Swiss Technology Award

Each year, outstanding technology-based innovations and developments from start-ups, universities and technical institutions as well as established businesses are awarded prizes in three categories.

The finalists get brand presence at the Swiss Innovation Conference Open-i with international appeal:

• Brand & stage presence at the Swiss Innovation Conference Open-i
• Business contacts to over 700 decision makers from economy, politics and science
• Wide media reach
• High-quality image film about the company and innovation
• Access to Open-i
• Further network opportunities in the following year

Criteria

The prize is awarded in three categories

Inventors
You have made a breakthrough in your research or development activity, and are set to demonstrate the functionality of your idea with a prototype. Your focus is primarily on the area of technology and yet not so much on the business plan.

• Application-oriented R&D projects

• Industry-focused and / or university-based technology project

• Concrete project with a good chance of success

• Possession of a separate legal entity not necessary / Company not yet founded

Start-ups
You have already taken real ownership of how your idea will be implemented with a company structure. Your product is defined and ideally you already have a prototype.You have thoroughly examined the financing, production and marketing possibilities and can present a solid business plan.

• Functioning prototype / Proof of concept 3013301
• Market and customer feedback ideally already available 
• Initial sales or funding rounds realised 

Innovation Leader
You are an established company that possesses a successful product portfolio. Your R&D activities have resulted in a new, convincing project that will bring clear benefits to environmental, economic and/or social sustainability. The project promises a product that delivers distinct, improved performance compared with today’s technology.

• Other products already on the market 
• Key figures show improved resource efficiency/social sustainability or concrete cost savings. 
• Company is established and has positive cash flow
• Product/technology on the market / customer base