News
At the end of 2022, the Federal Council adopted a clear position with regard to the prevention of greenwashing: In future, only what contributes to a sustainability goal or is at least compatible with a sustainability goal should be considered sustainable. In order to achieve this goal, close cooperation between science and practice is required to drive the process forward. New investment concepts need to be defined and proposals developed as to how these can be implemented. Against this backdrop, the following questions will be discussed at the next Finance Circle:
– What impact do sustainable products have today?
– How could sustainable products and strategies be implemented in the future?
– How can investment concepts and advisory approaches be implemented in practice?
Renowned experts will discuss and share their perspectives, moderated and challenged by Mark Dittli, Managing Director of The Market.
News
The Swiss startup ecosystem congregates in Zurich on October 18th for the Launch startup conference organized by the ETH Entrepreneur Club and SICTIC. Our team of 50+ student volunteers and experienced investors works to foster a platform for networking and collaboration between startups and leading companies in the deep tech, health tech, ICT and green tech sectors, in the heart of Switzerland. Our exhibition will showcase the latest technologies developed by Swiss startups and partner companies and our Main Stage discussions will delve into the most consequential topics in European deep tech and innovation. The end of the event will host the Grand Finale of the InCube Challenge, an innovation contest where student teams from all over the world develop solutions to major industry problems.
News
Wallisellen ZH – Ecospeed has made it much easier to record Scope 3 emissions in the latest online version of its business platform. At the touch of a button, it breaks down the 15 categories required by the Greenhouse Gas Protocol Standard for companies’ CSR reporting.
Ecospeed has added a new function to its company-wide CO2 balancing software, which is now available online. The latest Ecospeed Business version enables the calculation of Scope 3 emissions according to the 15 categories of the Greenhouse Gas Protocol Standard(GHG). This precise and rather complex recording is required, among other things, by the Corporate Social Responsibility(CSR) Directive adopted by the EU in December 2022.
In carbon accounting in accordance with the CSR Directive, emissions are divided into three so-called scopes. Scope 1 comprises the company's direct emissions. Scope 2 stands for the indirect emissions resulting from the generation of the required electricity or district heating. Scope 3 includes all other emissions caused by upstream and downstream business activities, such as the transportation of goods or commuting employees.
According to the information provided, clicking on a button is enough to display the Scope 3 emissions. "We have been working on this feature for a long time," Ecospeed's Senior Consultant Dr. Sabine Bödefeld is quoted as saying. "Of course, the user has to prepare and collaborate and enter data. But the software takes care of the GHG-compliant categorization itself." The platform also offers assistance with calculations. ce/mm
Ecospeed hat in der neuesten Online-Version seiner Business-Plattform die Erfassung der Scope 3-Emissionen vereinfacht. Bild: zVg/Ecospeed
Startups
We are a Zurich-based startup and develop low-cost, modular, and user-friendly transport robots for in-house logistics. We offer the product as Robot as a Service (RaaS).
Here, the customer only pays for the functions required for his use case at a monthly subscription price.
Martastrasse 137
8003 Zürich
Consulting, development and integration of autonomous solutions for internal transport tasks.
Startups
Mindkestra is an app that offers users adaptive music for various purposes and conditions, e.g. stress reduction, concentration or performance enhancement. No matter what state a person is in, we help them to reach their target state via ai-generated biofeedback guided by the music.
Am Furtbach 4
8016 Adlikon b. Regensdorf
Support
We drive ambitious innovation projects together with our customers. In collaboration with us, your team brings innovation and new technologies to market faster.
Aargauerstrasse 70.20
8048 Zürich
Innovation, project management, material experts, material science, strategy, engineering, product development, agile project management, design thinking, customer needs, ideation, consulting, cleantech, sustainability
Voices
Erik Wilhelm is Head of Research at KYBURZ Switzerland and part of the company network Autonomous Systems with Ground Contact. This company network aims to bring innovative companies from the Canton of Zurich and surrounding cantons closer together and provide opportunities for cross-company learning.
Voices
Corinna Müller is ad interim managing director at Innovationspark Zurich. We wanted to know from her what innovation means to her.
Voices
Alexander Nelles, Chief Information Officer at Kantonsspital Winterthur, explains what innovation means to him and how innovation can come about.
News
The SVSM Awards are presented by the «Schweizerische Vereinigung für Standortmanagement (SVSM)» for targeted, effective and innovative projects in the fields of location marketing, location development and business promotion. The SVSM Awards are aimed at both small and large projects - from local to national - and aim to showcase the diversity and quality, as well as the innovative power, of projects from across the country. They are thus not only a reward but also an incentive for players in location management and business promotion; and have been since 2007.
