July 26, 2019
Swiss innovation is top at home and away
Dear reader
For the ninth consecutive year, Switzerland continues to shine as the world’s most innovative country, as shown in the Global Innovation Index 2019, which evaluated 130 economies worldwide. The country’s ability to translate innovation input into output meant it scored particularly high and highest in the Innovation Output, Knowledge and Technology Output and Creative Output pillars.
This result is also evidenced through the cutting-edge technologies and solutions that Swiss start-ups are developing and delivering to stakeholders within and across borders. For instance, Futurae is now delivering its multi-factor authentication solution to Europe’s largest robo advisor based in Munich, while Scandit’s barcode technology is being used by Hermes in the UK. Within Switzerland, Baloise continues to capitalise on start-up innovation output – and has acquired yet another Swiss start-up in Devis.ch.
Further strategic moves to bring innovation forward have been made by Modum, which is allowing MOD token-holders to exchange their tokens for tokenised Modum shares, Smallpdf, which welcomed successful Swiss serial entrepreneur Dennis Just as its new CEO, and Nexthink, which has announced its new area vice-president for Germany.
A great deal of effort through investment and strong support is being put into driving innovation. This week, a broad range of support offers were announced: Technologiefonds offered loan guarantees to six start-ups, while tennis star Stan Wawrinka has invested in Lymo. Furthermore, Kickstart opened the doors to 48 growth start-ups from 17 countries, including Switzerland, which is represented by 14 start-ups.
Beyond Switzerland, various players will have a taste of Swiss innovation: for instance, in Hong Kong, 10 fintech start-ups will explore the Asian market with the aim of finding new business opportunities; in Cologne, Swissgames is in the spotlight at Gamescom, one of the largest game shows; and in Texas, Ticino-based start-up Waterdata is representing Switzerland in the MassChallenge Houston programme.
Talking of competitions, several competitions are still open for application – have a look at our article with the most urgent registration deadlines. Scroll through our awards list and prepare your applications.
Have a nice weekend.
Ritah Ayebare Nyakato
Editor, Startupticker.ch