Participant experiences, interviews with jury members, experts and much more.
Coaching – a central element of the eight-month innovation support programme
Prof. Dr. Rolf-Dieter Reineke, our professional-scientific director, shares his experiences as a coach at the Swiss Innovation Challenge in this interview.
What motivated you to become a coach?
As the professional director of the Swiss Innovation Challenge, I find it important to be in constant dialogue with the participants. Coaching makes intensive contact possible. Furthermore, I have noticed that there is a considerable need to catch up with and improve many of the projects submitted, especially in the areas that I focus on (business model and internationalisation).
What are the possibilities and limits of coaching?
Coaching plays a central role as part of the individual support provided by the Swiss Innovation Programme. Coaching may focus on the business plan, the business model, functional aspects (e.g. marketing, financing, production), innovation or internationalisation processes as well as motivational and behavioural aspects. The participants therefore have a wide range of possibilities to further develop themselves with regard to the topics that are important for their specific project. Coaching can only be "help for self-help", the realisation rests entirely with the participating companies. Other limits, in particular for start-ups, often relate to the available resources.
How does a successful coaching process unfold?
Coaching can only be successful if
What are your best/happiest experiences so far at the Swiss Innovation Challenge?
Being involved in the Swiss Innovation Challenge and being able to encounter so many exciting projects, people and teams each year is a privilege in itself. I particularly enjoy seeing those who drop out early one year and learn from it, register again the next year and then make it to the top - always following the motto: "You never fail until you stop trying".
What motivated you to become a coach?
As the professional director of the Swiss Innovation Challenge, I find it important to be in constant dialogue with the participants. Coaching makes intensive contact possible. Furthermore, I have noticed that there is a considerable need to catch up with and improve many of the projects submitted, especially in the areas that I focus on (business model and internationalisation).
What are the possibilities and limits of coaching?
Coaching plays a central role as part of the individual support provided by the Swiss Innovation Programme. Coaching may focus on the business plan, the business model, functional aspects (e.g. marketing, financing, production), innovation or internationalisation processes as well as motivational and behavioural aspects. The participants therefore have a wide range of possibilities to further develop themselves with regard to the topics that are important for their specific project. Coaching can only be "help for self-help", the realisation rests entirely with the participating companies. Other limits, in particular for start-ups, often relate to the available resources.
How does a successful coaching process unfold?
Coaching can only be successful if
- this is based on a dialogue, not a monologue,
- there is a willingness to be provided with constructive feedback,
- specific and realisable proposals are discussed,
- it can be operationalised with an action plan.
What are your best/happiest experiences so far at the Swiss Innovation Challenge?
Being involved in the Swiss Innovation Challenge and being able to encounter so many exciting projects, people and teams each year is a privilege in itself. I particularly enjoy seeing those who drop out early one year and learn from it, register again the next year and then make it to the top - always following the motto: "You never fail until you stop trying".
Why did AgroSustain SA take first place?
Beat Röthlisberger, Head of Corporate Client Advisory at BLKB and member of the Steering Committee, explains how the winning project of the Swiss Innovation Challenge 2020 was chosen.
What specifically made the winning project stand out compared to the other projects?
The AgroSustain team thoroughly impressed us in many ways on top of their very good pitch. In addition to the fact that they focus on solving a very important global problem (food waste), we were most convinced by their very innovative approach through biological fungicides and treatments. The patented active ingredients and processes can be very well integrated into existing value chains, increasing the likelihood of practical implementation. Moreover, the company is already well financed.
What do you hope for the project in the coming years?
What we wish all participating companies: that they can successfully implement their outstanding ideas and thereby create jobs and added value through innovation and improve our lives.
How did you make the decision together in the jury?
We receive outstanding support from Stefan Philippi's team at the FHNW. He sums up our individual assessments at the end. After that, we as a jury still debate about subtleties of the leading teams. We have been able to reach agreement quite quickly this way in past years.
How long do such decision-making processes typically take after the final pitch?
The winners are selected on the evening on the second day of the pitch. Thanks to the aforementioned methodology, this took just under an hour this year.