For this year's awards, 12 applications were received from all over Switzerland - from Basel to Uri to Bad Ragaz. A jury evaluated them against established criteria and nominated the following five projects for the 2023 Awards:
However, the nomination does not mean that the applicants are guaranteed an award: in mid-September, all nominees will have the opportunity to present their projects to the jury, which will then select the award winners. The jury is composed of the following experts: Katharina Hopp, Jury President and Board Member SVSM; Ambassador Dr. Eric Jakob, Head of the Directorate for Location Promotion SECO; Pascal Jenny, President Arosa Tourism; Karin Jung, Head of Office for Economy and Labor Canton St.Gallen; Prof. Dr. Markus Schmidiger, Head of Competence Center Real Estate Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts; Sonja Wollkopf-Walt, CEO Greater Zurich Area.
The awards will be presented on Thursday, November 16, 2023, as part of the hybrid symposium «SVSM Dialog Wirtschaftsförderung» at the Capitol cinema in Olten. On this occasion, a deserving personality will also be honored as Site Manager of the Year.
«Schweizerische Vereinigung für Standortmanagement SVSM»
The SVSM is the umbrella organization of location and business development agencies in Switzerland. As such, it sees itself as a practice-oriented and independent point of contact for questions relating to location management and business development. The SVSM has around 80 members from the fields of location promotion, regional marketing, business development and real estate. The association promotes interdisciplinary exchange of experience and networking, and advocates professionalism in site management. With the event series «SVSM Dialog», SVSM organizes a semi-annual hybrid symposium with a changing focus on location management or business development. Since 2007, the organization has presented the SVSM Awards for innovative projects in the areas of location and business development and selects a deserving individual as Location Manager of the Year.
News
From March 1, 2024, the canton of Zurich will boast its very own Digital Innovation Hub. The cantonal laboratory will be headed by Maren Kottler, who previously worked as the Manager of Foresight & Open Innovation at Swiss Post. This confirmation comes from the Department of Finance, where the Office for Informatics (AFI) is based, in response to inquiries. Under her leadership, four experts will work to establish a community platform and intertwine and connect ongoing initiatives, such as the AI Sandbox, with stakeholders from education, business, and administration.
At the moment, the canton is actively seeking IT services in over 14 areas for application management, covering aspects like Virtual and Augmented Reality, Artificial Intelligence, Internet of Things, and Blockchain. As of now, there is currently no central overview of innovation topics, as stated by a spokesperson from the Finance Department. The Digital Innovation Hub aims to change this. The community platform is intended to provide an overview of the administration's innovative projects and facilitate technology transfer among them.
The canton is looking for providers for blockchain applications who can handle up to 300 person-days annually by 2027, as needed. This includes projects for applications, as well as feasibility studies, consulting, and training for the canton's employees. Additionally, support and assistance in operation are also required.
However, it's more of a preventive procurement in this case. The press office states that there are currently no known concrete projects where blockchain is being used for business transactions, or at least under consideration. However, it cannot be ruled out that the technology may be utilized in products from suppliers.
It's a different story when it comes to Artificial Intelligence. The technology is already being used in voice and chatbots, where it aims to recognize user intent and provide appropriate responses. Other examples of AI projects include the 'Digital Learning Hub' from the Middle and Vocational School Office and the 'Innovation Sandbox' from the Department of Economic Affairs. The use of AI is outlined in a cantonal guideline, and current projects are listed on the canton's website.
Moreover, IoT devices are already in use in the canton as well. The Office for Informatics for instance utilizes sensors installed under desks. These generate data on the occupancy of the workstations. Additional sensors generate information on the indoor climate and acoustics. Research on augmented and virtual reality is being conducted at the Strickhof Institute for Education and Research. At the Olma fair, the Strickhof booth, according to the press office, demonstrated using VR glasses how the internal organs of a cow look and how digestion is influenced by different feeding strategies.
Author: Thomas Schwendener
Voices
AI-supported tools can be used in a variety of areas. While they offer potential for individualised learning in education, they enable the detection of the smallest cracks in asphalt in infrastructure maintenance.
But what potential does AI have for translations in administration?
Paula Reichenberg, CEO & Founder at NEUR.ON, and Simona Todesco, COO at Textshuttle, together with Raphael von Thiessen, explain the challenges of legal translations with specialised artificial intelligence and show how secure and adaptable machine translations are produced.
The Innovation Sandbox for Artificial Intelligence is an initiative in which administration, business and research work together on regulatory issues and enable the use of new types of data sources. It is a test environment for the implementation of AI projects designed to promote responsible innovation.
News
Shot of a young businesswoman having a discussion with her colleague in a modern office
News
Surplus food can now be traded on Circunis. Farms can offer their surplus produce on the platform or search specifically for the Swiss fruit and vegetables they need. The B2B marketplace of the Zurich-based association Mehr als zwei is the first to create a nationwide basis for ensuring that food remains in the cycle instead of ending up in the bin. In this way, Circunis wants to contribute to the national goal of halving food waste by 2030.
"Most companies want to operate more sustainably," CEO and co-founder Olivia Menzi is quoted as saying in a press release. "Circunis now offers the necessary network - and it's very quick and easy." Initial success stories from the pilot phase have shown that the sale and purchase of surplus food is not only sustainable and therefore sensible, but also economically worthwhile. Circunis cites criteria such as additional revenue instead of disposal costs, freed-up storage space, time savings and attractive purchasing conditions.
