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Discovering Swiss Innovation with the Club de Paris des Directeurs de l’Innovation

Business environment

21 October 2024

Switzerland has long been known as a global hub for cutting-edge innovation, and the recent visit of the Club de Paris des Directeurs de l'Innovation provided a unique opportunity to showcase the vibrant ecosystem in Western Switzerland. Co-organized by Greater Geneva Bern area (GGBa), this three-day learning journey brought together leaders and innovators from various sectors, eager to explore and exchange ideas on technological advancement and collaboration.

Switzerland has long been known as a global hub for cutting-edge innovation, and the recent visit of the Club de Paris des Directeurs de l’Innovation provided a unique opportunity to showcase the vibrant ecosystem in Western Switzerland. Co-organized by Greater Geneva Bern area (GGBa), this three-day learning journey brought together leaders and innovators from various sectors, eager to explore and exchange ideas on technological advancement and collaboration.

Day 1: Welcome to Western Switzerland

The event kicked off on October 9th with a warm welcome at the Starling Hotel in Lausanne, just steps away from the renowned École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL). Thomas Bohn, Executive Director of GGBa, set the tone for the trip, emphasizing the importance of cross-border innovation and collaboration. Following his introduction, Marc Giget, President of the Club de Paris des Directeurs de l’Innovation, offered insightful remarks on the future of global innovation networks.

GGBa (or Greater Geneva Bern area), is the official investment promotion agency for Western Switzerland. Its mission is to attract foreign companies and investors to the cantons of Bern, Fribourg, Vaud, Neuchâtel, Geneva, and Valais. By fostering cross-border collaborations, GGBa strengthens the region’s global competitiveness in innovation, sustainability, and business excellence. Through its extensive international network and partnerships with key industry leaders, GGBa plays a vital role in positioning Western Switzerland as a thriving hub for technology, life sciences, and advanced manufacturing.
The Club de Paris des Directeurs de l’Innovation is an influential network that brings together leaders in innovation from diverse sectors such as technology, healthcare, finance, and industry. Its mission is to foster collaboration and knowledge exchange between its members, creating synergies that drive forward-thinking initiatives. Through regular meetings, events, and international learning trips like this one, the Club de Paris facilitates the sharing of best practices and emerging trends, helping its members stay ahead in an ever-evolving global innovation landscape.

The evening’s presentations highlighted some of the region’s key innovation drivers. Yuliya Blaser from Innovaud ,Giovanni Porcellana from Switzerland Innovation Park West EPFL, Jean-Philippe Devaux from the Bern Economic Development Agency and Mathieu Aubert from the Neuchâtel Economic Development Agency provided an overview of how Western Switzerland has become a leading force in global innovation. Pascal Marmier from the Trust Valley rounded out the discussions, focusing on the growing role of trust and security in innovation, particularly in the digital age.

The Trust Valley is a public-private partnership that strengthens Western Switzerland’s position as a global center for digital trust and cybersecurity. Located in the Lake Geneva region, it brings together key players from academia, industry, and government to create a robust ecosystem focused on trust, data security, and privacy protection. As the digital age continues to evolve, the Trust Valley fosters collaboration between research institutions, companies, and start-ups to develop innovative solutions that address the increasing need for secure digital infrastructures. By promoting trust and transparency in technological advancements, the Trust Valley plays a pivotal role in ensuring that innovation in the region is not only cutting-edge but also secure and reliable.

Day 2: A Full Day of Exploration at EPFL

On October 10th, the group reconvened at EPFL for an action-packed day filled with presentations, tours, and discussions that provided an in-depth look at Switzerland’s innovation ecosystem.

The École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) is one of Europe’s most prestigious research universities, renowned for its cutting-edge contributions to science, engineering, and technology. Located at the heart of Western Switzerland, EPFL is a driving force behind the region’s innovation ecosystem, fostering collaboration between academia, industry, and start-ups. The university’s focus on interdisciplinary research and its strong ties with global industry leaders make it a key player in advancing innovation in fields such as robotics, artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and sustainable energy. EPFL’s dynamic innovation ecosystem, particularly through its innovation park and start-up incubators, plays a crucial role in transforming scientific discoveries into real-world solutions that shape the future.

