Marc Ocskay, Autor bei Grensol

January 23, 2026

4 Weeks in 15 Seconds: Our Plant Build in Time-Lapse

Zurich, Switzerland — We are excited to share a striking new time-lapse video capturing four weeks of construction at our first specialized facility in Solothurn, condensed into just 15 seconds.

The video highlights the speed and scale of progress achieved on-site, showing how quickly the project has developed when planning, engineering, and teamwork come together. It offers a clear and compelling view of the effort behind building a cutting-edge recycling facility and marks an important milestone on our journey toward full operation.

This time-lapse is a quick but powerful glimpse behind the scenes — the perfect way to see how much can be accomplished in a short time.

About Grensol

Founded in 2021, Grensol is an innovative recycling company committed to addressing the challenge of recovering valuable materials from highly complex waste streams. Grensol has developed a novel three-step process for extracting metals, minerals, and polymers from automotive shredder residues (ASR), reprocessing them into circular raw material inputs. The company’s first specialised facility is now operational in Solothurn.

In collaboration with research partners HEIG-VD, ETH Zurich and Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Grensol continues to push the boundaries of materials separation technology for waste that is currently incinerated or landfilled, while actively exploring new industry partnerships and expanding use cases for its platform — advancing a future where even today’s most difficult waste can be transformed into valuable resources.

Grensol is supported by Innosuisse, the Swiss Federal Office of Environment, the Swiss Climate Foundation, the City of Zurich and BlueLion through their KlimUp programme, the Foundation of Swiss Auto Recyclers, Venture Kick, EPFL Innovation Park’s Tech4Regen accelerator, Impact Hub’s Circular Economy Transition incubator, and the W.A. de Vigier Foundation.

January 10, 2026

Grensol selected for SPRIN-D Tech Metal Transformation Challenge in Germany

Zurich, Switzerland — Grensol has been selected to participate in the prestigious SPRIN-D Tech Metal Transformation Challenge in Germany. The program aims to improve the onshore recovery of critical metals from waste streams such as smartphones in an economically and ecologically sustainable manner.

Under this initiative, Grensol will apply its Minerals and Photolysis technologies to end-of-life smartphones to recover critical metals on a laboratory scale. The project will be carried out in partnership with Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI), ETH Zurich, and HEIG-VD, combining expertise in materials science, engineering, and advanced recycling processes.

This participation marks an important step for Grensol in expanding its technology applications beyond automotive waste and demonstrates the company’s commitment to enabling circular material flows across different industries.

Click here for more information on SPRIN-D

About Grensol

Founded in 2021, Grensol is an innovative recycling company committed to addressing the challenge of recovering valuable materials from highly complex waste streams. Grensol has developed a novel three-step process for extracting metals, minerals, and polymers from automotive shredder residues (ASR), reprocessing them into circular raw material inputs. The company’s first specialised facility is now operational in Solothurn.

In collaboration with research partners HEIG-VD, ETH Zurich and Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Grensol continues to push the boundaries of materials separation technology for waste that is currently incinerated or landfilled, while actively exploring new industry partnerships and expanding use cases for its platform — advancing a future where even today’s most difficult waste can be transformed into valuable resources.

Grensol is supported by Innosuisse, the Swiss Federal Office of Environment, the Swiss Climate Foundation, the City of Zurich and BlueLion through their KlimUp programme, the Foundation of Swiss Auto Recyclers, Venture Kick, EPFL Innovation Park’s Tech4Regen accelerator, Impact Hub’s Circular Economy Transition incubator, and the W.A. de Vigier Foundation.

January 8, 2026

Grensol nominated for Solothurn’s Newcomer Prize 2026

Zurich, Switzerland — Grensol is proud to announce that it had been nominated for the Newcomer Prize of Canton Solothurn 2026. The nomination recognized the company’s innovative approach to recycling and its growing impact within the region.

As part of the award program, Grensol presented its work and vision at a public event on January 8, pitching in front of approximately 500 guests. This was a valuable opportunity to share Grensol’s mission and progress with a broad audience and to highlight the importance of sustainable material recovery.

We were grateful for the recognition and appreciated the opportunity to present our project to the Solothurn community.