What specifically made the winning project stand out compared to the other projects?
The AgroSustain team thoroughly impressed us in many ways on top of their very good pitch. In addition to the fact that they focus on solving a very important global problem (food waste), we were most convinced by their very innovative approach through biological fungicides and treatments. The patented active ingredients and processes can be very well integrated into existing value chains, increasing the likelihood of practical implementation. Moreover, the company is already well financed.
What do you hope for the project in the coming years?
What we wish all participating companies: that they can successfully implement their outstanding ideas and thereby create jobs and added value through innovation and improve our lives.
How did you make the decision together in the jury?
We receive outstanding support from Stefan Philippi's team at the FHNW. He sums up our individual assessments at the end. After that, we as a jury still debate about subtleties of the leading teams. We have been able to reach agreement quite quickly this way in past years.
How long do such decision-making processes typically take after the final pitch?
The winners are selected on the evening on the second day of the pitch. Thanks to the aforementioned methodology, this took just under an hour this year.
“We want to showcase the finalists in a worthy manner”
TV presenter Rainer Maria Salzgeber hosted the virtual award ceremony of the Swiss Innovation Challenge (SIC) 2020 on 16 November in an unfortunately empty St. Jakobshalle.
Mr Salzgeber, the Swiss Innovation Challenge 2020 is not the first time that you have hosted the award ceremony. What do you remember most about the previous ceremonies?
Rainer Maria Salzgeber: What impresses me the most about the Swiss Innovation Challenge is not just the individual winners since 2014, but also what comes out of this event. More than 500 projects are funded in total, and over 1,000 jobs are created as a result of these projects. This demonstrates the impressive way that the SIC is much more than just an award ceremony during the “Tag der Wirtschaft”. With the SIC, the road to achieving the final goal is important as only the best candidates reach the end of the tough selection process to then find themselves among three finalists. Where else do projects undergo such a stringent selection process and three elimination rounds? Those who want to reach the top must be extremely driven and that reminds me a little of my roots in sport.
What differentiates the SIC from other events that you present?
Well, the SIC is normally part of the “Tag der Wirtschaft” and I was impressed by this event right from the start. I was amazed by the power and impact that the “Tag der Wirtschaft” has. And it brings people together, captains of industry and Federal Councillors with the public. That makes for a special event: it establishes proximity with the public and generates trust. These values are becoming even more important in the current climate.
This year, the award ceremony won't take place as usual in front of a large audience on the “Tag der Wirtschaft”, but instead in the empty St. Jakobshalle. Any particular feeling about that?
In an empty St. Jakobshalle without spectators...that’s kind of like the FCB playing in Joggeli without fans. Fortunately, we’ll only have to live with this in 2020. At least, I hope so. Despite this, we naturally still want to showcase the finalists in a worthy manner and have had to be somewhat creative. If people can't come to the “Tag der Wirtschaft”, then it will just have to come to them at home, via the internet. Sometimes, you can surprise yourself...
What would be your project if you could enter the SIC yourself?
I've presented so many award ceremonies that I've never even thought about what I'd do if it were me standing up there. So, let’s leave it at that. However, if I had to do something, then it would have something to do with my origins, the Valais. Traditional and modern. Perhaps discover the raclette of the future. And what would that look like? No idea! That’s why I'm happy to leave the stage to the others and am thrilled to be able to help present them in the best possible light.
Interview: Daniel Schaub
Mr Salzgeber, the Swiss Innovation Challenge 2020 is not the first time that you have hosted the award ceremony. What do you remember most about the previous ceremonies?
Rainer Maria Salzgeber: What impresses me the most about the Swiss Innovation Challenge is not just the individual winners since 2014, but also what comes out of this event. More than 500 projects are funded in total, and over 1,000 jobs are created as a result of these projects. This demonstrates the impressive way that the SIC is much more than just an award ceremony during the “Tag der Wirtschaft”. With the SIC, the road to achieving the final goal is important as only the best candidates reach the end of the tough selection process to then find themselves among three finalists. Where else do projects undergo such a stringent selection process and three elimination rounds? Those who want to reach the top must be extremely driven and that reminds me a little of my roots in sport.