The morning began with a session by Giovanni Porcellana, who walked participants through the various projects currently driving innovation at Switzerland Innovation Park West EPFL. This was followed by the K-NOVA Open Innovation Program, a flagship initiative that encourages collaboration between large corporations and start-ups. Here, the attendees had the pleasure of hearing from Eric Bouchardy, General Manager of SIPCHEM InnoVent, and Fabien Künzler, Business Development Manager at Ruag, who shared success stories of how open innovation is transforming their respective industries.

Switzerland Innovation Park Network West EPFL is a strategic initiative that unites the research expertise of EPFL with the economic and technological strengths of five cantons: Fribourg, Geneva, Neuchâtel, Vaud, and Valais. This decentralized network of innovation hubs is designed to facilitate collaboration between corporate R&D teams, internationally renowned professors, and highly innovative student spin-offs. With state-of-the-art laboratories and a vibrant atmosphere of creativity, the network fosters disruptive innovation across various sectors. The Park offers companies access to cutting-edge research and collaboration opportunities, enabling them to bring groundbreaking products and solutions to the global market​
The K-NOVA Program is an open innovation platform developed by EPFL to create and nurture strategic partnerships between academia and industry. The program offers a structured framework that facilitates collaboration between companies, researchers, and start-ups within the EPFL ecosystem. K-NOVA supports participants through workshops, events, and networking opportunities, helping companies develop their innovation pipelines by leveraging the latest research and technological advances. Over the course of a year, companies engage in hands-on projects, tapping into EPFL’s wealth of knowledge to launch joint innovation initiatives. This initiative ensures that businesses, regardless of their size, can effectively collaborate with research institutes, accelerating their path to groundbreaking innovations​

After a brief coffee break, the focus shifted to the CERN Knowledge Transfer Group, where Han Dols, Head of Business Development and Entrepreneurship, showcased CERN’s efforts to transfer its scientific expertise into tangible solutions for industries across the globe.

CERN, the European Organization for Nuclear Research, is one of the world’s most renowned scientific institutions, best known for its groundbreaking work in particle physics. Located near Geneva, CERN operates the largest particle physics laboratory in the world, where physicists and engineers use cutting-edge technology to explore the fundamental forces of the universe. Beyond its scientific discoveries, CERN is also committed to transferring its knowledge and innovations to industry, creating tangible solutions that benefit various sectors. Through its Knowledge Transfer Group, CERN works to bridge the gap between advanced scientific research and industrial applications, allowing businesses to leverage cutting-edge technologies like advanced computing, imaging, and materials science for real-world impact. This ensures that CERN’s groundbreaking discoveries not only advance science but also contribute to global technological progress.

The morning culminated in a networking lunch, where discussions continued with companies involved in the K-NOVA Program. The spirit of collaboration was palpable as participants exchanged ideas and explored potential synergies.

The afternoon sessions included a series of visits to key companies located within the EPFL Innovation Park. Patrick Jayet, Head of the Lausanne Hub at AXA, provided an engaging overview of the company’s work in emerging technologies and data management. Swisscom then took the stage, with Dominik Temerowski, Director of AI and Innovation, where the group experienced first-hand how artificial intelligence is being leveraged to improve business processes and customer experiences.

The day concluded with a visit to Swisspod, a leading player in sustainable transportation. Denis Tudor, CEO and Co-Founder, along with Lorenzo Niola, Head of Business Development, provided an inside look at the company’s testing infrastructure and their ambitious vision for revolutionizing transportation.

Day 2 Evening: The Bioeconomy Forum in Fribourg

The evening of October 10th saw the group travel to Fribourg to attend the Bioeconomy Forum, hosted at the Bluefactory Technology Park. This event brought together key players in bioeconomy, both regional and transnational, including a strong delegation from the Grand Est region of France.

