As computing power increases, the limits of a fundamental piece of equipment appear, the electrical transformer. Long considered an almost invisible infrastructure of the energy system, this equipment today finds itself faced with unprecedented constraints. The rise of data centers dedicated to artificial intelligence, the densification of server racks and the electrification of numerous industrial infrastructures place the conversion and distribution of electricity at the forefront of key issues in data centers
In this context, a new generation of industrial players is exploring architectures capable of adapting electrical infrastructure to the needs of the digital economy. In Zurich, the startup Hyperscale Power is developing so-called transformers solid-statedesigned to meet the energy requirements of data centers, fast charging infrastructures for electric vehicles and, more broadly, high-power industrial systems. Its ambition consists of rethinking a technology that is more than a century old in order to adapt it to the constraints of the era of artificial intelligence.
Energy infrastructure, a new front in the AI economy
The rapid increase in computing capacities is profoundly transforming the energy architecture of digital infrastructures. Data centers are now consuming unprecedented volumes of electricity, a trend that is expected to intensify in the coming years.
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Large cloud operators, often referred to as hyperscalers, plan to invest more than $2 trillion in artificial intelligence infrastructure by 2030. Behind these investments, each new generation of data centers requires greater electrical capacities and more efficient energy conversion systems.
In these installations, server racks are becoming ever more powerful. The most recent infrastructures already exceed 100 kilowatts per rackwhile certain architectures ultimately envisage racks reaching one megawattor the equivalent of the consumption of a thousand homes. At this level of energy density, the distribution and conversion of electricity become technical challenges in their own right.
An essential but little-renewed technology
Invented at the end of the 19th century, electrical transformers make it possible to adapt voltage levels in order to transport electricity from high-voltage networks to industrial and IT installations.
This technology still relies largely on iron-core transformers, known for their robustness and reliability. But in contemporary digital environments, their characteristics begin to show their limits. Their size and weight can become restrictive in installations where each square meter is optimized. Their energy efficiency, although high, can still be improved. Above all, these systems were designed for relatively stable electrical flows, whereas modern digital infrastructures operate with much more dynamic loads.
As data centers become more dense, it is not uncommon for electrical infrastructure to occupy a volume comparable to, or even greater than, that of the IT equipment it powers.
A new generation of transformers
Faced with these constraints, a new technological approach is attracting the interest of manufacturers and investors: solid-state transformers.
Unlike conventional transformers, these systems rely on power electronics and the use of semiconductors capable of converting electricity at high frequencies. This architecture makes it possible to considerably reduce the size and weight of equipment while improving their energy efficiency.
The transformers developed by Hyperscale Power thus achieve a conversion efficiency of approximately 98.5%while adopting a significantly more compact architecture than that of traditional systems. These features pave the way for more flexible management of electrical power in digital infrastructures.
Beyond the gain in efficiency, these transformers allow more dynamic management of energy flows. They can facilitate the integration of new electrical architectures in data centers, particularly those based on direct current, and improve interconnection with renewable energy sources or storage systems.
An innovation driven by a new industrial dynamic
Interest in solid-state transformers is part of a broader transformation of the energy system. The rise of artificial intelligence, rapid electrification of transportation, increasing integration of renewable energy and modernization of power grids are creating increased demand for systems that can convert and distribute electricity more flexibly.
In this context, several startups and manufacturers are exploring new electrical conversion architectures. According to industry estimates, companies working on solid-state transformers have already raised more than $330 million.
A deeptech from the Swiss ecosystem
Founded in 2025 in Zurich by Daniel Rothmund And Sami Petterssontwo power electronics specialists, Hyperscale Power develops solid-state transformers intended for data centers, fast charging infrastructures for electric vehicles and high-power energy installations.
The company relies on the Swiss engineering ecosystem and the proximity of ETH Zurichone of the main European research centers in electrical technologies and power electronics.
Hyperscale Power announces fundraising of 5 million euros in Seeda round table co-led by World Fund And Vsquared Ventures. This funding should enable the young company to structure its first research infrastructures, open a laboratory in Zurich and accelerate the development of prototypes of its solid-state transformers.
