February 19, 2016
Dynamic makers and doers
Dear reader
Solar power has many advantages – but also a disadvantage: the amount that goes into the grid depends on the amount of sunlight and can vary greatly, which in turn threatens the stability of the grid. A contribution to the solution of the problem comes from Swiss start-up Ampard. It links small solar power storage, for example, in family homes, to a virtual power plant. If too much power is available on the mains supply in the short term, it is temporarily stored in the virtual power plant. If insufficient power is available, additional power may be obtained from it. In recent months, it has been shown that this concept works in practice. Now Ampard is ready to expand the programme abroad.
We had more stories like that this week; for example, IT firm Nexthink has achieved success in Germany; for the first time wind power will flow directly into a traction current grid thanks to Agile Wind Power; and Saphetor, Wine & Gourmet Digital and Silver Wave concluded financing rounds.
But dynamism not only features in building start-ups. Even problems that hamper the development of the tech scene are addressed decisively. This week, We Shape Tech went public: We Shape Tech is a Swiss network for women in the tech world with the aim of changing the above-average proportion of men in the industry in favour of more diversity. The first event of the network takes place on 9 March in Zurich.
In terms of start-up support, there was good news from Bern. The Federal Council approved additional CTI special measures to promote innovation in the amount of CHF 61 million; this will also benefit start-ups.
The Seedstars Summit takes place in Lausanne on 3 March and in our interview Seedstars CEO Alizee de Tonnac explains why the event, which has emerging countries as the focus, is of interest to Swiss start-ups. We have another background discussion with Lukas Strniste, organiser of Corporate Startup Summit, which will take place in April in Zurich for the first time, after three successful events in Germany. Currently, speakers and start-ups for the occasion are still being sought.
Start-ups are also being sought for the two speed dating events that are part of Venture (25 February in Zurich and 7 March in Lausanne). Candidates who are interested in joining a start-up can connect with entrepreneurs who already have business ideas or plans.
Finally, the venture leaders USA programme offers entrepreneurs who are ready to conquer global markets the opportunity to dive into the US entrepreneurial world. The application deadline is 1 March.
Have a relaxing weekend.
Stefan Kyora
Managing Editor, Startupticker.ch