Bootcamp draws startups to Switzerland

It’s a premiere: For the first time ever in this format, Switzerland as a centre of innovation is showcasing itself with a market-entry bootcamp. Over the course of one week, 50 startups from all over the world are being given the opportunity to learn about the Swiss innovation ecosystem. Bootcamp organizer digitalswitzerland has selected startups that already have a prototype and promising business idea, according to a statement. 

The focus is on those sectors in which Switzerland is particularly strong. At the top of the list are fintech and blockchain technologies with 20 companies. These include an order and payment platform for cafés from Valencia, a secure solution for cross-border payments from Singapore, and a digital solution for compliance with government regulations from Brazil.

A total of 19 companies deal with smart cities, infrastructure and mobility, including a Dutch startup that aims to network vehicles with each other, an Italian startup that wants to help companies locate their employees, and an American company that is developing solutions for sharing autonomous vehicles.

Four other companies are developing digital education solutions, and seven companies are working on the future of nutrition, such as a Bulgarian company that wants to reduce food waste and an American startup that wants to personalize smoothie drinks.

The bootcamp kicked off in Kraftwerk Zurich on Monday and will continue over the coming days in the Impact Hub.

“The digitalswitzerland bootcamps are a unique opportunity to connect companies and startups,” said Nicolas Bürer, Managing Director of digitalswitzerland. “This is key to the successful transfer of technology and innovation.”