Meet Francesco Elio, Co-Founder and CEO of Deutelio AG

Please tell us about Deutelio AG

Deutelio is a private initiative pioneering an alternative path to fusion energy. Fusion replicates the process powering the stars, such as our sun. It does not affect the atmosphere with carbon emission nor involve radioactive products. This is the future we need and Deutelio’s commitment is to unlock this opportunity.

Please give some more details of your startup story: when/why you founded it, your business, team size, etc.

 The origin of our proprietary technology, the Polomac, goes back to 2014 when our CTO, Filippo Elio, revisited and improved the poloidal magnetic configuration abandoned in the 80s. This upgrade was possible today thanks to the technology improvements, especially in the field of computational science. Deutelio was founded to bring fusion applications to the market leveraging the Polomac technology.

Tell us more about your plans for 2025 and what is your long-term vision.

Deutelio has launched the first seed round, led by a venture builder specialized on nuclear technologies. In the upcoming 3 years, Deutelio will fine tune the Polomac technology in a laboratory and start the go-to-market operations. Our vision is to develop a technology used for multiple commercial applications in different industries (e.g., energy, life science, aerospace).

What has been the biggest success that you have achieved in your startup?

The official models recognized by EURATOM are the Tokamak and the Stellarator, but Deutelio is developing a new path to fusion. Despite initial scepticism, we have signed collaboration agreements with research and industrial partners, and we received support from Innosuisse.

If you could do it all over again, what would you do differently? What are your biggest learnings?

Sometimes it feels like time is wasted, but every action generates opportunities – whether the payoff is immediate or years later. Therefore, I would not change the past, the journey, with its successes and failures, shapes growth and resilience, teaching that persistence always matters.

What motivates you to continue your business every day?

My motivation comes from the profound impact our work can have on the planet supporting the global effort towards Net Zero Emissions before 2050. In addition, Fusion can revolutionize many industries, open new frontiers.

One piece of advice for someone who is just starting out with their startup?

Always focus on people – your team, mentors, and customers – because your success depends on building relationships and earning their trust. Surround yourself with supporters who believe in your vision, and never underestimate the power of collaboration and shared passion.

What does it mean to you to be a member of the Swiss Startup Association? 

Being a member of SSA means being part of a community. Personally, it’s inspiring to connect with other entrepreneurs. Professionally, it provides invaluable resources, advocacy, and networking opportunities that support Deutelio’s growth.

Would you recommend joining the Swiss Startup Association? Why?

Yes, it is a great platform for networking, gaining insights, and accessing resources for your startup. And besides these benefits, everyone should be part of a community, empowering personal growth.

Have you ever visited the events of the Swiss Startup Association? If yes, which ones? Would you recommend them?

Not yet, but I will do.

Is there anything that we haven’t asked you that you would like to share with us/the community?

This year, Deutelio achieved 4th place at the Boldbrain Startup Challenge. It was an incredible journey that connected us with a supportive community and significantly boosted our visibility in Switzerland, strengthening our mission to unlock fusion for commercial applications.

Connect with Francesco on LinkedIn

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About the Swiss Startup Association

The Swiss Startup Association (SSA) is the umbrella organisation and the voice of Swiss startups. As a sector-independent non-profit organisation, the SSA gives startups a strong voice vis-à-vis politics, business and the public and works to improve the conditions for startups in Switzerland.
Beyond its political engagement, the SSA fosters a community for startups, recognizing the unique challenges they face. Through networking opportunities, educational sessions, and practical services, the SSA collaborates with industry partners to offer tailored support and valuable resources to guide founders on their entrepreneurial journey.

Join the Swiss Startup Association! Tap into our member benefits, the comprehensive Investor List and get full access to our events. By becoming an SSA Member you enjoy discounted tickets to our Big Founders Dinners and the SSA Founders Day.