Future of ashtrays
Did you know that 75% of cigarette butts end up in nature.
Smo’Key was born from a simple observation in everyday urban life.
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During a cigarette-butt clean-up campaign in Geneva, thousands of cigarette butts were collected in just a few hours, despite the presence of public ashtrays. That moment raised a fundamental question: if ashtrays exist, why do cigarette butts still end up everywhere?
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The answer was not about blaming smokers. It was about the system.
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Public ashtrays have undergone minimal evolution since their invention. Most are passive containers that do not address real user behavior, do not fully extinguish cigarette butts, and continue to generate odors, smoke, fire risks, and environmental pollution, even after disposal.
Smo’Key was created to rethink this system.
A vision for cleaner cities
Smo'Key was born from a simple observation: traditional ashtrays don't work in public spaces. They're either ignored, vandalized, or simply inadequate for the scale of the problem.
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We took a different approach—one rooted in design thinking, behavioral science, and Swiss engineering principles. The result is a solution that works with human nature, not against it.
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Our cross-disciplinary team combines expertise in industrial design, sustainability, urban planning, and public space management to create solutions that truly make a difference.
Our Approach
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Design-led innovation
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Behavioral psychology insights
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Sustainable materials
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Swiss precision engineering
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User-centered testing
Based in Geneva, Switzerland
Erfan, Founder
Erfan is a double-award-winning entrepreneur and a key figure in Geneva’s social innovation ecosystem. Passionate about community building and sustainable development, he crafts impactful solutions at the intersection of entrepreneurship, collaboration, and systemic change.
Raphaël, COO
Raphael is a Swiss CNC programmer and CAD/CAM specialist with over 20 years of experience in high-end watchmaking and industrial manufacturing. He specializes in multi-axis CNC machining, prototyping, and technical training, and has worked extensively with leading brands, including Chopard. Passionate about precision engineering and knowledge transmission, and a 3D design expert.
Ali, CFO
Dedicated professional with experience in finance, focus on delivering meaningful results and building collaborative working
Meet the team
What we have achieved
Since its creation, Smo’Key has been recognized and supported by several innovation and sustainability-focused programs and awards.
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Winner of the Best Idea Competition 2023, organized in Geneva as part of Global Entrepreneurship Week.
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Winner of the Prix Les Galets du Rhône 2024, rewarding projects with strong economic, social, and environmental impact.
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Finalist of the Prix IDDEA, the Geneva-based competition for sustainable entrepreneurs.
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Participant in the Innosuisse Business Creation Program, focused on innovation, energy, and environmental solutions.
These achievements validate Smo’Key as a credible and impactful solution to a major urban and environmental challenge, and reinforce our commitment to developing practical, sustainable innovations for cleaner public spaces.
Our partners
