rrreefs
Swiss startup that rebuilds and regenerates degraded coral reefs using modular, 3D-printed terracotta clay bricks designed to mimic natural reef structures and support marine biodiversity.
- CEO / Founder
- Dr. Ulrike Pfreundt (Co-CEO) and Josephine Graf (Co-CEO)
- Team Size
- 11-50
- Stage
- Growth Stage
- Total Funding
- $1.4M
- Latest Round
- Seed
- Key Investors
- ETH Foundation; Venture Kick; Swisspreneur; S2S Ventures; OOMNIUM AG; Angel investors
Technology & Products
Key Products
Modular 3D-printed terracotta clay reef brick system (interlocking bricks forming customizable artificial reef structures); Full-service reef regeneration (design, production, installation, monitoring); Coral reef restoration project partnerships for businesses
Technological Advantage
Proprietary interlocking clay module design with optimized surface microstructure; Data-driven approach with standardized ecological surveys every 6 months over 3 years; ETH Zurich spin-off credibility; Proven results with 4,000-15,000 new corals settling naturally within first year and 2-10x fish biomass increase; Multi-country deployment across Philippines, Colombia, Ecuador, Maldives, British Virgin Islands
Differentiation
Value Proposition
Turn-key coral reef regeneration service using scientifically designed, eco-friendly 3D-printed clay modules that mimic natural reef structures, with proven impact metrics (coral settlement, fish biomass increase) and long-term ecological monitoring.
How They Differentiate
Focus on pure terracotta clay (non-toxic, natural, compatible with marine life); Modular interlocking brick system that can be customized to local bathymetry and flow conditions; Female-founded interdisciplinary team (science + art + business); Full lifecycle ownership from design through production, installation, and 3-year scientific monitoring; Local production facility setup for knowledge transfer and community empowerment
Market & Competition
Target Customers
Hotel/resort groups (e.g. Anantara); Tourism operators; Corporations with sustainability/ESG goals; Conservation NGOs; Government coastal management agencies; Impact investors
Industry Verticals
Marine conservation; Eco-tourism and hospitality; Coastal protection; Biodiversity offset markets; Corporate sustainability/ESG
Competitors
Reef Design Lab (Australia); Archireef (Hong Kong); Coral Vita (Bahamas)
Growth & Milestones
Major Milestones
2020: Founded as association; 2021: First pilot reef installed in San Andres, Colombia; 2022: Won Venture Kick Stage 2; 2023: Transitioned to AG (limited company); Earthshot Prize nominee; 2024: Closed CHF 420K pre-seed round; Economist Impact Ocean Changemakers Challenge Winner; 2025: Established local production facility in Philippines; 2026: Launched CHF 800K+ community investment Seed round; Projects across 5 countries
Notable Customers
Anantara Dhigu Maldives Resort; Accor Group; Edelweiss Air AG