Every minute is critical during a search and rescue mission. Whether someone is lost in remote mountains, trapped beneath collapsed buildings, or stranded in dense forests during severe weather, delays in locating victims can significantly reduce their chances of survival. Traditional search methods, including visual inspections, rescue dogs, and mobile phone networks, remain valuable but often struggle in difficult terrain or where communications infrastructure is unavailable. Swiss engineering startup RAROG is developing a technology designed to overcome these limitations by transforming everyday electronic devices into powerful location signals, and the company has now secured fresh funding to accelerate the commercialisation of its search and rescue system.
RAROG has received €162,000 (CHF 150,000) from Venture Kick to support the development and market launch of its portable detection technology.
The funding will help the company complete product development, prepare for commercial production, and expand deployment across emergency response organisations.
Turning Everyday Devices Into Rescue Beacons
RAROG has developed a portable search and rescue system capable of detecting radio signals emitted by common personal electronic devices.
Instead of requiring people to carry dedicated emergency transmitters, the technology identifies signals generated by smartphones, smartwatches, fitness trackers, and similar everyday electronics.
By using devices that many people already carry, the system aims to improve the speed and effectiveness of rescue operations without requiring additional equipment.
This approach allows emergency responders to locate missing individuals even when conventional communication systems are unavailable.
Operating Without Mobile Networks
One of the key strengths of the RAROG platform is its independence from existing telecommunications infrastructure.
The detection system operates without relying on mobile phone networks or external positioning services.
This makes it particularly valuable in remote mountain regions, forests, disaster zones, and other environments where conventional communication networks may be unavailable or damaged.
The technology is also capable of detecting signals through vegetation, snow, fog, and even collapsed structures, expanding the range of situations where rescue teams can locate missing individuals.
Supporting Emergency Responders
RAROG’s technology is already being deployed during mountain rescue operations across several regions.
Current deployments include rescue organisations operating in locations such as the Wicklow Mountains in Ireland and the Swiss Alps, where difficult terrain and rapidly changing weather conditions create significant operational challenges.
The company is also expanding its technology beyond mountain rescue to support firefighters, civil protection organisations, and additional emergency response agencies responsible for locating missing or trapped individuals.
By improving search efficiency, the platform aims to help emergency services respond faster during life threatening situations.
Expanding Commercial Deployment
The newly secured Venture Kick funding will support the final stages of product development while ongoing pilot programmes continue.
RAROG also plans to complete regulatory certification through CE marking before beginning commercial production of its first detection systems.
In addition, the company will expand its team as it prepares to introduce the technology to emergency response organisations across broader international markets.
These activities represent an important step towards full commercial deployment.
Building the Future of Search and Rescue
As emergency services increasingly adopt advanced technologies to improve operational effectiveness, intelligent detection systems are becoming valuable tools for modern rescue missions.
RAROG aims to provide first responders with technology capable of locating missing people more quickly while reducing reliance on conventional search methods alone.
By transforming everyday consumer electronics into practical rescue beacons, the company is helping create a future where emergency teams can respond faster, search more efficiently, and ultimately improve survival outcomes during rescue operations around the world.