What differentiates the SIC from other events that you present?
Well, the SIC is normally part of the “Tag der Wirtschaft” and I was impressed by this event right from the start. I was amazed by the power and impact that the “Tag der Wirtschaft” has. And it brings people together, captains of industry and Federal Councillors with the public. That makes for a special event: it establishes proximity with the public and generates trust. These values are becoming even more important in the current climate.
This year, the award ceremony won't take place as usual in front of a large audience on the “Tag der Wirtschaft”, but instead in the empty St. Jakobshalle. Any particular feeling about that?
In an empty St. Jakobshalle without spectators...that’s kind of like the FCB playing in Joggeli without fans. Fortunately, we’ll only have to live with this in 2020. At least, I hope so. Despite this, we naturally still want to showcase the finalists in a worthy manner and have had to be somewhat creative. If people can't come to the “Tag der Wirtschaft”, then it will just have to come to them at home, via the internet. Sometimes, you can surprise yourself...
What would be your project if you could enter the SIC yourself?
I've presented so many award ceremonies that I've never even thought about what I'd do if it were me standing up there. So, let’s leave it at that. However, if I had to do something, then it would have something to do with my origins, the Valais. Traditional and modern. Perhaps discover the raclette of the future. And what would that look like? No idea! That’s why I'm happy to leave the stage to the others and am thrilled to be able to help present them in the best possible light.
Interview: Daniel Schaub
Interview with jury president Prof. Dr. Arie Verkuil
What are the most common mistakes that candidates make during their pitch?
What three things influence you the most when awarding points? What are the most important factors for you?
What core attributes must a startup or SME have to be able to win here?
What is the hardest thing about being a jury member at the Swiss Innovation Challenge?
A jury member is both an expert and member of a team. It involves carefully forming your own opinion about each individual case to the best of your knowledge and ability, and working with other jury members to establish a common understanding of the quality of each case.
A good idea or a strong personality: which is more important when deciding?
Both are equally important. A good idea is only brought to life by a strong personality.
- Not all points are covered that are assessed
- The time limits are not adhered to
- Too little focus is placed on the business aspect
- Lack of self-criticism
What three things influence you the most when awarding points? What are the most important factors for you?
- Innovation: what is new about the idea (USP)
- Business model (revenue mechanism: how will the money be earned? What is the realistic growth potential?
- Market launch and development (how will the product reach the customer)?
What core attributes must a startup or SME have to be able to win here?
- Convincing innovation
- Convincing management team
- Convincing business model
What is the hardest thing about being a jury member at the Swiss Innovation Challenge?
A jury member is both an expert and member of a team. It involves carefully forming your own opinion about each individual case to the best of your knowledge and ability, and working with other jury members to establish a common understanding of the quality of each case.
A good idea or a strong personality: which is more important when deciding?
Both are equally important. A good idea is only brought to life by a strong personality.
Fidectus AG – Participant
In the current energy and renewables environment, an increasing number of traders and brokers are looking to drive down run and change costs while aligning with sustainable development goals. Digitalisation and automation are two of the levers being pursued for this, along with strategies to standardise and simplify technology architecture, particularly of post-trade operations. Fidectus’ Software as a Service platform, the Global Energy Network (GEN) makes this a reality. GEN helps energy traders and brokers to dispose of paper, media discontinuities and infrastructure. Our client’s cross-company post-trade process is now lean, quick, and efficient, significantly reducing cost, risk exposure and illiquid capital.
“We are helping our clients to optimise their working capital. Our participation in the Swiss Innovation Challenge helped us to understand the innovation potential of our approach even better. We enable our clients to align with their sustainable development goals by significantly reducing computing power and carbon emissions. Swiss Innovation Challenge was a great opportunity to meet mentors and stakeholders with an outside-in perspective. I am sure, that our Swiss Innovation Challenge participation further increases our visibility and brand recognition.” – says Dr. Jens Bartenschlager, CEO and co-founder of Fidectus AG.
