Trends Swiss Innovation Challenge 2022: Artificial Intelligence and Blockchain
From 8 to 10 June, the participants of the Swiss Innovation Challenge (SIC) 2022 went through their first pitch. This year, in addition to the traditionally well-represented innovation areas of life sciences and medical technology, there was a clear trend towards artificial intelligence (AI) and blockchain technology. A total of 50 companies are now eagerly awaiting the second pitch in September.
The first pitch of this year’s Swiss Innovation Challenge took place successfully last week: from 8 to 10 June 2022, the participating companies presented their business idea to the 10-member jury. The pitch was held in the auditorium of the Conference and Event Center (TEC) at the Haus der Wirtschaft (HDW) in Pratteln, which was recently awarded the “Excellent” seal of approval of the Swiss Location Award 2022. The entrepreneurs had three minutes to convince the jury of their vision and to enter the next round as one of 50 innovation projects. (An overview of the 50 companies can be found here.)
During the first pitch, special attention was paid to the degree of innovation as well as customer benefits and presentation. The field of participants was also very heterogeneous during the 8th edition of the Swiss Innovation Challenge, with several participants from the life sciences and medical technology sectors once again in the running. However, two areas have proven to be particularly innovation-driven in 2022.
“The latest technologies can always be recognized in the innovation projects. This year, these are in particular artificial intelligence and blockchain technology”
says Prof. Dr. Rolf-Dieter Reineke from the FHNW, who presided over the jury of the first pitch as technical and scientific director. He emphasizes:
“The Swiss Innovation Challenge thus shows once again that the innovation competition “made in Baselland” is absolutely up to date.»
Second pitch in September
The 50 companies that were able to convince the jury of their business idea at the first pitch are now starting the next round. In the coming months, the participants will be able to attend further seminars and benefit from the free coaching and mentoring program. At the second pitch, the jury will focus more on the business plan, i.e. the business model that forms the basis of the innovation idea. On 5 and 6 September 2022, the 25 companies that will pitch in the final round for the overall victory of the Swiss Innovation Challenge 2022 will be selected.
850 funded projects since launch in 2014
Since its launch in 2014 and its first implementation in 2015, the Swiss Innovation Challenge has supported over 850 projects and contributed to the creation of more than 1,650 jobs. To date, more than CHF 300,000 in prize money has been awarded and CHF 650,000 in support services in the form of seminars, coaching and mentoring have been granted. The Baselland Chamber of Commerce (WIKA), the University of Applied Sciences Northwestern Switzerland (FHNW) and the Basellandschaftliche Kantonalbank (BLKB) are the sponsors of Swiss
Innovation Challenge.
