Natural straws, eco-responsible room service in hotels and the digitization of general aviation – these are the projects of Okapaï, Simon & Josef and plan.aero, three Fribourg-based start-ups we’ve had the pleasure of supporting since November.
Okapaï: Almost a billion plastic straws are thrown into the oceans every day. Unlike the European Union, which will ban disposable plastics from 2021, Switzerland has yet to legislate on the issue. But that hasn’t stopped Fribourg-based start-up Okapaï from offering an eco-friendly alternative to plastic straws: straw straws. Made from organic rye, they are natural, biodegradable and compostable after use. Founded by former students of HEG Fribourg, Okapaï will benefit from Fri Up’s support to conquer the Swiss catering market, which consumes almost 600 million plastic straws every year.
Simon & Josef: Leave your bath towel on the wall or on the floor. This is the ecological choice usually offered in hotel rooms. It’s an inefficient system in the eyes of Singapore-based start-up Simon & Josef, which offers a more modern and versatile alternative to help hotels reduce their ecological footprint and costs. Using a simple QR-code, guests can notify reception at any time if they require room service, and if so, what type. For example, they have the option of only having cosmetics replaced or making the bed. Already financially supported by the Seed Capital Fribourg foundation, Simon & Josef will benefit from Fri Up’s assistance in marketing and new customer acquisition.
plan.aero: At present, Swiss general aviation – which includes non-commercial flights such as pleasure aircraft and private jets – is lagging far behind in terms of digitalization. Aircraft are mostly registered on paper, and taxes are paid in cash. Once in the air, the aircraft is often unknown at the arrival aerodrome until the pilot makes approach contact. To simplify the work of pilots and aerodromes, Grasse-based start-up plan.aero is developing an application that centralizes all procedures and speeds up administrative processes. rom take-off to arrival, the pilot registers only once and can pay online, saving a lot of time. plan.aero also benefits from the financial support of the Seed Capital Fribourg foundation, and will be supported by Fri Up for the development of its application.