what Can We learn from W.A. De Vigier Awards 2025 finalists

The W.A. De Vigier Award is Switzerland’s most prestigious startup funding competition, spotlighting the most promising early-stage ventures in the country. Every year, it provides a glimpse into the future of Swiss innovation, and this year’s top 15 finalists reveal some powerful trends shaping the deep tech landscape. More than just a recognition of innovation, the awards function as a barometer for investment potential, providing insight into which fields are seeing the most momentum and where Swiss deep tech is headed in the coming years.

The W.A. de Vigier Foundation has been a driving force behind Swiss entrepreneurship since 1987, offering direct financial support to young innovators looking to scale performance-driven businesses. With CHF 14.9 million in seed capital awarded to 151 startups, its impact is evident, not just in funding, but in the lasting success of its alumni, many of whom have gone on to dominate the Top 100 Swiss Startup ranking, secure IPOs, and create hundreds of jobs. The rigorous selection process ensures that only the most promising ventures make it through, with 50 startups pitching on Selection Day, 15 advancing to final interviews, and up to 5 winners ultimately receiving CHF 100,000 each. The result is a startup funding competition that doesn’t just reward great ideas but actively shapes Switzerland’s next generation of deep tech leaders.

The 15 finalists represent some of the most exciting Swiss start-ups, aspiring to deliver technology which can benefit all of humanity including Precise Health, reducing antimicrobial resistance, or Azure Cell Therapies, who has built a regenerative treatment to combat Parkinson’s. To see a full list of the finalists, visit W.A. De Vigier’s press release.

At a High Level: Trends Among the Winners

Key Data: Sectors and Funding

In terms of funding, data was available for 11 of the finalists. Among these, one startup stands out with over CHF 7 million in funding, while three others have secured between CHF 1 million and CHF 3 million. The remaining eight startups each raised less than CHF 500,000, reflecting the early-stage nature of this year’s cohort.

Climate Tech: A Growing Sector in Switzerland

Switzerland has steadily emerged as a hub for climate tech innovation, driven by a strong environmental ethos and a commitment to sustainable development. The country’s ambitious climate targets, coupled with its robust engineering expertise, have created fertile ground for startups tackling energy efficiency, sustainable materials, and carbon reduction. Government programs such as Innosuisse and the Swiss Climate Foundation actively fund early-stage climate solutions, while Switzerland’s industrial base provides opportunities to pilot and scale breakthrough technologies.

The Swiss climate tech ecosystem is anchored by world-class institutions like ETH Zurich and EPFL, which lead research in sustainable energy, materials science, and environmental engineering. Notable climate tech companies such as Climeworks, a pioneer in direct air capture technology, and Synhelion, which develops solar-based fuels, have drawn global attention.

AI & Automation: The AI Hub for Tech Giants

A decade ago, AI was more about potential than impact. Benefiting from a rich ecosystem of research institutions, corporate investment, and startup activity, Switzerland is an AI hub for startups and major tech corporations alike. The country’s strength in machine learning, computer vision, and robotics stems from deep academic expertise and a strong industrial base. Institutions like ETH Zurich, EPFL, and the Idiap Research Institute are at the forefront of AI research, producing breakthroughs in areas such as natural language processing, predictive analytics, and intelligent robotics. Switzerland’s AI ecosystem is further supported by global tech leaders like Anthropic, Apple, Open AI, IBM, Google, and Microsoft, which have established research labs in the country to tap into its technical talent. You can learn more about Swiss AI (with a focus on Zurich) in this document by Greater Zurich Area:

In the startup landscape, companies like Veezoo, known for its conversational AI platform, and ANYbotics, a leader in autonomous inspection robots, have gained significant traction. Meanwhile, industry clusters in Zurich, Lausanne, and Geneva provide fertile ground for early-stage startups exploring AI-driven solutions.

Among this year’s W.A. de Vigier startup funding competition finalists, four startups are pioneering innovations in AI and automation. Clee Medical is revolutionizing neurosurgery with an AI-enhanced imaging and navigation platform that improves precision during complex procedures, reducing risks and improving patient outcomes. In the logistics space, Flink Robotics is addressing the growing demand for warehouse automation with intelligent robot systems designed to perform sorting, picking, and loading tasks autonomously — enhancing efficiency in sectors facing labor shortages. Precise Health SA applies AI to accelerate the identification of life-saving bacteriophage treatments, offering a faster and more effective way to combat antibiotic-resistant infections.

