Funding of CHF 150,000 Boosts RTDT Laboratories’ Wind Turbine Efficiency Initiative

ETH spin-off RTDT Laboratories has secured a final funding boost of CHF 150,000 from Venture Kick to advance the development of its next-generation intelligent and autonomous wind turbine design, control, operation, and maintenance solutions. This funding comes as part of a preliminary round for RTDT’s innovative hardware-software solution, Aerosense, a sensor system designed to collect critical aerodynamic, acoustic, and structural data from wind turbine blades.

Aerosense leverages advanced analytical methods to provide in-depth aero-acoustic and structural assessments of wind turbines. By offering valuable insights, the system enhances turbine control, optimizes design processes, and facilitates more efficient maintenance practices. These improvements are expected to significantly enhance the performance and profitability of individual turbines and their associated fleets.

The financial support from Venture Kick, an initiative dedicated to helping startups, adds to its impressive record of backing 1,074 Swiss startup projects with a total of CHF 80 million. Given the pressing global shift towards renewable energy, RTDT is poised to capitalize on a favorable market environment, especially as the wind energy sector is anticipated to grow at an annual rate of 13%, reaching a market size of over CHF 5 billion by 2031.

RTDT has already established partnerships with key industry players such as Siemens Gamesa, Suzlon, Enercon, and Eologix-Ping, positioning itself as a significant contributor to the wind energy landscape. The funding will be utilized to expand RTDT’s team, refine its hardware design and manufacturing processes, and enhance its patent portfolio.

The founding team of RTDT Laboratories—comprising CEO Imad Abdallah, Chief Science Officer Konstantinos Tatsis, and Chief Commercial Officer Aris Mukherjee—brings together a wealth of expertise in various domains crucial to the wind energy sector. Imad Abdallah’s extensive experience as a lead engineer at Vestas, where he dedicated seven years to designing advanced wind turbines, adds significant credibility to RTDT’s mission to innovate in turbine design and maintenance. Alongside him, Konstantinos Tatsis contributes deep scientific insights, while Aris Mukherjee leverages his background in commercial strategy and venture capital. Together, this diverse team is well-equipped to tackle the challenges of the industry and drive RTDT’s vision of enhancing the performance and profitability of wind energy solutions. Their collective knowledge positions RTDT to lead the charge in the development of intelligent and autonomous systems for wind turbines.

CCO Aris Mukherjee emphasized the significant influence of Venture Kick's support on RTDT’s growth, stating, “The assistance from Venture Kick has been instrumental in refining our business model, strategy, and value proposition. The Kicker’s camps have been incredibly useful in identifying our weaknesses and addressing them. We are very happy to have won stage III and to receive further support from Venture Kick.” This collaboration not only highlights the valuable mentorship and resources provided by Venture Kick but also underscores RTDT's commitment to advancing innovation within the wind energy sector. As RTDT moves forward, this partnership positions the company to enhance its offerings and drive meaningful advancements in turbine technology and performance. With a focus on harnessing cutting-edge insights and strategies, RTDT is set to play a crucial role in shaping a more efficient and profitable wind energy landscape.