“We are helping our clients to optimise their working capital. Our participation in the Swiss Innovation Challenge helped us to understand the innovation potential of our approach even better. We enable our clients to align with their sustainable development goals by significantly reducing computing power and carbon emissions. Swiss Innovation Challenge was a great opportunity to meet mentors and stakeholders with an outside-in perspective. I am sure, that our Swiss Innovation Challenge participation further increases our visibility and brand recognition.” – says Dr. Jens Bartenschlager, CEO and co-founder of Fidectus AG.
dimpora AG - Participant
dimpora offers the next generation of sustainable membranes for outdoor apparel. Outdoor enthusiasts stay dry in any weather without leaving a trace of chemicals in nature.
“The Swiss Innovation Challenge offered us the opportunity to get to know the wider start-up scene in Switzerland. On top of that, the coaching was extremely beneficial to us and perfectly on time when the respective points come up in our company.” says Mario Stucki, CEO of dimpora AG, concerning the participation in the Swiss Innovation Challenge.
“The Swiss Innovation Challenge offered us the opportunity to get to know the wider start-up scene in Switzerland. On top of that, the coaching was extremely beneficial to us and perfectly on time when the respective points come up in our company.” says Mario Stucki, CEO of dimpora AG, concerning the participation in the Swiss Innovation Challenge.
Interview with the CEO of CombiFuel Swiss AG
Eckhard Tilhof, CEO of CombiFuel
CombiFuel Swiss AG won the Prize for Internationalism in 2019. Now, one year later, Eckhard Tilhof, CEO of CombiFuel, reports on what has changed for the company since then, what their future goals are and much more.
When did you form your company and what is your role?
The company CombiFuel Swiss AG was founded in 2018 as a spin-off of CleanTech Swiss AG for the purpose of commercialising privately developed liquid gas retrofit installations for all combustion engines designed to drastically reduce emissions (CO2, NoX, CO, HC, particles, up to 80% less fine particulates), primarily for commercial vehicles (generators, lorries, buses, LCVs, construction machinery, ships, land and mining vehicles etc.)
What has changed for your company since winning the Swiss Innovation Challenge?
Our popularity in the media and on social media has increased dramatically, we have acquired new customers and investors, our presence on the political scene has grown but there is still a long and treacherous path until electromobility is viewed as a real alternative. There'll probably an element of sticking with it until it's done.
When did you form your company and what is your role?
The company CombiFuel Swiss AG was founded in 2018 as a spin-off of CleanTech Swiss AG for the purpose of commercialising privately developed liquid gas retrofit installations for all combustion engines designed to drastically reduce emissions (CO2, NoX, CO, HC, particles, up to 80% less fine particulates), primarily for commercial vehicles (generators, lorries, buses, LCVs, construction machinery, ships, land and mining vehicles etc.)
What has changed for your company since winning the Swiss Innovation Challenge?
Our popularity in the media and on social media has increased dramatically, we have acquired new customers and investors, our presence on the political scene has grown but there is still a long and treacherous path until electromobility is viewed as a real alternative. There'll probably an element of sticking with it until it's done.
What was the most important thing you learned during your time on the Swiss Innovation Challenge?
Developing a business plan (a must-have for investors) and naturally reflecting on the core competencies that define us. The lectures at the FHNW helped us tremendously and were a real eye-opener. That's one of the reasons why we also won the INTERNATIONALISATION award.
Your advice for anyone taking part in the Swiss Innovation Challenge today:
Roll up your sleeves and critically analyse your business. Scrutinise it from every angle. Is the business model truly robust? Have you considered all of your pitfalls? What can you do away with and what should you be wary of/who might put a spoke in your wheel (until exitus)? Are you adequately financed? It always takes longer than you think to launch on the market.
What are the short and long-term prospects for your company?
We are currently conducting emissions tests prior to final certification pursuant to UN ECE, however, we already have orders in progress which guarantee an excellent contribution margin. Delivery is in preparation and we'll be able to place the units on the market as soon the authorities give the green light. In 2021 and 2022, we will become one of the main suppliers for certain African countries for reducing electricity generator emissions which have been diesel-operated until now (and which emit high levels of harmful substances). By using LPG liquid gas plus hydrogen as an operating material, the generators are cleaner and more sustainable to operate. A large number of construction machinery and commercial vehicles have been converted and are now helping to combat climate change.
