ZKB Pionierpreis Technopark
Empowering Swiss deep-tech spirit
Encouraging young entrepreneurs: this is the most important goal of the Pionierpreis.
Where Innovation Takes Off
World-class start-ups, Swiss-made
Every year, one particularly innovative, technology-driven start-up from Switzerland is honoured with this prestigious award. The winners are on the verge of entering the market with groundbreaking product ideas. Zürcher Kantonalbank – Switzerland’s largest cantonal bank – and the Foundation Technopark Zurich – a pioneer in technology transfer – are the sponsoring organisations. The award has been presented annually since 2001.
Nowhere else in the world are the conditions for innovation as favourable as in Switzerland. From 2012 to 2024, the country consistently ranked first in the Global Innovation Index – ahead of more than 130 countries. In 2024 alone, start-ups attracted CHF 2.4 billion in investments. With CHF 100,000 in prize money, the Pionierpreis is a symbol of Switzerland’s lasting commitment to innovation.
Award Ceremony
The next prize will be awarded at a ceremony on 20 May 2025. The programme will revolve entirely around the finalists and nominees of deep tech startups and will be peppered with exciting impulses from well-known personalities. More information about the awards ceremony will be available here in early 2025. If you are interested in receiving an invitation, please email to hc.kraponhcet@sierpreinoip.
Award Ceremony 2025
An evening for those who dare to take the first step
Progress begins when someone chooses courage over certainty. The Pionierpreis celebrates this very choice: to embrace risk, challenge convention and take bold ideas seriously – even when the outcome is unknown.
On 20th May 2025, we honour people and technologies that move us forward – not despite uncertainty, but because of it. With this year’s theme Risk Appetite, the ceremony highlights the mindset behind innovation and invites reflection on what it takes to lead in uncertain times.
Throughout the event, guests will be able to vote for the audience award.
The evening opens with neuroscientist and author Dr. Henning Beck, exploring why risk feels so difficult – and how our brains, despite our caution, can outthink algorithms when it matters most.
Following the keynote, a panel discussion featuring voices from entrepreneurship, investment and banking, share their personal exposure on risk: as challenge, as opportunity – and as a constant companion in the pursuit of progress.
The highlight of the evening are our three outstanding finalists: ventures that combine scientific depth with entrepreneurial ambition and social relevance. After all finalists have presented their startup, the secret of the winner of the 2025 Pionierpreis will be lifted live on stage.
The event is by invitation only. If you are part of the startup ecosystem and would like to be considered for the guest list, please contact us at hc.kraponhcet@sierpreinoip with your LinkedIn profile.
| 17:00 |
Door Opening and Networking Exhibition booths of the Ex Nunc Intelligence, irmos technologies, Nanoflex Robotics, and selected nominees. |
| 18:00 |
Welcome The evening will be moderated by Eva Pauline Bossow |
| 18:05 |
Keynote by Dr. Henning Beck Risk Appetite - Venturing beyond boundaries Neuroscientist, biochemist, and Science Slam Champion Henning Beck shares a rare glimpse into the frontlines of neuroscience: He shows how the brain generates innovation and risk-taking – and explains why , in key moments of decision-making, human cognition can surpass artificial intelligence. |
| 18:30 |
Panel: Risk is Human Panelists share how they recognise, embrace – and sometimes regret – risk. And how does daring and embracing risk help shape the future?
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| 19:00 |
Award Ceremony ZKB Pionierpreis Technopark 2025
|
| 19:30 | Apéro Riche and Networking |
Vision
Innovations made in Switzerland
People who found start-ups work tirelessly to make their dream come true and help shape the future.
With a small budget, great ideas, and much courage they step into the unknown. To this day, cultural progress depends primarily on inventive talent and innovation. The Pionierpreis acknowledges the commitment and risk-taking of start-up founders. One of the most important innovation prizes in Switzerland, the Pionierpreis helps young companies to gain additional capital and the coveted quality label. It also gives them a stage to present themselves to the public.
History
The leading award for deep-tech start-ups
The Pionierpreis is considered one of the most important innovation prizes in Switzerland and a significant award for young companies.
For over 20 years, it has been awarded annually by the Zürcher Kantonalbank and the Technopark Zurich Foundation. The Pionierpreis honors projects at the transition from an innovative idea to marketability. At this point, start-ups are still usually a long way from making a profit and in a phase where financing is not easy. The 100,000 Swiss francs in prize money for the winner and 10,000 Swiss francs for each of the runners-up often help to relieve the tight cash situation. In addition, the rigorous selection process by a top-class jury lends credibility to the business model of the winner. The Pionierpreis also provides a stage on which start-ups can present themselves to the public. The award ceremony is attended by well-known personalities from politics and business. The broad publicity often has a leverage effect for the winners.
Application Conditions
Who should apply?
