nanoleq makes unbreakable cables

Headphones have a tendency to wear out with time, and at some point most consumers have to throw them away because the cable broke or there was an annoying crackling sound in the ear. 

This is where nanoleq steps in: the spin-off of the Federal Institute of Technology (ETH) in Zurich has developed a technology that makes its cables last up to 100 times longer than conventional cables. On its website, it even claims to make cables that are “unbreakable”. The startups founders aren’t giving away their secret, or at least not until their patent application has been granted, according to a statement.

For nanoleq, headphones are primarily important as a visual aid. That’s because in consumer electronics “the trend towards wireless connectivity looks to be unstoppable, even though these technologies require batteries and are less reliable,” said Vincent Martinze, co-founder of nanoleq.

The startup instead prefers to focus on other industries where the reliability of the connection and the transmission of power are of central importance, such as medical technology, aerospace and robotics. 

Precisely where their cable technology will be used is still an open question. nanoleq is currently working on pilot studies and prototypes for various industries in its ETH laboratory. One thing that is clear, however, is that nanoleq will not manufacture cables itself.

“This market is extremely competitive and dominated by just a few major players,” said Martinez. The startup instead plans to sell the material and technology to cable manufacturers.