Biotech: Advancing Healthcare and Life Sciences

Switzerland has long been a powerhouse in biotechnology, thanks to its strong pharmaceutical sector, world-class research institutions, and active investment landscape. Home to major players like Roche, Novartis, and Lonza, the country excels in developing cutting-edge therapies, diagnostics, and medical technologies. Research institutions such as ETH Zurich, EPFL, and the University of Basel drive innovation in molecular biology, genetic engineering, and regenerative medicine. The Bio-Technopark Zurich and Switzerland Innovation Park Basel Area provide essential infrastructure for startups to scale their innovations, while organizations like Swiss Biotech Association support industry growth. After a stadily reducing number of funding rounds since 2020, the number of investments in biotech saw significant growth last year:

Switzerland’s biotech ecosystem is enriched by a thriving network of startups working on breakthrough therapies and medical advancements. Companies like Molecular Partners, and Sophia Genetics, a leader in data-driven precision medicine, have paved the way for biotech startups to thrive both locally and internationally.

Among the W.A. de Vigier startup funding competition finalists, three biotech startups stand out for their innovative approaches to healthcare challenges. Axmed is enhancing global healthcare access through its B2B pharmaceutical marketplace, which streamlines procurement processes to ensure underserved regions have better access to essential medicines. Azure Cell Therapies is taking a regenerative approach to treating Parkinson’s disease by developing laboratory-grown neurons designed for safe transplantation into the brain. Meanwhile, CellX Biosolutions is addressing chemical waste with a biotechnology-driven solution that uses specialized bacteria to break down toxic pollutants, providing an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional disposal methods.

Medtech: Where Swiss Precision Engineering Shines

Switzerland’s medtech sector is a cornerstone of its innovation landscape, driven by a combination of world-class research institutions, advanced engineering expertise, and a thriving ecosystem of established companies and startups. The country’s strong position in precision manufacturing and medical research has made it a global leader in developing innovative medical devices. Institutions such as ETH Zurich, EPFL, and the University of Bern’s ARTORG Center for Biomedical Engineering Research are at the forefront of medtech advancements, while organizations like Swiss Medtech provide crucial industry support. Switzerland’s reputation for precision engineering has also fueled the success of companies like Ypsomed, Medela, and Hamilton Medical, which have established themselves as key players in global healthcare markets.

This year’s W.A. de Vigier startup funding competition finalists include two medtech startups advancing precision healthcare. InTeeth is transforming orthodontics with a fully invisible aligner positioned behind the teeth that accelerates treatment while improving comfort and aesthetics. By reducing treatment time by up to 50%, the startup offers a faster, more accessible alternative for patients seeking discreet orthodontic care. Meanwhile, Visienco AG is improving the reliability of organoid-based drug testing with its Orgadroid platform. By automating the sorting of organoids — miniature versions of human organs — the startup enhances the consistency of laboratory research, reducing costs and accelerating the development of new treatments.

Aerospace & Quantum Computing: Pushing the Frontiers of Technology

Switzerland’s aerospace and quantum computing sectors are gaining increasing prominence, supported by a combination of cutting-edge research institutions, government initiatives, and industry collaboration. In aerospace, Switzerland’s strengths lie in satellite technologies, space logistics, and precision engineering. Organizations like Space Exchange Switzerland (SXS) and companies such as RUAG Space play pivotal roles in advancing Switzerland’s presence in the global space industry. Meanwhile, institutions like ETH Zurich, EPFL, and the Space Innovation Center are actively developing solutions for satellite management, space debris mitigation, and sustainable orbital operations. Switzerland’s involvement in ESA (European Space Agency) projects further strengthens its position in the sector.

This year’s W.A. de Vigier startup funding competition finalists include two startups pursuing ambitious innovations in these emerging fields. PAVE Space SA is addressing the challenge of aging satellites and growing orbital debris with its Satellite Life Extension (LEX) service. By offering refueling, repositioning, and maintenance capabilities, PAVE Space’s technology aims to extend satellite lifespans and reduce the cost of replacement missions. Meanwhile, YQuantum LLC is developing scalable quantum hardware designed to expand the capabilities of quantum computers from today’s limited configurations to systems capable of managing tens of thousands of qubits. By miniaturizing and integrating cryogenic components, YQuantum’s approach could unlock the next generation of powerful computing systems with applications in finance, logistics, and pharmaceuticals.

A Unique Window Into Switzerland’s Start-ups Potential

The W.A. de Vigier Award finalists reflect the strength and diversity of Switzerland’s deep tech ecosystem. From biotech breakthroughs and AI-driven automation to climate-conscious engineering and quantum innovation, this year’s start-ups demonstrate Switzerland’s ability to turn cutting-edge research into market-ready solutions.

For international venture capital investors, this startup funding competition offers a curated glimpse into some of the country’s most promising early-stage companies. Many of these finalists are developing solutions in sectors poised for rapid growth such as climate tech, healthcare innovation, and industrial automation, making them attractive opportunities for forward-looking investors.

Switzerland’s deep tech sector is characterized by strong ties to world-class research institutions, a rich engineering talent pool, and a stable economic environment. These factors contribute to a thriving innovation ecosystem. For investors seeking high-impact, scalable technologies backed by rigorous R&D, the W.A. de Vigier finalists offer compelling opportunities to connect with startups poised to make a global impact.