Meet Ilija Ivanovski, CEO of Queen Bee GmbH

Tell us about Queen Bee GmbH.

Queen Bee GmbH is an innovative engineering company founded in 2023, with a sole purpose of developing the Beetronix project. The project itself has been in development for 8 years until we decided that it is now at a good stage for testing and bringing it into the market.

Please give some more details of your startup story.

Before Queen Bee was founded, Toni and Ilija each had their own ideas about improving the beekeeping until they realized that they had similar views about the problem and vision with regards to a solution. This was a defining moment, out of which, a partnership was formed. Some key issues that have been identified include honey fraud, labour and knowledge challenges in the beekeeping industry. Later, Stefan was invited to join the team to support business development for the startup.

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

Our goal for 2025 is to develop and test the Beetronix proof-of-concept in a real environment. Within the next two years, we plan to have a minimum viable product (MVP) on the market. Our vision is a world where anyone, regardless of their background or location, can create and sustain bee colonies as a hobby or as a profession.

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

Over the last 8 years, we’ve worked with professional and hobby beekeepers, as well as institutes, to determine the actual painpoints and real needs of such users. Our biggest success to date is that we have designed an optimal product that solves most of these problems and in doing so, elevating enthusiasm for its implementation and use.

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

Looking back, we would prioritize partnerships with beekeeping associations at an earlier stage for faster product adoption. Our biggest learning: validate the technology with end-users from day one – it saves time. Also, it was crucial to learn not to underestimate our funding needs, which caused us some delays.
I’d secure more capital upfront to accelerate growth.

What motivates you to continue your business every day?

Seeing bees thrive and beekeepers succeed with our technology keeps us going. The fight against honey fraud and the chance to make agriculture sustainable through innovation drives us daily. Every hive we improve feels like a win for the planet and our community.

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

Talk to your customers early and often—build what they need, not just what you think is cool. Test small, iterate fast, and don’t fear failure, it’s the best teacher. Surround yourself with a team smarter than you to cover your blind spots. Be ready to replace the exhausting 40-hour weeks with 60-80 hours at your startup.

What does it mean to you to be a member of the Swiss Startup Association?
Personally, it’s inspiring to connect with innovators in Switzerland, a country with centuries of innovation. Professionally, it amplifies Beetronix’s voice in policy and opens doors to investors and mentors. Being part of this ecosystem fuels our growth and aligns us with Switzerland’s startup vision.

Would you recommend joining the Swiss Startup Association? Why?

Yes! The SSA offers unmatched networking, resources, and advocacy for startups. It’s a game-changer for visibility and support—discounts, events, and a unified voice in politics make it invaluable for any Swiss founder aiming to scale.

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

Not yet, but we are eager to attend.

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

We’re seeking collaborators in Cleantech and Agritech to expand our impact. Beetronix isn’t just about honey—it’s about saving bees and securing food systems. Join us to innovate for a sustainable future, reach out at contact@qbm.ch to explore synergies!

Connect with Ilija 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 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.