Fajer Mushtaq

Those who do good can expect to be helped in return. Fajer Mushtaq, co-founder and CEO of Oxyle, has raised about CHF 9 million in non-dilutive funds in recent years from innovation programmes, the public sector and foundations.

And with USD 19 million from Oxyle’s pre-seed and seed round, it is enough to address a global environmental problem: the pollution of the biosphere by per and polyfluorinated alkyl substances (PFAS).

These extremely persistent organic compounds can be found in firefighting foams and saucepan coatings, but are used mainly to seal and lubricate in countless industrial processes. “Our catalytic process transforms these ‘forever chemicals’ into harmless inorganic waste,” says Mushtaq.

She developed the technology, in particular the nanomaterials that trigger the reaction, with her co-founders at ETH Zurich. Oxyle was founded in 2020 and installed its first complete on-site treatment system – to clean contaminated groundwater at an industrial site in Switzerland – at the end of 2024. As the EU tightens regulations on the sale and use of PFAS, the project pipeline is well stocked. “We are the right company at the right time,” says Mushtaq happily.

Background

“I grew up in Kashmir. I did my degree in engineering in the UK. Then I came to ETH Zurich for my doctorate, where I was particularly attracted by the expertise in micro and nanotechnology. The Swiss mountains may not be as high as the Himalayas, but they still remind me of home.”

Greatest success

“Our technology provided a strong foundation, and bringing in a team of experienced leaders early on has allowed us to scale effectively and build a strong business around it.”

Goal

“Scientifically, the issue is clear. PFAS are toxic, can be detected practically everywhere and are harmful to health. At Oxyle, we want to avert this global threat.”