Swisens
Swisens AG is a Swiss deep-tech company that builds real-time bioaerosol monitoring instruments (SwisensPoleno Jupiter and Mars) using digital holography, fluorescence spectroscopy, and AI-based classification, selling primarily to national meteorological agencies and research institutions for automated pollen and airborne particle monitoring.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2016
- HeadquartersHorw, Switzerland
- Headcount1–10
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What Swisens does
Swisens AG is a Swiss deep-tech instrumentation company founded in 2016, headquartered in Emmen, Switzerland, that designs and manufactures real-time aerosol particle measurement systems. Its core products — the SwisensPoleno Jupiter and SwisensPoleno Mars flow cytometers — combine digital holography with (in the Jupiter variant) fluorescence spectroscopy and scattered light polarisation measurement, paired with supervised machine learning classifiers, to identify and quantify bioaerosol particles such as pollen, fungal spores, and other airborne particulates in real time. Each system ingests 40 litres per minute of air, generates up to 9 terabytes of raw particle data per year, and exposes outputs via the SwisensDataExplorer, SwisensDataAnalyzer, and a REST API for integration into downstream consumer applications.
The company sells primarily to national meteorological and environmental agencies, academic research institutions, and occupational health organisations, with flagship deployments at MeteoSwiss (15-18 stations across Switzerland), the University of Manchester, Sciensano (Belgium), the Finnish Meteorological Institute, Suva (Switzerland), and Melbourne Environmental Monitoring. Revenue is generated through one-time hardware sales (EUR 50,000-70,000 per system), recurring annual software/data hosting (EUR ~1,000 per system per year), maintenance contracts (~EUR 8,000 per year for a 5-station network), and training services, delivered via direct enterprise field sales. Swisens also participates in European consortium initiatives such as EUMETNET AutoPollen and AGRARSENSE, and continues to expand its classifier capabilities, with a multimodal pollen classifier published in March 2025.
Swisens firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Swisens
- Legal name
- Swisens AG
- Website
- https://swisens.ch
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2016
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 1–10 employees
- Short description
- Swisens AG is a Swiss deep-tech company that builds real-time bioaerosol monitoring instruments (SwisensPoleno Jupiter and Mars) using digital holography, fluorescence spectroscopy, and AI-based classification, selling primarily to national meteorological agencies and research institutions for automated pollen and airborne particle monitoring.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Swisens industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Aerosol Particle Measurement Instruments
- NAICS
- Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing (334516)
- SIC
- Laboratory Analytical Instruments (3826)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Air & Aerosol Monitoring (Bioaerosols, Mold, Yeast, Airborne Pathogens) (AFALAEAD)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Environmental Monitoring, Data & Reporting (Air/Water/Soil) (BPAIAMAC), Mass Spectrometry & Spectroscopy Instruments (HLAGAIAB)
Keywords
Where Swisens is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Horw
- HQ country
- Switzerland
- HQ region
- Europe
Offices1 record
Markets served
Swisens business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Technology or R&D, Supply Chain, Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales
Revenue model
- Aerosol Measurement Hardware Systems: Sale of SwisensPoleno Jupiter and Mars measurement instruments. Initial costs range from 50,000 to 70,000 EUR per system including instrument, software, identification algorithms, transport, installation, commissioning, and training.
- Software and Data Management: Annual software licensing and data hosting services. Data hosting costs approximately 1,000 EUR per year per system.
- Maintenance and Support Services: Annual maintenance services including on-site system maintenance, software updates (security, improvements, bug fixes, feature extensions), and remote preventive monitoring. Approximately 8,000 EUR per year for a network of five measurement stations.
- Training Services: Various training packages including SwisensPoleno System onboarding, Operation and Measurement Campaign training, Machine Learning Hero training, Data Hero training, and Certified Service Angel training.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| One time/ perpetual license | Multi-year contract | SwisensPoleno Mars - Entry-level bioaerosol monitoring system |
| One time/ perpetual license | Multi-year contract | SwisensPoleno Jupiter - Advanced bioaerosol monitoring with fluorescence |
| Subscription | Annual | Annual Maintenance Service Package |
| Subscription | Annual | Data Hosting Service |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels2 records
Marketing channels9 records
Swisens product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Swisens develops, produces, and sells hardware instruments and software for real-time measurement and identification of aerosol particles, with a primary focus on bioaerosols such as pollen and fungal spores. Its flagship SwisensPoleno Jupiter and Mars systems use digital holography, fluorescence spectroscopy, and AI-based classification to deliver automated, continuous pollen and bioaerosol monitoring for government meteorological agencies and research institutions.
