Originating from EPFL’s robotics laboratory in Lausanne, this innovative startup has successfully installed 15 modular workpods throughout Switzerland and recently expanded internationally with a unit in Toulouse, France. The founder envisions a future where commercial real estate itself becomes adaptable, modular, and available on demand.
Addressing the Need for Private, Focused Spaces in Public Areas
Anyone who has spent time in bustling airports, train stations, or hospitals knows the challenge: finding a quiet, private spot to take a call, concentrate on work, or join a video conference can be nearly impossible. This is the gap that miros aims to fill.
The company designs and deploys reservable, soundproof workpods-compact, enclosed spaces that users can locate, book, and access through a dedicated mobile application. These pods are strategically placed in public and semi-public venues where such private work environments have traditionally been unavailable.
From EPFL Research to Practical Innovation
Founded in 2023 by Dr. Fabio Zuliani, a PhD graduate from EPFL’s Reconfigurable Robotics Lab, miros is a spin-off rooted in advanced robotics and adaptive space research. Despite its high-tech origins, the product itself is elegantly simple: a high-quality, acoustically insulated pod that can be installed quickly without the need for extensive construction or infrastructure changes.
These pods are developed in partnership with Lakabi, a local furniture company based in Lausanne, and are entirely manufactured within Switzerland. The Canton of Vaud has also supported the creation of an eco-friendly version crafted from locally sourced Swiss wood (Bois Suisse), emphasizing sustainability.
Successful Deployments and Strategic Collaborations
Since its inception, miros has rolled out 15 pods, collaborating with notable partners such as the SwissTech Convention Centre, Beaulieu, and Hôpital Riviera-Chablais. The startup validated its concept through participation in Geneva Airport’s GVA Runway Lab open-innovation program, where real-world testing confirmed strong market demand.
In a significant milestone, miros expanded beyond Swiss borders in October by installing a pod at Village by Crédit Agricole in Toulouse, marking its first international presence. Across all locations, total usage is nearing 350 hours, reflecting growing adoption. The manufacturing partnership with Ducommun Menuisiers was facilitated by the SyNNergy grant from Innovaud, the innovation agency of the Vaud canton.
Scaling Up and Future Vision
With €1.1 million (CHF 1 million) raised in a pre-seed funding round from angel investors, miros is focused on scaling its network, aiming to deploy over 100 pods throughout Switzerland by the end of 2026. However, the company’s ambitions extend well beyond the current product.
“Our journey begins with these pods, but our ultimate goal is to revolutionize commercial real estate by making it flexible, modular, and accessible on demand,” explains Zuliani. “The pod is merely the foundational element of a much larger vision.”
Looking ahead, miros plans to announce several new partnerships in the near future as it continues to broaden its presence across Switzerland, positioning itself at the forefront of the evolving workspace landscape.