Developing a business plan (a must-have for investors) and naturally reflecting on the core competencies that define us. The lectures at the FHNW helped us tremendously and were a real eye-opener. That's one of the reasons why we also won the INTERNATIONALISATION award.
Your advice for anyone taking part in the Swiss Innovation Challenge today:
Roll up your sleeves and critically analyse your business. Scrutinise it from every angle. Is the business model truly robust? Have you considered all of your pitfalls? What can you do away with and what should you be wary of/who might put a spoke in your wheel (until exitus)? Are you adequately financed? It always takes longer than you think to launch on the market.
What are the short and long-term prospects for your company?
We are currently conducting emissions tests prior to final certification pursuant to UN ECE, however, we already have orders in progress which guarantee an excellent contribution margin. Delivery is in preparation and we'll be able to place the units on the market as soon the authorities give the green light. In 2021 and 2022, we will become one of the main suppliers for certain African countries for reducing electricity generator emissions which have been diesel-operated until now (and which emit high levels of harmful substances). By using LPG liquid gas plus hydrogen as an operating material, the generators are cleaner and more sustainable to operate. A large number of construction machinery and commercial vehicles have been converted and are now helping to combat climate change.
Logmind SA - Participant
The complexity of modern IT environments is growing exponentially, making it difficult for IT teams in large organizations to keep up with this pace and be able to detect and respond to IT incidents in a timely manner by using current manual and rule-based methods. Logmind has developed a cloud-based log data intelligence platform that automatically identifies technical problems from the company's application and infrastructure log data and provides recommended solutions to help IT teams proactively respond and resolve technical issues from their complex IT systems.
“We are delighted to be among the finalists of the Swiss Innovation Challenge and for making it through to the first two judging rounds. The feedback from the jury and mentors helped us to refine our business plan, presentation, and to rethink our marketing strategy. In addition, participating in the Swiss Innovation Challenge is a great opportunity to gain more visibility and brand awareness in German-speaking Switzerland to attract smart talents, new potential customers or partners, which all are important at this stage of the company.” says Ketevani Zaridze, CEO and Founder of Logmind, concerning their participation in the Swiss Innovation Challenge.
“We are delighted to be among the finalists of the Swiss Innovation Challenge and for making it through to the first two judging rounds. The feedback from the jury and mentors helped us to refine our business plan, presentation, and to rethink our marketing strategy. In addition, participating in the Swiss Innovation Challenge is a great opportunity to gain more visibility and brand awareness in German-speaking Switzerland to attract smart talents, new potential customers or partners, which all are important at this stage of the company.” says Ketevani Zaridze, CEO and Founder of Logmind, concerning their participation in the Swiss Innovation Challenge.
Mentoring at Swiss Innovation Challenge 2020
Raphaël Hunziker, Co-Founder and COO of kaiosID, talks in the interview about his experiences with the mentoring program and his mentor Christian Schaffner, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Zino Davidoff AG.
What is the most important thing you take away from meeting with your mentor?
As he is a person with a huge experience in the market we target, his experience and opinion is very valuable to us.
Why did you decide to participate in the Mentoring program?
Because we think it is very important to have external inputs to our project, specially from experienced industry leaders.
How did the meeting with the mentor proceed?
Ahead of the meeting we sent our mentor all kinds of documentation (business plan, pitch-deck) as well as the questions and topics we wanted to talk about. During the meeting, we could save time and directly discuss important subjects.
How important is mentoring to you at Swiss Innovation Challenge?
In my opinion, the mentoring is more important in general than to help for specific requirements of the Swiss Innovation Challenge. It is though very important and a great opportunity to have access to this program.
What is the most important thing you take away from meeting with your mentor?
As he is a person with a huge experience in the market we target, his experience and opinion is very valuable to us.
Why did you decide to participate in the Mentoring program?