About Grensol

Founded in 2021, Grensol is an innovative recycling company committed to addressing the challenge of recovering valuable materials from highly complex waste streams. Grensol has developed a novel three-step process for extracting metals, minerals, and polymers from automotive shredder residues (ASR), reprocessing them into circular raw material inputs. The company’s first specialised facility is now operational in Solothurn.

In collaboration with research partners HEIG-VD, ETH Zurich and Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Grensol continues to push the boundaries of materials separation technology for waste that is currently incinerated or landfilled, while actively exploring new industry partnerships and expanding use cases for its platform — advancing a future where even today’s most difficult waste can be transformed into valuable resources.

Grensol is supported by Innosuisse, the Swiss Federal Office of Environment, the Swiss Climate Foundation, the City of Zurich and BlueLion through their KlimUp programme, the Foundation of Swiss Auto Recyclers, Venture Kick, EPFL Innovation Park’s Tech4Regen accelerator, Impact Hub’s Circular Economy Transition incubator, and the W.A. de Vigier Foundation.

December 21, 2025

Grensol reaches finals of Ypsomed Innovation Award 2026

Zurich, Switzerland — Grensol is proud to announce that it was selected among the top five finalists at the Ypsomed Innovation Award 2026. The award recognizes innovative technologies with strong industrial and sustainability impact.

At the final event, Marco Ziegler, CTO of Grensol, presented the company’s approach to recycling automotive waste, focusing on how complex and previously difficult-to-recycle waste streams can be converted into valuable resources for reuse in industrial applications.

“Congratulations to Grensol for making it to the finals of the Ypsomed Innovation Award 2026,” said Ypsomed in its official statement, highlighting the relevance of Grensol’s solution for advancing circular economy practices.

Being named a finalist reflects Grensol’s commitment to developing scalable recycling technologies that reduce waste, recover critical materials, and support more sustainable supply chains in the automotive sector.

Watch the interview

About Grensol

Founded in 2021, Grensol is an innovative recycling company committed to addressing the challenge of recovering valuable materials from highly complex waste streams. Grensol has developed a novel three-step process for extracting metals, minerals, and polymers from automotive shredder residues (ASR), reprocessing them into circular raw material inputs. The company’s first specialised facility is now operational in Solothurn.

In collaboration with research partners HEIG-VD, ETH Zurich and Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Grensol continues to push the boundaries of materials separation technology for waste that is currently incinerated or landfilled, while actively exploring new industry partnerships and expanding use cases for its platform — advancing a future where even today’s most difficult waste can be transformed into valuable resources.

Grensol is supported by Innosuisse, the Swiss Federal Office of Environment, the Swiss Climate Foundation, the City of Zurich and BlueLion through their KlimUp programme, the Foundation of Swiss Auto Recyclers, Venture Kick, EPFL Innovation Park’s Tech4Regen accelerator, Impact Hub’s Circular Economy Transition incubator, and the W.A. de Vigier Foundation.

September 11, 2025

Grensol proud to be ranked among the Top100 Swiss Startups of 2025

Zurich, Switzerland — We are proud to be ranked among the Top100 Swiss Startups of 2025! Being part of this ranking highlights the innovation and entrepreneurial spirit driving Switzerland’s startup ecosystem. A big thank you to our team, partners, and supporters who made this achievement possible!

A big appreciation to the entire Venturelab team for the organization of this prestigious award, alongside their partners UBS, SIX, Etat de Vaud, Gebert Rüf Stiftung, HANDELSZEITUNG, IFJ-Startup Support, Kanton Zürich, PME, startup.ch, Startupticker.ch, Venture Kick, Venturelab and Walder Wyss Ltd.

About Grensol

Founded in 2021, Grensol is an innovative recycling company committed to addressing the challenge of recovering valuable materials from highly complex waste streams. Grensol has developed a novel three-step process for extracting metals, minerals, and polymers from automotive shredder residues (ASR), reprocessing them into circular raw material inputs. The company’s first specialised facility is currently under construction in Solothurn and is expected to become operational in early 2026.

In collaboration with research partners HEIG-VD, ETH Zurich and Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Grensol continues to push the boundaries of materials separation technology for waste that is currently incinerated or landfilled, while actively exploring new industry partnerships and expanding use cases for its platform — advancing a future where even today’s most difficult waste can be transformed into valuable resources.