The implementation of the project is made possible by the Migros Pioneer Fund and the Seedling Foundation. The annual fee for using the B2B marketplace is based on the company's turnover and starts at CHF 250. New participants receive a 50 percent discount on the first annual fee until the end of September 2024. ce/mm
The team behind Circunis from left to right: Fiona Wicki, Olivia Menzi, Corina Koster, Micha Krautwasser, and Karin Friedli. Image: Circunis
News
Frozen Swiss vegetables, fruit and pulses are just some of the more than 60 tons of foodstuffs that are listed on the Circunis B2B marketplace at launch. Companies can not only record their surpluses, but also search specifically for the food they need. This makes it easy to see and trade food surpluses throughout Switzerland. Trade takes place directly from farm to farm. Circunis serves as a bridge builder and connects producers, food processors, system and care gastronomy as well as wholesalers.
"Most businesses want to operate more sustainably. Circunis now offers the necessary network for this - and it's very quick and easy," emphasizes co-founder Olivia Menzi.
Sustainable and economic benefits for participants
Initial success stories from the pilot phase show that the sale or purchase of surplus food not only makes sustainable sense, but is also economically worthwhile: additional income instead of disposal costs, freed-up storage space, time savings and attractive purchasing conditions.
Circunis participants have full access to the B2B marketplace circunis.ch and benefit from an easily accessible and Switzerland-wide network. The annual fee is based on the company's turnover and starts at CHF 250/year.
Important basis for a Swiss-wide cycle
Today, around 40% of all food worldwide is overproduced and ends up as waste. Switzerland has set itself the goal of halving its food surpluses by 2030. The new B2B marketplace of the Mehr als zwei association is the first to create a basis for establishing a Swiss-wide cycle for dealing with surpluses. The implementation of the project is made possible by the Migros Pioneer Fund and Seedling Foundation.
→ Find out more now at circunis.ch and contribute to a sustainable Swiss food industry together. New participants receive a 50% discount on the first annual fee until the end of September 2024.
News
According to their media releases, Ivoclar and SkyCell are pioneers in optimized reverse logistics. The two companies have joined forces to avoid empty freight from the USA to Zurich in future. "With this innovative concept for success, companies not only gain economic advantages, but also make a contribution to their sustainability," says a press release from the Liechtenstein dental and medical technology company Ivoclar.
SkyCell ships its air freight containers loaded with medical products from various pharmaceutical manufacturers to the USA. These transport containers have so far been returned empty to Zurich. Ivoclar is now loading these empty boxes with pallets of its products, which are manufactured at the Ivoclar site in Somerset, New Jersey, and are intended for distribution in Europe.
"By integrating Ivoclar pallets into our hybrid containers, we are optimizing freight efficiency, which leads to lower CO2 emissions and brings us closer to our goal of climate neutrality," Paulo Baumgartner, Head of Operations Supplier & Procurement at SkyCell, is quoted as saying in a statement from his company. SkyCell has offices in Zug and in the Technopark Zurich.
Bremen-based transport and logistics partner DSV Air & Sea facilitates distribution in Europe by providing the container returns in its warehouse. The freight arriving in Zurich is distributed to its final destinations in Europe with the help of the Swiss company Fischer Road Cargo, which specializes in logistics solutions for regional road transport. ce/mm
Ivoclar und SkyCell wollen gemeinsam Pionierarbeit in der optimierten Rückwärtslogistik leisten. Bild: zVg/Ivoclar Vivadent AG
News
Coworking Spaces
The Home of Innovation is the largest center for startups, coworking and innovation in Winterthur. With two locations and an area of 6000 sqm, we offer a very comprehensive all-round service for different target groups.
Klosterstrasse 34
8406 Winterthur
Innovation Hubs
In the heart of the Swiss business center, Trust Square offers two places where entrepreneurs, startups, universities, and investors from blockchain, technology, and innovation come together to implement and realize ideas. We offer you private offices and working desks at Rennweg and Paradeplatz. Our events inspire, connect, and promote exchange, and our Service Portfolio enables us to bring concepts and ideas to success. The Venture Service team assists our clients with daily operations so they can focus on their core business and growth.
Poststrasse 5-7
8001 Zürich
Innovation Hubs
We support you and your startup in the pre-seed and seed phase through a targeted coaching and mentoring program.
- We support business ideas from all industries and geographical regions in Switzerland.
- We are located in Technopark Winterthur - 20 minutes away from Zurich.
- We are part of the Zurich startup ecosystem and offer access to services such as workshops, training and events of the
STARTUP CAMPUS
- We are a program of the Center for Entrepreneurship at the ZHAW Institute for Innovation and Entrepreneurship.
Technopark Winterthur
Technoparkstrasse 2
8406 Winterthur