Funding news · Oct 8, 2026
UniSieve Raises $9M Series A Led by Orano Venture Fund
UniSieve Closes $9M Series A
UniSieve AG, a Zurich-based deep tech company, has raised $9 million in Series A funding. The round was announced on October 8, 2026, and was led by Orano Venture Fund. Additional investors include Zürcher Kantonalbank, Founderful, Amadeus APEX Technology Fund, and Guenat Holding.
Company Background
Founded in 2018 as an ETH Zurich spin-off by Samuel Hess and Elia Schneider, UniSieve develops high-precision membranes for industrial gas separation and carbon capture. The company uses metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) and zeolites as molecular sieves to create hybrid membranes that replace energy-intensive thermal separation processes.
UniSieve cites thermal separation as accounting for 10–15% of global energy use—a figure that underscores the potential impact of its technology. By enabling more efficient molecular-level separation, the company aims to reduce energy consumption and emissions in industrial processes.
Technology and Commercial Traction
UniSieve's hybrid membranes have reached pre-commercial maturity in two key applications: olefin production and point-source carbon capture. The company has already secured customers such as Polish chemicals producer Qemetica, demonstrating early market validation.
In olefin production, membrane-based separation can replace or augment traditional cryogenic distillation, which is highly energy-intensive. In carbon capture, UniSieve's membranes offer a potentially lower-cost, more scalable approach to separating CO2 from industrial flue gases.
Use of Funds
The Series A proceeds will likely support scaling manufacturing, expanding commercial deployments, and further developing the membrane technology for broader industrial applications. With pre-commercial maturity already achieved in key markets, UniSieve is positioned to move toward full commercial rollout.
Acquisition Relevance
For acquirers in industrial gas, chemicals, energy, or carbon capture, UniSieve represents a strategic asset. Its membrane technology addresses a fundamental inefficiency in industrial separation—one that is both economically and environmentally significant. The involvement of Orano Venture Fund, which is affiliated with the nuclear and energy group Orano, suggests strategic interest from a major player in energy and materials.
The investor syndicate also includes Zürcher Kantonalbank, a major Swiss bank, and Founderful, an early-stage venture firm, alongside Amadeus APEX Technology Fund and Guenat Holding. This mix of strategic, financial, and regional investors indicates broad confidence in UniSieve's technology and business model.
As industries face increasing pressure to decarbonize and reduce energy costs, membrane-based separation technologies like UniSieve's could see rising demand. Companies looking to add differentiated deep tech to their portfolios—particularly in carbon capture or olefin production—may find UniSieve an attractive acquisition target.
Key Facts
- Company: UniSieve AG
- Headquarters: Zurich, Switzerland
- Founded: 2018 as an ETH Zurich spin-off
- Founders: Samuel Hess and Elia Schneider
- Focus: High-precision membranes for industrial gas separation and carbon capture using MOFs and zeolites
- Applications: Olefin production, point-source carbon capture
- Customers: Qemetica (Polish chemicals producer)
- Round: Series A
- Amount: $9,000,000 USD
- Date: October 8, 2026
- Lead Investor: Orano Venture Fund
- Investors: Zürcher Kantonalbank, Founderful, Amadeus APEX Technology Fund, Orano Venture Fund, Guenat Holding
UniSieve's Series A marks a significant step in scaling a technology with the potential to reduce global energy consumption in industrial separation. With strategic backing and early commercial traction, the company is well-positioned for growth in the carbon capture and chemicals markets.