Empowerment, Networking, Entrepreneurial Spirit – the 2023 SEF.Growth year in review
Around 20 new "SEF.Growth High Potential" start-ups, exciting community events and a successful Founder Conference: 2023 marks a decisive step towards positioning SEF.Growth as THE ultimate growth programme in Switzerland.
by NZZ Connect
New to SEF.Growth?
The initiative aids young companies and SMEs in overcoming growth challenges with over 50 committed entrepreneurs from the Swiss Economic Forum ecosystem. Our platforms foster connections between business and politics, stimulate idea development, and facilitate crucial contacts. From business model check to validation: Click here for details of our programme.
All about networking und advice from leading experts
In 2023 the SEF.Growth community, together with our partners and NZZ Connect, presented a series of compelling events and invited members of the programme to participate. We provided various platforms for expert interaction and networking, such as Best Practice events with Innosuisse in Basel, with Helbling in Zurich, with UBS in Zurich and Lausanne, and with IPI in Berne. During our events, our speakers and panelists shared knowledge, explained tools that can help start-ups, and presented best practices from successful young companies that have achieved significant economic success. The authenticity and frankness of these first-hand insights were particularly compelling.
A popular format: The past year has marked significant success in terms of participant engagement. Starting with 40 attendees, we joyfully welcomed nearly 100 by year-end. This highlights the program's effectiveness in fostering networking, learning, idea reflection, and overall growth.
A highlight: the Founder Conference
In June, the SEF Founder Conference was held as part of the Swiss Economic Forum in Interlaken. This year we proudly presented a truly engaging and educational programme. The tangible openness among speakers and attendees fueled innovation, ensuring that each participant could glean something valuable and personally enriching. This atmosphere culminated in the Swiss Economic Award ceremony, where Switzerland's most important prize for young entrepreneurs was awarded to Boostbar (Product and Trade category), neho (Services category) and Daphne Technologies (Deeptech / Life Sciences category). A comprehensive review of the conference can be found here.
Validate and boost
In 2023, we awarded 21 start-ups with the SEF.Growth High Potential Label, opening the doors to further growth and funding. Are you curious about which Startups have received our Label? Check out this page and find out all about the winning Startups in our success stories.
Are you running a start-up, looking for expert advice and want to share ideas with like-minded people too?
