THE LEADING TECHNOLOGY PRIZE IN SWITZERLAND
Swiss Technology Award
Innovation is the key driver of Switzerland's economy, ensuring its prosperity. The presentation of the Swiss Technology Award supports and promotes this culture of innovation. 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.
This prize is the most important distinction for innovation and technology transfer in Switzerland. The Swiss Technology Award was taken over from the Swiss Economic Forum AG in 2008 and will be presented for the 36th time at the Open-i 2024.
The application period for the STA25 starts in spring 2025.
You have achieved a breakthrough in your research or development work and are on the way to demonstrating the functionality of your idea with a prototype. Your focus is mainly on the area of technology and not yet 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
You have already started the implementation of your idea with an operational structure. Your technology or product is defined. Ideally, prototypes exist. You have thoroughly examined the financing, production and marketing possibilities and can present a solid business plan.
Functioning prototype / Proof of concept
Market and customer feedback ideally already available
Initial sales or funding rounds realised
You are an established company with an existing and successful product portfolio. Through your R&D activities you are constantly bringing new, convincing solutions to the market, which lead to clear advantages in the area of economic and/or social/ecological sustainability. Through new technological developments, the use of new materials or processes and/or generally improved resource efficiency, you contribute to solving global challenges and open up new markets or conserve resources.
Established company with several products 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
Benefits and Added Value
The Swiss Technology Award is more than just a trophy. The finalists get brand presence at the Swiss Innovation Conference with international appeal:
Brand & stage presence at 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
Further network opportunities in the following year
Who can apply?
To participate, the following requirements must be met:
Innovative entrepreneurs
Innovative projects from research institutions
Business and industry start-ups
University and college projects
Established companies with innovative, technology-based developments