Start-ups with smart ideas – cleverly implemented
Entitled to take part in the competition for the Pionierpreis are any Swiss companies or their designated representatives that fulfil the assessment criteria below. Furthermore, students, academic assistants, academic staff, and postgraduate students preparing for their doctorate at any University in Switzerland or in Liechtenstein are eligible.
The prize will be awarded to a project that introduces a new technology (product, process or concept) with innovative aspects at the frontier between science and industry. Emphasis is put on applicants who combine several ideas to form an innovative and competitive project. User-friendliness and marketability are additional factors considered by the jury.
Applications for the Pionierpreis 2026 will be accepted starting from end of May 2025.
Jury
Lothar Thiele
ETH Zurich, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Technopark Zurich Foundation
Information technology, computer science, digital transformation
“A pioneer is characterized by courage, determination, curiosity, and playfulness, coupled with a fair amount of imagination.”
Christof Bühler
Dept. Head Life Sciences & Physics at Supercomputing Systems AG
Over 25 years of experience in research and development in computer technology, optics and lasers, biotechnology, diagnostic medical devices, and screening technologies in pharmaceutical drug discovery
“The future needs innovation … and thus bold, laterally thinking pioneers who believe in their visions and who implement them creatively and courageously with great commitment.”
Richard F. Haldimann
Head Sustainability Transformation at Clariant International Ltd.
Over 20 years of experience in scouting, collaborating with, and incubating start-ups in the chemical industry
“Pioneers look for the challenges of this world and see them as prospects. They’re able to describe these opportunities lucidly with a deep conviction, and they make things happen through curiosity, teamwork, creativity, and endurance.”
Matthias Hölling
Team Leader Foundation Affairs Technopark Zurich Foundation
High-tech start-ups, ICT, electrical engineering
“A pioneer fearlessly goes where no one has gone before, thus opening up new terrain for the common good.”
Emanuela Keller
Head Physician Neurosurgical Intensive Care Unit, University Hospital Zurich
Medicine, especially neuro-intensive medicine, digitalization in medicine, big data, medtech, start-up founder
“Pioneers are characterized by curiosity, creative and translational thinking, determination, and perseverance.”
Monika Krüsi
Various board of directors mandates and board membership, including Technopark Luzern, Partner MKP Consulting AG
Corporate strategy and leadership, innovation management, information technology, digitalization, and supply chain management
“A pioneer is determined, creative, frustration-resistant, and willing to take unconventional paths.”
Jörg Müller
CEO of the Arcolor Group, various directorships at international companies
Chemical and life science industry, laboratory instruments for chemical analysis and life science, international business, product development and marketing
“Pioneers recognize and break new ground, are determined and do not let setbacks deter them from their goal.”
Andreas Plückthun
Professor of Biochemistry, University of Zurich
Research focus protein engineering, co-founder of Morphosys AG (TecDAX: MOR), Molecular Partners AG (SIX: MOLN), and G7 Therapeutics
“A pioneer is completely unimpressed by the fact that no one has ventured anything like this before and that others may think it is too risky. They form their own opinion of what is possible. They don’t follow the mainstream.”
Michelle Tschumi
Head Start-Up Finance at Zürcher Kantonalbank
Strategy Consulting, Trend- and Innovationmanagement, Digitalization, Leadership and People Coaching, Fundraising, Human Centered Design and Customer Insights
“A pioneer fearlessly ventures into uncharted territories, combining relentless curiosity, technical innovation and courage to tackle the future’s grand challenges.”
Professor Andreas Plückthun
Professor of Biochemistry, University of Zurich
Research focus protein engineering, co-founder of Morphosys AG (TecDAX: MOR), Molecular Partners AG (SIX: MOLN), and G7 Therapeutics
“A pioneer is completely unimpressed by the fact that no one has ventured anything like this before and that others may think it is too risky. They form their own opinion of what is possible. They don’t follow the mainstream.”
Dr. Richard F. Haldimann
Head Sustainability Transformation at Clariant International Ltd.
Over 20 years of experience in scouting, collaborating with, and incubating start-ups in the chemical industry
“Pioneers look for the challenges of this world and see them as prospects. They’re able to describe these opportunities lucidly with a deep conviction, and they make things happen through curiosity, teamwork, creativity, and endurance.”
Professor Lothar Thiele
ETH Zurich, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Technopark Zurich Foundation
Information technology, computer science, digital transformation
“A pioneer is characterized by courage, determination, curiosity, and playfulness, coupled with a fair amount of imagination.”
Lothar Thiele
ETH Zurich, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Technopark Zurich Foundation
Information technology, computer science, digital transformation
“A pioneer is characterized by courage, determination, curiosity and playfulness, coupled with a fair amount of imagination.”
Christof Bühler
Dept. Head Life Sciences & Physics at Supercomputing Systems AG
Over 25 years of experience in research and development in computer technology, optics and lasers, biotechnology, diagnostic medical devices, and screening technologies in pharmaceutical drug discovery
“The future needs innovation … and thus bold, laterally thinking pioneers who believe in their visions and who implement them creatively and courageously with great commitment.”