Because we think it is very important to have external inputs to our project, specially from experienced industry leaders.
How did the meeting with the mentor proceed?
Ahead of the meeting we sent our mentor all kinds of documentation (business plan, pitch-deck) as well as the questions and topics we wanted to talk about. During the meeting, we could save time and directly discuss important subjects.
How important is mentoring to you at Swiss Innovation Challenge?
In my opinion, the mentoring is more important in general than to help for specific requirements of the Swiss Innovation Challenge. It is though very important and a great opportunity to have access to this program.
IDUN Technologies AG - Participants in 2020
“Together with my team, I have dedicated myself to bring people closer to the internet and permanently connecting them with the digital world. Using developed biosensors to measure shock current, external stimuli such as awareness, emotions and interactions will be recorded in the human body and evaluated by integrating them into own and existing software. This allows us to create a new experience whereby people suggest or even make decisions based on their inner processes. Attached to headphones, headsets or hearing aids, they offer a comprehensive view of the human body and a seamless integration of portable, biometric measuring tools into our daily lives. (a music playlist that is automatically tailored to the individual's emotional situation is as easily realisable as a smart lighting ambience at home tailored to the mood.) Thanks to the coaching at the Swiss Innovation Challenge, we were able to analyse and question our business model in detail. In collaboration with the diverse team of experts, we fine-tuned and revised the company presentation. This work was worth it. We were able to acquire Sony, one of the major tech giants, as one of our investors.”
Interview with jury member Christoph Buser
What are the most common mistakes that candidates make during their pitch?
A common mistake by candidates pitching is attempting to make jury members specialists in their own innovation within the space of a couple of minutes and going into too much detail. They often then run out of time to present other equally important aspects such as scalability potential, the competitive environment or revenue mechanism.
What three things influence you the most when awarding points? What are the most important factors for you?
Personally, I focus heavily on the skills of the project team, so on the people involved and their willingness to dedicate themselves entirely to successfully realising their innovation project. Naturally, the procedure presented must be structured and coherent, and the innovative content explained. It’s the people behind the project I focus on, though. If they are “good” and the processes are correct, then almost every product or service gets off to a flying start - at least, that's been my experience in the past.
What core attributes must a startup or SME have to be able to win here?
They must be willing to embark on a relatively time-consuming, lengthy process and in turn use offers such as coaching and mentoring. The quality of the support programme is high and enables each innovation project to develop in order to present a state-of-the-art pitch and business plan. The input is therefore of high quality and comes from seasoned business professionals, however the ongoing amendments to the innovation project - i.e. the work - must of course be undertaken by themselves.
What is the hardest thing about being a jury member at the Swiss Innovation Challenge?
Not all pitchers are born presenters. So, if someone is abysmal at presenting, it is generally disadvantageous in such competitions. As a jury member, you have to try and look beyond that to judge the innovation and content of the project. The good thing is, various pitching and presentation training modules are offered as part of the Swiss Innovation Challenge. The improvement of certain participants between their first and final pitch is sometimes extraordinary.
A good idea or a strong personality: which is more important when deciding?
For me, it's all about the personality. You need to be curious and courageous, and also have endurance and an inner conviction to weather the many setbacks which inevitably happen. These skills are required to bring the necessary energy to the floor.
A common mistake by candidates pitching is attempting to make jury members specialists in their own innovation within the space of a couple of minutes and going into too much detail. They often then run out of time to present other equally important aspects such as scalability potential, the competitive environment or revenue mechanism.
What three things influence you the most when awarding points? What are the most important factors for you?
Personally, I focus heavily on the skills of the project team, so on the people involved and their willingness to dedicate themselves entirely to successfully realising their innovation project. Naturally, the procedure presented must be structured and coherent, and the innovative content explained. It’s the people behind the project I focus on, though. If they are “good” and the processes are correct, then almost every product or service gets off to a flying start - at least, that's been my experience in the past.
What core attributes must a startup or SME have to be able to win here?
