Swiss startup Apheros, led by female founders Julia Carpenter and Gaëlle Andreatta, has recently secured $1.85 million in funding to address the critical issue of escalating energy consumption in data centers. These data hubs are integral to our digital landscape, supporting servers and network equipment for online operations and cutting-edge technologies like AI and high-performance computing.
According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), data centers devoured a whopping 460 terawatt-hours of electricity in 2022, with projections soaring to over 1,000TWh by 2026, akin to Japan’s total electricity consumption. Cooling processes within data centers are particularly energy-intensive, prompting Apheros to step in with an innovative metal foam technology for enhanced cooling solutions.
Apheros’ metal foam structures boast low density, open porosity, and a remarkable surface area 1,000 times larger than current alternatives. This design optimizes heat transfer and flow efficiency, with the flexibility to customize materials like copper, iron, and stainless steel. While the technology holds potential for diverse applications, Apheros is currently honing liquid cooling solutions to manage chip temperatures in data centers.
The metal foam wraps around the chips, expanding their surface area to accelerate heat dissipation through the data center’s cooling system. CTO Gaëlle Andreatta emphasized the urgent need for more efficient cooling solutions amidst the exponential energy demand driven by AI advancements. With the recent funding boost, Apheros aims to fast-track product development and transition towards commercial implementation, with support from Swiss VC firm Founderful in their pre-seed funding round.