Product overview
Swisens offers a comprehensive ecosystem for real-time aerosol particle measurement and monitoring, consisting of hardware instruments (SwisensPoleno Jupiter and Mars), software tools (SwisensDataExplorer and SwisensDataAnalyzer), the SwisensAtomizer for aerosol generation, and support services. The SwisensPoleno instruments are based on air flow cytometry principles, using digital holography and (for Jupiter) fluorescence spectroscopy and polarization measurement to identify and classify aerosol particles including pollen, spores, and other bioaerosols. Jupiter is the premium outdoor system with full measurement modalities, while Mars is a compact, cost-effective option primarily using holographic imaging. The ecosystem enables customers to independently expand machine learning algorithms for custom particle classification.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- SwisensPoleno Jupiter: Advanced bioaerosol monitoring system with digital holography, fluorescence spectroscopy, and polarisation measurement capabilities. Measures particles from 0.5µm to 300µm. Suitable for outdoor installation with weatherproof housing.
- SwisensPoleno Mars
- SwisensAtomizer
- SwisensDataExplorer
- SwisensDataAnalyzer
- Swisens Database
Products and services
- SwisensPoleno Jupiter Advanced real-time bioaerosol monitoring system combining digital holography, fluorescence spectroscopy, and polarization measurement, with AI-based particle identification for outdoor long-term monitoring of pollen, spores, and other aerosol particles.
- SwisensPoleno Mars Compact real-time pollen and bioaerosol monitoring system using digital holography and AI-based particle identification. Designed for cost-effective outdoor continuous pollen monitoring with weatherproof housing.
- SwisensAtomizer Aerosol generator for controlled particle nebulization in laboratory settings. Used for generating training data for machine learning algorithms and creating stable dust atmospheres for filter calibration.
- SwisensSoftware (SwisensDataExplorer and SwisensDataAnalyzer) Browser-based software ecosystem including SwisensDataExplorer for viewing current and historical particle events and concentration values, and SwisensDataAnalyzer based on Docker, Python, and Jupyter Notebook for advanced data analysis.
- SwisensServices Annual maintenance, remote preventive monitoring, software updates (security, improvements, bug fixes, feature extensions), on-site servicing, and various training packages including SwisensPoleno onboarding, operation training, Machine Learning Hero training, Data Hero training, and Certified Service Angel training.
- Multimodal Pollen Classifier AI classifier combining holographic imaging and fluorescence spectra for improved pollen classification accuracy, including water droplet detection to distinguish non-pollen particles.
Quantifiable outcome
- 96% accuracy in distinguishing pollen from other aerosol particles using compactness filter
- +4 more outcomes
Companies that use Swisens
Customer profileNamed customers6 records
Segments4 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
Swisens technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- Yes
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
AI capability5 records
Feature8 records
Swisens partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Nine partnerships are on record, tiered flagship, core, strategic and minor.
- MeteoSwiss (Swiss Federal Office of Meteorology and Climatology)flagshipStrategic partnership for Swiss Automated Pollen Network (SwissPollen). MeteoSwiss deployed SwisensPoleno Jupiter systems across 15 stations (expanding to 18) for national pollen monitoring. Swisens won the public tender against established competitors. First stations operational from 2021, full network from 2022. Swisens provides continuous real-time pollen data for public health services.
- University of Manchester - Centre for Atmospheric SciencecoreCollaboration for Urban Observatory bioaerosol measurements. Double premiere installation of SwisensPoleno system in Manchester, UK. University provides research application and feedback, Swisens provides measurement technology and support. Collaborative relationship involving scientific exchange and technology development.
- Sciensano (Belgian Public Health Institute)coreSciensano uses Swisens Poleno instrument for Belgian aerobiological surveillance network. Outside pollen season, instrument used for laboratory research on fungal spores. Cooperative scientific exchange and solution-oriented partnership.
- Finnish Meteorological Institute - Atmospheric Composition Research DepartmentcoreResearch collaboration including agreed R&D programme. Swisens participated in workshops and supported test data recording. Joint development of new calibration procedure using SwisensAtomizer. FMI satisfied with cooperation and open, cooperative atmosphere.
- aha! Allergiezentrum Schweiz (Swiss Allergy Centre)corePublisher of Pollen-News app providing pollen forecasts for Switzerland. aha! uses MeteoSwiss data measured by Swisens systems. End-to-end partnership for delivering pollen information to allergy sufferers via smartphone app.
- EUMETNET AutoPollen ProgrammeflagshipEuropean network developing prototype automatic pollen monitoring network. Swisens systems tested in EUMETNET AutoPollen Intercomparison Campaign 2021. Collaboration with European meteorological services for standardized automatic pollen monitoring.
