. This kinetic energy approach allows for structural density without additives, enabling 100% circular and carbon-neutral construction.
Market & Competition
Target Customers
Sustainable construction firms, architectural design studios, real estate developers, and infrastructure agencies focusing on circular economy and decarbonization.
Industry Verticals
Construction & Infrastructure, Robotics & Automation, Sustainable Building Materials, Circular Economy
Competitors
WASP (World's Advanced Saving Project); ICON; COBOD International
Growth & Milestones
Growth Metrics
Transitioned from academic research at ETH Zurich to a commercial spin-off in 2025; currently in the pilot project phase.
Major Milestones
Awarded SNSF Bridge Fellowship in 2022 to commercialize robotic earth printing, Won Venture Kick Stage 1 (CHF 10k) in late 2023, Won Venture Kick Stage 2 (CHF 40k) in May 2024, Official incorporation of Impact Build GmbH in April 2025, Featured at the World Economic Forum for sustainable innovation
Notable Customers
ETH Zurich (Research Partner); Gramazio Kohler Research
Funding rounds
- GrantCHF 150K2025-10Lead: Gebert Rüf Stiftung · Source: Gebert Rüf Stiftung (InnoBooster)
- Pre-SeedCHF 10K2025-03-01Lead: Venture Kick · Source: Venture Kick
- GrantUndisclosed2025-01-01Lead: Innosuisse · Source: Innosuisse
- Pre-SeedCHF 50K2025-01-01Lead: Venture Kick · Source: Venture Kick
- Pre-SeedCHF 40K2024-05-01Lead: Venture Kick · Source: Venture Kick