February 28, 2014
Prizes, prizes, prizes
Dear reader
startupticker is here to bring more transparency to the growing Swiss young entrepreneur scene – and in particular in relation to start-up awards, as their number still continues to grow. The most recent example is Climate Prize 2014 from Zurich Insurance: the current year’s awards include for the first time a special prize for clean-tech start-ups.
And also for the first time, start-ups have the opportunity to pitch at the World Collaborative Mobility Congress. The two best young companies will be included in SBB’s start-up programme.
In addition, of course, there are the competitions with a long tradition and an impressive track record, such as the Venture business plan competition and venture leaders. The application deadline for both runs out shortly: document submission for venture leaders is open only until Sunday, and Venture expires on 16 March.
The race for prizes is now open for the EY Entrepreneur of the Year Award and the Social Entrepreneurship Award from the Social Entrepreneurship Initiative & Foundation (seif).
Several of the currently advertised prizes are based on cleantech start-ups. The potential in this sector in Switzerland is demonstrated by the history of Designergy. The company, founded in 2011, has attracted investors; its small production plant will soon be upgraded in capacity and it has already brought the main components of its integrated roof photovoltaic modules to market maturity.
But of course start-ups from other technology sectors also made the news this week. Biotech start-up Auris Medical, which has attracted attention over the past year with a very large round of funding, announced that the latest clinical trials of its drug for acute tinnitus are about to start.
And Dacadoo announced that its health platform Health Score is pre-installed on the next generation Samsung Gear 2 smartwatch, which was launched this week.
As usual, a wide range of high-quality start-ups will appear at the next Swiss Venture Day on 11 March in Zurich, including ICT companies and those in the medtech and outdoor sectors.
Have an enjoyable Fasnacht weekend.
Stefan Kyora
Managing Editor, startupticker.ch
News
The new Swiss Venture Capital Report was published on 26 January. It analyses 304 financing rounds closed in 2020 and includes further article such as an interview with Michael Hengartner, President of the ETH Board, and a list of Swiss "soonicorns". 
