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 2026
The next prize will be awarded at a ceremony on 12 May 2026. 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 2026. If you are interested in receiving an invitation, please email to hc.kraponhcet@sierpreinoip.
Award Ceremony 2026
An evening for those who keep going
Progress does not come from a single bold step alone. It is built by those who continue, even when the path becomes uncertain. The Pionierpreis celebrates this very mindset: the perseverance to overcome setbacks, to stay committed, and to hold on to a vision long enough to make it real.
On 12th May 2026, we honour people and technologies that move us forward. Not because the journey is easy, but because they refuse to stop. With this year’s theme Perseverance, the ceremony shines a light on the resilience behind innovation and invites reflection on what it truly takes to turn ideas into lasting impact.
The evening opens with philosopher and author Barbara Bleisch, who takes a critical look at our modern fascination with failure. While the ability to fail fearlessly is often celebrated as a key to success, she questions whether every setback can truly be transformed into achievement. Her keynote explores how perseverance is learned, what it means to remain courageous in the face of failure, and challenges the popular belief that success inevitably follows those who simply persist long enough.
A special highlight of this year’s edition: for the first time, five outstanding finalists will take the stage to pitch their ventures live. These projects combine scientific depth with entrepreneurial ambition and social relevance. They reflect not only strong ideas, but the perseverance required to bring them to life. You will be able to pick your personal winner by voting for the audience award.
Finally, the secret of the jury’s decision, the winner of the 2026 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 5 finalists. |
| 18:00 |
Welcome The evening will be moderated by Tobias Müller. |
| 18:05 |
Keynote by Barbara Bleisch “Failing more beautifully? A few critical questions» The renowed philosopher and author will share her reflections on perseverance and the human experience of failure. |
| 18:40 |
Live pitches of the 5 finalists and live voting for the audience award. Each of the finalists pitches his idea during 2 minutes to the audience. Who convinces the most and takes home the audience award. |
| 19:15 |
Award ceremony for the ZKB Pionierpreis Technopark 2026 |
| 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 2027 will be accepted starting from end of May 2026.
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.”
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.”
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.”
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.”
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.