PORTEFEUILLE

Everyone agrees on the importance of Innovation. However, crucial issues remain unclear: What is Innovation? Why is it so important for the growth of the Swiss economy? How do Swiss companies innovate? Who are the main players?
In the absence of a national study or international benchmark on the question, the +SwiTi Yearbook, Gala, Workshops and On-line community provide a yearly report of Innovation in Switzerland and present unique meeting, learning and networking platforms.
The objectives are to promote Innovation and growth in Switzerland, to encourage and enable synergies between laureates of entrepreneurship and Innovation prizes and key actors of Innovation (political, academic, and economic), to maximise visibility of Innovation and entrepreneurship prize winners at Swiss and international levels and to create a community of winners and promote the exchange of experience and best practices.

The Gebert Rüf Stiftung financial support for the SwiTi project is based on several criteria: Interdisciplinarity in Innovation: from information technologies to biotechnology, medical engineering, sciences promotion, ecology, sustainable development, construction and tourism.
Originality: SwiTi is to this day the only project to gather all circles concerned by innovation and that enables Innovation laureates to meet leading actors within economic, academic and political circles.

SwiTi’s first edition took place January the 18th 2005 at Bern. Around 300 guests attended the Gala, including main actors of Innovation within political, academic and economic circles as well as prize winners. Each participant received a copy of the Yearbook as well as all technological consulates and Swiss Embassies abroad.
Feedback from the participants was excellent, including quotes from the likes of Christine Langenberger, Deputy at the States Council and President of the Commission for science, education and culture (CSEC), urging a continued support and attendance to this event.
Responses to the Yearbook were equally unanimous with the general agreement that it was an excellent and unique tool for the promotion of Swiss Innovation abroad.
SwiTi proved itself as a successful project, providing a unique interaction between all actors of Innovation in Switzerland and answering to a real need for networking at a national level, within the economic, political and academic circles.
In terms of transfer potential, SwiTi enables the creation, development and maintenance of communication, exchange of experience and business links between innovators, entrepreneurs, investors, research centres and universities.
The second edition of Swiss Talents for Innovation, SwiTi 2006 is currently being launched. The new concept includes special Innovation Workshops at the Gala, a second edition Yearbook, the development of SwiTi On-line and a detailed communication and public relations plan. For more synergy with political circle, SwiTi’s second edition Gala will take place March 7th 2006, during the parliamentary session, on Christine Langenberger’s recommendation.
Fundraising for the project is currently underway, with to date the confirmation of support from the Gebert Rüf Stiftung, CTI, SECO and Bern economic promotion agency. Confirmations are pending from several private partners.
It is clear that the Gebert Rüf Stiftung’s support for both editions has proven as a legitimising factor and incentive for other partners to join.

“+SwiTi 2005, Innovation Made in Switzerland – Portraits of 111 winners”, Rezonance Publishing, ISBN 2-8399-0032-7

The press spoke largely of SwiTi, with over 50 quotes in Swiss and international medias.