Prix Suisse 2025

Dr. h.c. Willy Michel

Visionary, innovator, entrepreneur, and patron

On Saturday, November 8, 2025, Willy Michel was awarded the Prix Suisse at a grand gala dinner organized by Initiative Schweiz at the Kursaal Bern. The Prix Suisse, a national award presented for the fifth time, is the highest honor for outstanding achievements in Switzerland.

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It's hard to believe that all of this can fit into a single human lifetime.

Federal Councilor Albert Rösti - laudatory speaker

Portrait Willy Michel

On Saturday evening, Federal Councilor Albert Rösti presented the Prix Suisse to the versatile and innovative Swiss entrepreneur Willy Michel in front of around 420 invited guests from the worlds of business, science, politics, and culture at the Kursaal in Bern. Dr. h.c. Willy Michel is a visionary entrepreneur and innovator who has fundamentally changed the medical technology industry with his companies Disetronic and Ypsomed. His pioneering work, particularly in the field of insulin delivery, has improved the lives of millions of people worldwide. At the same time, he has strengthened Switzerland's position as a leading location for precision, innovation, and medical technology excellence.

Fireside Chat with Amal Clooney

In an impressive conversation with Sandra Studer, Amal Clooney spoke about responsibility, justice, and protecting freedom of the press.

Amal Clooney has been advocating for victims of war crimes, genocide, and abuse of power for many years. She represents figures such as Julian Assange, Maria Ressa, and Nadia Murad, and works closely with the United Nations and the International Criminal Court in The Hague. As UN Special Adviser on Justice and Accountability, she fights worldwide for the prosecution of war crimes and the strengthening of international law. Through the Clooney Foundation for Justice, she supports people who are disenfranchised because of their beliefs or origins. The foundation provides free legal assistance in over 40 countries and is committed to freedom of expression, equality, and women's rights.

Humanoid robots

Prof. Dr. Roland Siegwart, robotics expert at ETH Zurich, provided fascinating insights into the future of humanoid robots.

In conversation with Sandra Studer, he highlighted how artificial intelligence, robotics, virtual reality, and biotechnology are increasingly converging and will fundamentally change our everyday lives in the coming years—not as a threat, but as an enrichment for the economy and society.

Projects 2025

During the gala evening, four projects were presented that represent Switzerland's innovative strength and are supported by the Switzerland Initiative.

When selecting projects to support, the foundation places particular emphasis on forward-looking ideas, new technologies, creative approaches, and consistent, practice-oriented implementation.

Music that touches the soul

The ASTURIA GIRLS, four charming and talented young women who form an electric string quartet, performed at the Prix Suisse 2025. They are revolutionizing the world of classical music with their pop/classical music, playing pieces such as Judas by the scandal-ridden Lady Gaga, Adele, and also Tempesta by Vivaldi. Originally from Ukraine, the four currently live in France due to the war.

Culinary greetings

Where rural cuisine meets gourmet cuisine

The kitchen team at Kursaal Bern teamed up with Remo Messerli (Wein und Sein, Bern) and Rahel Baumann (known from SRF Landfrauenküche) to create a menu for around 420 guests that combined the finest gourmet cuisine with down-to-earth dishes – a culinary symbiosis of sophistication and a sense of home.

Highlights of the evening

Our guests can find more photos in a gallery (link to follow / password protected).