They must be willing to embark on a relatively time-consuming, lengthy process and in turn use offers such as coaching and mentoring. The quality of the support programme is high and enables each innovation project to develop in order to present a state-of-the-art pitch and business plan. The input is therefore of high quality and comes from seasoned business professionals, however the ongoing amendments to the innovation project - i.e. the work - must of course be undertaken by themselves.
What is the hardest thing about being a jury member at the Swiss Innovation Challenge?
Not all pitchers are born presenters. So, if someone is abysmal at presenting, it is generally disadvantageous in such competitions. As a jury member, you have to try and look beyond that to judge the innovation and content of the project. The good thing is, various pitching and presentation training modules are offered as part of the Swiss Innovation Challenge. The improvement of certain participants between their first and final pitch is sometimes extraordinary.
A good idea or a strong personality: which is more important when deciding?
For me, it's all about the personality. You need to be curious and courageous, and also have endurance and an inner conviction to weather the many setbacks which inevitably happen. These skills are required to bring the necessary energy to the floor.
Droople - Participant 2020
Droople provides businesses, communities and third-parties with a downstream oriented water intelligence platform to optimize their processes, efficiently manage their assets and to provide insights to end-users protecting the environment from water & energy waste.
We offer a turnkey solution which includes hardware and software as a service for a wide range of water-driven assets.
"Swiss Innovation Challenge is a unique, valuable accelerator program that covers every aspect of "state-of-the-art" venture. We learned a lot from the courses and from the feedback of the mentors, all this happens online and designed to be very flexible for busy founders. A must have !" Ramzi Bouzerda, CEO of Droople.
We offer a turnkey solution which includes hardware and software as a service for a wide range of water-driven assets.
"Swiss Innovation Challenge is a unique, valuable accelerator program that covers every aspect of "state-of-the-art" venture. We learned a lot from the courses and from the feedback of the mentors, all this happens online and designed to be very flexible for busy founders. A must have !" Ramzi Bouzerda, CEO of Droople.
Interview with AOT
In 2019, Advanced Osteotomy Tools (AOT) was awarded third place in the Swiss Innovation Challenge and has been extremely successful ever since. The Swiss MedTech company based in Basel was founded in 2010 and develops surgical solutions by integrating optics, robotics and digital technology. The company recently completed its first-in-man study with a product which can cut bone using cold laser ablation. In a short interview, CFO Daniel Kronberger reports on the success of AOT and the experience he gathered as part of the Swiss Innovation Challenge.
What has changed for your company since winning the Swiss Innovation Challenge?
Despite COVID-19, we were able to complete our clinical study; we have successfully treated 28 patients in total.
What was the most important thing you learned during your time on the Swiss Innovation Challenge?
There are currently lots of very exciting startups in Switzerland, all of which are working on highly interesting and innovative topics. For the most part, we weren't aware of these before the competition.
Your advice for anyone taking part in the Swiss Innovation Challenge today:
Preparation, preparation, preparation: the programme is tightly synchronised. Deliverables must be submitted in the various phases; you should already more or less have finished your presentations, business plan, etc. This is difficult to implement spontaneously; you should define specific questions for the coaching session to get the most out of the exchange.
What are the short and long-term prospects for your company?
We are hoping to obtain CE certification by the end of 2020; we are working on US approval for the end of 2021 and additional indications (such as neurosurgical solutions).
What has changed for your company since winning the Swiss Innovation Challenge?
Despite COVID-19, we were able to complete our clinical study; we have successfully treated 28 patients in total.
What was the most important thing you learned during your time on the Swiss Innovation Challenge?
There are currently lots of very exciting startups in Switzerland, all of which are working on highly interesting and innovative topics. For the most part, we weren't aware of these before the competition.
Your advice for anyone taking part in the Swiss Innovation Challenge today:
Preparation, preparation, preparation: the programme is tightly synchronised. Deliverables must be submitted in the various phases; you should already more or less have finished your presentations, business plan, etc. This is difficult to implement spontaneously; you should define specific questions for the coaching session to get the most out of the exchange.
What are the short and long-term prospects for your company?
We are hoping to obtain CE certification by the end of 2020; we are working on US approval for the end of 2021 and additional indications (such as neurosurgical solutions).