Committed to Switzerland.
National funding agency for entrepreneurship and innovation in Switzerland
Initiative Switzerland
As a private promotional agency, Initiative Switzerland supports innovative ideas and projects in all parts and language regions of Switzerland, working purposefully to promote competitiveness and prosperity in Switzerland. Through its activities and projects, Initiative Switzerland aims to contribute to Switzerland’s ability to sustainably secure its top global position and innovative prowess. Initiative Switzerland is a non-profit organization that is committed to Switzerland and is financed by F.G. Pfister Holding.
Through audacity, innovation, creativity, entrepreneurial spirit and the highest possible quality, Switzerland has established an excellent reputation. Multilingualism, our political system, cultural diversity, imposing landscapes and all the people who live here distinguish Switzerland as a unique country set in the heart of Europe. Initiative Switzerland has set itself the goal of making an active contribution to the successful development of our country. As a private, non-profit promotional agency, we support innovative ideas and projects in every part of the country and in all language regions. We therefore focus on promoting entrepreneurship, creativity, and innovation – for an aspiring and successful Switzerland of tomorrow.
Prix Suisse 2022
Martine Clozel honored with the Prix Suisse 2022.
The President of the National Council, Irène Kälin, presented the Prix Suisse to the researcher Martine Clozel on Saturday evening in front of around 350 invited guests from business, science, politics and sport in the Kursaal in Bern.
Projects
Resource-saving packaging and generation community
Radical inventions and intelligent ideas often inspire people to pursue their creative urges and realize their dreams. During the gala evening in Bern, two projects were presented that are supported by ‘Initiative Switzerland’ and are representative of Switzerland’s innovative prowess. Behind them are people who believe in their projects and their further development.
Two exciting projects are currently being supported by Initiative Switzerland.
News
Prix Suisse 2023 Program
President Bill Clinton comes to the Prix Suisse 2023, ski racer Marco Odermatt is honored for his outstanding achievements and the reigning world culinary champions show their skills.
2291 Festival launch
On May 23, 2023, the 2291 Festival took place for the first time in the Kursaal Bern with around 200 interested participants. While during the day the participants were able to deal with various future topics in workshops, in the evening the discourse was put into the extended round and in various panels the speakers were able to provide valuable food for thought for the future.
2291 Festival
On May 23, 2023, the 2291 Festival will take place for the first time in the Kursaal Bern. At this newly created festival, 2291 offers thematic spaces for colorful thoughts, opens surprising new perspectives, expands comfort zones and creates a momentum for projects. At this festival, what can change Switzerland tomorrow is created.
Prix Suisse 2022 Awardnight
The Prix Suisse 2022 goes to Martine Clozel. The award was presented by the President of the National Council, Irène Kälin, the highest Swiss citizen. Martine Clozel is a doctor, scientist and entrepreneur. In 1997, she co-founded Actelion and, in 2017, Idorsia, which builds on her 20 years of experience in pharmaceutical research. The Prix Suisse is an annual award presented by the non-profit organisation Initiative Switzerland to prominent figures who have made outstanding contributions to Switzerland.
Connexa Helvetica in Ascona
The fourth Connexa Helvetica event was held in October 2022 at the Eranos Foundation in Ascona. At this meeting, the discussion focused on the myth of "storytelling" and how important it is to tell your story. In the intimate round, two talents of the region met with the COO of the Locarno Film Festival, Raphaël Brunschwig.
Connexa Helvetica in Ilanz/Glion
The third Connexa Helvetica event was held in September 2022 at the Haus der Begegnung in Ilanz/Glion. The focus of the discussion at this meeting was the Romansh language and its significance and importance. In addition to around 15 interested people, the National Councilor Martin Candinas (CVP) also took part.