Grensol is supported by Innosuisse, the Swiss Federal Office of Environment, the Swiss Climate Foundation, the City of Zurich and BlueLion through their KlimUp programme, the Foundation of Swiss Auto Recyclers, Venture Kick, EPFL Innovation Park’s Tech4Regen accelerator, Impact Hub’s Circular Economy Transition incubator, and the W.A. de Vigier Foundation.

February 13, 2025

Grensol secures permit for first Demonstration plant in Biberist

Grensol is pleased to announce that the authorities in Biberist, Canton Solothurn, have granted us the permit to build and operate our first demonstration plant. This milestone follows a rigorous approval process, which included comprehensive assessments from the Cantonal Office for the Environment and the Office for Economy and Labor. To ensure full compliance with all applicable regulations, Grensol also submitted independent expert reports on energy efficiency measures, noise, vibrations, and dust emissions. “We are delighted that Grensol, another innovative company, is revitalising the Papieri site and contributing to the further development of the circular mobility centre”, says Stefan Hug-Portmann, Mayor of Biberist.

We remain committed to sustainable operations and responsible industrial development in Switzerland and beyond. We extend our sincere gratitude to HIAG, the real estate company redeveloping the industrial site, and to our partners at Hugispirig Architects, Strausak Law and Prodeo Consulting for their invaluable support throughout this process. “This permit marks a significant step forward for Grensol and our mission to drive sustainable innovation. We are proud to establish our first demonstration plant in Biberist, a location with a strong industrial heritage and a promising future in circular mobility. This achievement reflects the dedication of our team and the invaluable support of our partners and local authorities”, says Rajiv Singhal, the CEO of Grensol.

“We are delighted that another start-up has chosen the canton of Solothurn as the location for its first demonstration plant and is creating new jobs in the field of sustainability with its project”, says Sandra Kolly, the head of the Members of the Governing Council of the Canton of Solothurn and Head of the Department of Construction and Justice of the Canton of Solothurn.

About Grensol:
Grensol is a pioneering Swiss company dedicated to maximising the recycling of end-of-life waste by offering a more sustainable alternative to the incineration and landfilling of recycling residues. We aim to transform these waste materials into valuable low-emission raw materials such as metals, minerals, hydrogen and carbon black, for a circular economy, contributing to a cleaner and more sustainable future. Recognized for its innovation, Grensol was awarded the prestigious De Vigier Award 2024 and has received financial support from VentureKick, the Kickfund Foundation, the Swiss Climate Foundation, the KlimUp programme of the City of Zurich, and other organisations committed to fostering start-up growth in Switzerland and beyond.

February 5, 2025

Grensol releases Image Film showcasing its mission and innovation

Grensol is proud to announce the release of its new image film, offering a deeper look into our mission and groundbreaking approach to recovering useful raw materials from car recycling waste. This film highlights our commitment to driving innovation, reducing environmental impact, and shaping the future of clean technology. Watch the film now and join us in accelerating the transition to a greener future.

Watch Now

Grensol thanks Jump TV and the Nachhaltigkeitsnetzwerk Solothurn for this production.

About Grensol:
Grensol is a pioneering Swiss company dedicated to maximising the recycling of end-of-life waste by offering a more sustainable alternative to the incineration and landfilling of recycling residues. We aim to transform these waste materials into valuable low-emission raw materials such as metals, minerals, hydrogen and carbon black, for a circular economy, contributing to a cleaner and more sustainable future. Recognized for its innovation, Grensol was awarded the prestigious De Vigier Award 2024 and has received financial support from VentureKick, the Kickfund Foundation, the Swiss Climate Foundation, the KlimUp programme of the City of Zurich, and other organisations committed to fostering start-up growth in Switzerland and beyond.

February 3, 2025

Grensol wins Solothurn’s Sustainability and Climate Protection Award 2025

The Sustainability and Climate Protection Award is aimed at companies in Solothurn that implement projects to reduce greenhouse gas emissions or promote climate protection and sustainability. Grensol is proud to be the winner of this prestigious award in 2025. A big thanks to all our supporters, the jury members, Thomas Vellacott, the CEO of WWF Switzerland, for the inspiring laudatory speech, and Daniel Probst, the Co-President of the Sustainability Network of Solothurn, for his masterful moderation. Grensol also likes to thank the sponsors of the award, namely the Däster-Schild Foundation, the Lottery Fund of the Canton of Solothurn, and the Berner Kantonalbank.