Richard F. Haldimann
Head Sustainability Transformation at Clariant International Ltd.
Over 20 years of experience in scouting, collaborating with, and incubating start-ups in the chemical industry
“Pioneers look for the challenges of this world and see them as prospects. They’re able to describe these opportunities lucidly with a deep conviction, and they make things happen through curiosity, teamwork, creativity, and endurance.”
Matthias Hölling
Team Leader Foundation Affairs Technopark Zurich Foundation
High-tech start-ups, ICT, electrical engineering
“A pioneer fearlessly goes where no one has gone before, thus opening up new terrain for the common good.”
Emanuela Keller
Head Physician Neurosurgical Intensive Care Unit, University Hospital Zurich
Medicine, especially neuro-intensive medicine, digitalization in medicine, big data, medtech, start-up founder
“Pioneers are characterized by curiosity, creative and translational thinking, determination, and perseverance.”
Monika Krüsi
Various board of directors mandates and board membership, including Technopark Luzern, Partner MKP Consulting AG
Corporate strategy and leadership, innovation management, information technology, digitalization, and supply chain management
“A pioneer is determined, creative, frustration-resistant, and willing to take unconventional paths.”
Jörg Müller
CEO of the Arcolor Group, various directorships at international companies
Chemical and life science industry, laboratory instruments for chemical analysis and life science, international business, product development and marketing
“Pioneers recognize and break new ground, are determined and do not let setbacks deter them from their goal.”
Andreas Plückthun
Professor of Biochemistry, University of Zurich
Research focus protein engineering, co-founder of Morphosys AG (TecDAX: MOR), Molecular Partners AG (SIX: MOLN), and G7 Therapeutics
“A pioneer is completely unimpressed by the fact that no one has ventured anything like this before and that others may think it is too risky. They form their own opinion of what is possible. They don’t follow the mainstream.”
Michelle Tschumi
Head Start-Up Finance at Zürcher Kantonalbank
Strategy Consulting, Trend- and Innovationmanagement, Digitalization, Leadership and People Coaching, Fundraising, Human Centered Design and Customer Insights
“A pioneer fearlessly ventures into uncharted territories, combining relentless curiosity, technical innovation and courage to tackle the future’s grand challenges.”
Dr. Richard F. Haldimann
Head Sustainability Transformation at Clariant International Ltd.
Over 20 years of experience in scouting, collaborating with, and incubating start-ups in the chemical industry
“Pioneers look for the challenges of this world and see them as prospects. They’re able to describe these opportunities lucidly with a deep conviction, and they make things happen through curiosity, teamwork, creativity, and endurance.”
Professor Lothar Thiele
ETH Zurich, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Technopark Zurich Foundation
Information technology, computer science, digital transformation
“A pioneer is characterized by courage, determination, curiosity and playfulness, coupled with a fair amount of imagination.”
Sponsors
Zürcher Kantonalbank is an independent public-law institution of the Canton of Zurich, incorporated under the laws of the Canton of Zürich. Its registered corporate domicile and principal place of business is in Zurich, Switzerland. It has received top ratings from the rating agencies Standard & Poor’s, Moody’s and Fitch (AAA/Aaa). With more than 6,600 employees across the group, Zürcher Kantonalbank offers its clients a comprehensive range of products and services.
Zürcher Kantonalbank is wholly owned by the people of the Canton of Zurich. The law governing the bank’s activities states that it must support the canton in solving its tasks in the areas of the environment, society, and economy. For this reason, Zürcher Kantonalbank is particularly committed to promoting start-ups. It supports the universities in Zurich and is the main sponsor of the innovation and technoparks in the canton. Since 2005, it has provided venture capital to around 300 innovative young companies in Switzerland. Currently, its portfolio includes over 180 start-ups from all over Switzerland, broadly diversified across all economic sectors. Zürcher Kantonalbank also supports various institutions that accompany start-ups on their way into the economy.
The privately financed Technopark Zurich Foundation operates Switzerland’s leading technology transfer center at Technoparkstrasse 1 in Zurich West. The property, Technopark Zurich, with its 47,000 m2 of space plus 6,000 m2 of factory floors, is owned by the shareholders Swiss Life and Zürcher Kantonalbank.
It is home to 260 companies with a total of 2,700 employees, and has been the Swiss epicenter of the start-up scene for about three decades. Nowhere else in Switzerland are so many start-ups united in one place. The Technopark Zurich Foundation aims to promote young companies and the transfer of new technologies from conception of the idea to market innovation.
Technopark Zurich is also one of the largest event locations in Switzerland – with 15 rentable rooms and an auditorium for 500 people, a large underground parking garage, hotels in the immediate vicinity and with over 150,000 visitors per year. The Pionierpreis award ceremony traditionally takes place in Technopark Zurich.