The Bioeconomy Forum brought together over 200 participants from Switzerland, France, and Germany to explore the vast potential of bioeconomy. Organized by the Fribourg Development Agency (FDA), the forum provided an insightful overview of how bioresources can be harnessed to create high-value products, from food to biomaterials. With its mix of international speakers, roundtable discussions, and presentations on innovative projects, the forum showcased the strong bioeconomic ecosystem in Fribourg, and emphasized the region’s role as a leader in the sustainable use of biological resources for both economic and environmental benefits​

The discussions began with an engaging roundtable featuring representatives from UCB Pharma, the University of Fribourg, the Scienceindustries association, and Agroscope, exploring the challenges of transitioning biotechnological products from the lab to industrial scale. The forum also featured presentations from three Fribourg-based start-ups—Seprify, Bcomp, and Bloom Biorenewables—who highlighted how innovation support has accelerated their market success.

The evening concluded with a thought-provoking presentation by Christian Patermann, a leading expert in bioeconomy and former director of the European Union’s Biotechnology, Agriculture, and Food program. The group then enjoyed a dinner reception, further strengthening the bonds forged over the day’s discussions.

Day 3: Closing with Industry Giants

The final day, October 11th, began with Villars Maître Chocolatier, where Stephan Buchser, Ambassador of the Savencia Group, treated participants to an in-depth presentation on the company’s rich history and expertise in chocolate making. Attendees were also invited to sample some of Switzerland’s finest chocolates—a delicious start to the day.

Villars Maître Chocolatier, founded in 1901, is a Swiss brand renowned for its premium chocolate-making expertise. The company prides itself on using local ingredients, including high-quality Swiss milk, to craft its signature chocolates. Based in Fribourg, Villars combines traditional methods with modern innovation to create a wide range of products, from classic milk chocolates to more experimental flavors. As part of the Savencia Group, Villars has maintained a strong commitment to sustainability and ethical sourcing, contributing to its reputation as a leader in Swiss chocolate craftsmanship.

The group then headed to SCOTT Sports, where Pascal Ducrot, Co-CEO, shared the company’s approach to innovation in the sports equipment sector. The visit offered a behind-the-scenes look at their cutting-edge technology and their commitment to performance and sustainability.

SCOTT Sports, founded in 1958, is a global leader in the design and manufacturing of high-performance sports equipment. Originally known for its innovation in ski poles, the company has expanded into various sectors, including cycling, motorsports, and running gear. Headquartered in Givisiez (canton of Fribourg), SCOTT is renowned for its cutting-edge technologies, particularly in aerodynamics and lightweight materials. The company has a strong focus on sustainability, developing eco-friendly products that cater to athletes looking for both performance and environmental responsibility.

The final stop was at Michelin Recherche et Technique in Givisiez. Christophe Penot, Director, and Tanguy Léon-Pflieger, Director of Michelin Switzerland, delivered a comprehensive presentation on Michelin’s research activities in Switzerland, highlighting their innovations in sustainable mobility.

Located in Givisiez, Michelin Recherche et Technique serves as a key research hub for the Michelin Group, focusing on cutting-edge innovations in sustainable mobility. The center plays a pivotal role in the development of advanced materials, tire technologies, and mobility solutions aimed at reducing the environmental footprint of transportation. Michelin’s research in Switzerland is deeply aligned with the company’s commitment to sustainability, striving to improve fuel efficiency, reduce emissions, and enhance tire longevity through innovative designs and materials. The facility’s work not only supports Michelin’s leadership in the tire industry but also contributes to broader advancements in the field of green mobility.

Fostering continued progress in technology and cross-border partnerships

The three-day journey through Western Switzerland’s vibrant innovation ecosystem has been an unforgettable experience. From the dynamic presentations at EPFL and the insightful discussions at the Bioeconomy Forum to the behind-the-scenes tours of industry giants like SCOTT Sports and Michelin Recherche et Technique, the trip provided a unique opportunity to witness Swiss innovation in action. The conversations, collaborations, and connections formed over these days will undoubtedly foster continued progress in technology, sustainability, and cross-border partnerships.

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