- AGRARSENSE Consortium (Swiss Cluster)strategic51 million EUR European consortium for agricultural and forestry productivity technology. Swiss cluster coordinated by CSEM, includes six partners: Agroscope, CHANGINS, Swisens AG, Swiss Vault Systems GmbH, Vivent SA. Focus on electronic components and systems for future needs, sustainability, and climate change mitigation.
- AgroscopeminorSwiss agricultural research institute. Partner in ASMO (Advanced Spores Monitoring) project with Innosuisse funding, along with Hochschule Luzern. Collaboration on real-time aflatoxin and spore monitoring for food processing industry.
- Hochschule Luzern (Lucerne University of Applied Sciences)coreOriginal research partnership for pollen measurement technology development. First prototype testing conducted at university. Ongoing collaboration through ASMO project and Spore Aerosol Generator development. Academic partner for technology validation and scientific publications.
Scale indicators7 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights5 records
Swisens competitors and assessment
Company assessmentEmerging players
- Aeroqual: Manufacturer of air quality monitoring instruments including particulate matter and bioaerosol sensors, serving environmental agencies globally — partially overlapping customer base to Swisens but a broader air quality focus rather than pollen specialization.
- PollenSense: U.S.-based developer of automated real-time pollen monitoring sensors (APS), comparable to SwisensPoleno Mars in offering a compact holographic/imaging-based approach, though with a more U.S.-centric reference customer base.
Regional players
- Airthings: Provider of indoor air quality sensors (radon, CO2, particulates) with strong consumer and prosumer channels. Adjacent in air monitoring but does not directly compete in outdoor real-time pollen identification.
Direct peers
- Lanzoni: Italian manufacturer of the VPPS 2000 volumetric pollen sampler, a traditional Hirst-type device still widely deployed in pollen monitoring networks — direct incumbent that Swisens is displacing in modernizations of national monitoring programs.
- Burkard Manufacturing: Long-established supplier of Burkard 7-day recording volumetric spore traps (Hirst-method). Direct incumbent in pollen and spore monitoring whose installed base Swisens targets to upgrade.
- Plair SA: Swiss competitor producing the Rapid-E bioaerosol detector, which combines fluorescence and scattered-light analysis with AI classification for real-time airborne particle identification — a very close technology analog of the SwisensPoleno Jupiter.
- Helmut Hund: Manufacturer of the BAA500 automatic pollen monitor, the most established direct alternative to SwisensPoleno in national meteorological agency tenders. Both companies target the same customer segment (national met offices) with real-time pollen classification systems.
Broad incumbents
- TSI Incorporated: Global incumbent in particle measurement and aerosol research instrumentation. Larger player with broad portfolio that could enter the automated bioaerosol niche using its optical-particle-counter and aerosol-research installed base.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses4 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
Swisens social profiles
Digital presenceSwisens financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Swisens leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles1 record
Swisens funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds1 record
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Swisens M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Swisens
What does Swisens do?
Swisens develops, produces, and sells hardware instruments and software for real-time measurement and identification of aerosol particles, with a primary focus on bioaerosols such as pollen and fungal spores. Its flagship SwisensPoleno Jupiter and Mars systems use digital holography, fluorescence spectroscopy, and AI-based classification to deliver automated, continuous pollen and bioaerosol monitoring for government meteorological agencies and research institutions.
Is Swisens a public or private company?
Swisens is a private company. It is classified as founder individual operated bootstrapped and is currently operating.
When was Swisens founded?
Swisens was founded in 2016. It employs 1 to 10 people.
Where is Swisens based?
Swisens is headquartered in Horw, Switzerland, in the Europe region.
How does Swisens make money?
Four revenue lines are on record. Aerosol Measurement Hardware Systems are the primary driver. The others are software and Data Management, maintenance and Support Services and training Services.
Who are Swisens's main competitors?
Emerging players on record are Aeroqual and PollenSense. Airthings is listed as a regional player. Direct peers are Lanzoni, Burkard Manufacturing, Plair SA and Helmut Hund. TSI Incorporated is listed as a broad incumbent.
Does Swisens have an API?
Yes. REST API enables access to measurement output values and data. Access to output values and measurement data is possible via the central database, REST API and the software components within the SwisensEcosystem. The Swisens REST API allows data to be implemented and displayed in end-user applications such as websites or smartphone apps. For transmission of initial values (particle class and concentration), data volume corresponds to a few megabytes per day; complete raw data transmission increases to several gigabytes per day.
What industry is Swisens in?
Swisens's product category is Aerosol Particle Measurement Instruments. Its primary akta.pro industry code is AFALAEAD, Air & Aerosol Monitoring (Bioaerosols, Mold, Yeast, Airborne Pathogens), with a secondary code of BPAIAMAC, Environmental Monitoring, Data & Reporting (Air/Water/Soil). Its NAICS code is 334516 and its SIC code is 3826.