Dear partners,
Once again, we are starting the New Year marked by a challenging Covid situation. Of course, the Impact Hub community and our activities in entrepreneurship, coworking, cultural events and gastronomy are quite affected by Covid as well.
However, we remain optimistic, hopeful and grateful: Because, as you can see further below, a look both at the past and at the coming months demonstrates the need and the possibility of impactful activities despite the restrictions. With your support, we’ve put on amazing projects and events, empowered innovative entrepreneurs and their visionary ideas, forged new connections between unlikely allies, and even had the opportunity to share precious in-person moments with Impact Hub leaders from around the world.
We continue to work together and we wish you lots of energy and confidence in tackling the first half of 2022!
Yours
Amanda (Geneva / Lausanne), Christoph (Zurich), Marina (Basel), Noora (Bern) and Tommaso (Ticino)
Impact Hub Switzerland Board
PS: This update comes 2x per year.
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Please find the following info below:
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Top Stories: Recent highlights within Impact Hub Switzerland
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Coming Up Next: Exciting events and initiatives in the near future
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Impact Hub in the News: Links to latest news articles
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Impact Hub in Numbers: Current key metrics of Impact Hub
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Impact Hub Switzerland: Board Members and Impact Hubs.
1. TOP STORIES
#Impact Hub Switzerland CE Incubator 2021
More than 100 projects were submitted to the call for projects of the third edition of Impact Hub Switzerland’s circular economy incubation program. 33 projects with circular business models are now going through the 3-months program from October 2021 to January 2022, among them are Composite Recycling (boat recycling), Thingsy (extended product life cycle), or Kly (wheat bran upcycling). Due to the current situation, the 2021 edition is held entirely virtually. As for the previous edition, UBS and Swisscom are supporting the program as national partners, together with many knowledge and local partners. On January 25, the participants present their achievements at the National Demo Day. Get in touch for future collaborations in the field of the circular economy!
#Impact Hub Switzerland: Climathons 2021
The Climathon is a 24-hour hackathon dedicated to creating climate action in the form of tangible projects, supporting climate positive projects, startups and businesses in Switzerland, and addressing local policy changes. As in previous years, Impact Hubs in Switzerland brought the global climate action movement to Switzerland also in 2021, with local Climathons in Geneva, Zürich, and Ticino – together with other implementing partners. In Zürich, 80 participants developed 12 climate solutions, the Geneva edition resulted in 8 solutions by 35 participants, and in Ticino, for the Climathon Mendrisiotto, 40 participants developed 8 solutions.
#Impact Hub Switzerland: Global Retreat
In the week of October 4, colleagues from the global Impact Hub network from across Africa, Asia, Latin America, Europe and North America came together in Switzerland for the Global Retreat 2021 at the Fideriser Heuberge. In addition to personal exchanges, the main focus of this retreat was on the new Impact Hub Environmental strategy (Reducing CO2 emissions to zero by 2050 & Transforming our food and agricultural systems) and a restructuring within the global association. We are excited to welcome Tatiana Glad as new Executive Director of the global network. Reach out to us if you want to learn more about the Global Impact Hub network and how to visit or work from one of the 106 Impact Hubs around the world!
#Impact Hub Switzerland: Partnering for the Goals (10 October, 2021)
In the context of Impact Hub Zürich’s 10 years anniversary and the Global Impact Hub Retreat in Switzerland, Impact Hub Switzerland invited partners and decision markers from Swiss companies, foundations, public administration, and international Impact Hub founders to several „Partnering for the Goals“ workshops on the topics such as Female Entrepreneurship, Collaboration between Impact Hubs and corporates, foundations, and cities, Entrepreneurship for Migrants & Refugees, Climate Action, Cultural Heritage, and innovation scouting. The participants learned about existing solutions and were encouraged to form new collaborations. Martina Gaus-Keller from UBS Philanthropy summed it up:
“It is impressive to see the breadth and the depth of the global Impact Hub network when it comes to entrepreneurial action for impact! It certainly serves many actors, including ourselves, as an important platform for collaboration”.
#Impact Hub Switzerland: Digital Day 2021 (November 10, 2021)
At the Swiss Digital Day in November, several Swiss Impact Hubs once again participated with their dedicated sessions on the topic “What digital future do you want?”. Impact Hub Ticino organized a TED Circle and an event on 3D Fashion (learn more below), while Impact Hub Bern represented the topics Circular Economy, Innovation and Failing Forward at the diverse program of the city of Bern. At Impact Hub Basel, the conversation focused on topics such as “Empowering Families for Safe & Healthy Gaming & Social Media” and “Digital Platforms to detect heart diseases.”
#Impact Hubs Switzerland: Event series at the Secondhand Day
What are the challenges and opportunities of Secondhand providers, consumers and specifically the fashion industry who work on mainstreaming Secondhand in Switzerland? With this spotlight, we organized a series of three hybrid events on September 24 together with Ricardo.ch, 20 Minutes and Circular Economy Switzerland to contribute to celebrating this growing movement in Switzerland. Rewatch the Lausanne, Bern and Zürich session or the aftermovie here, and stay tuned for joining this year’s 3rd edition in September.
#Impact Hub Zürich: 10 years anniversary
Since Impact Hub Zurich opened its doors in 2011 as the first Swiss chapter of the global Impact Hub network, A LOT has happened. Reason enough to look back, but above all to look into the future: At the #Next10Years anniversary celebration of October 8 at Kraftwerk, invited guests and speakers such as André Hoffmann, Corine Mauch, Marie-Claire Graf, Paul Polman and Renat Heuberger shared their experiences from the last decade and wishes for the next 10 years (click on the names to view their respective speeches, or rewatch the full session here). Would you like to join us for the #Next10Years? Get in touch with the Zurich team!
#Impact Hub Ticino launches TED Circles in Lugano
The TED Circles are recurring events in which a small group of people meet to watch a TED video with the aim of generating dialogue on issues of positive impact, in an informal and safe atmosphere. The first event in collaboration with the City of Lugano – Lugano Living Lab, was launched on occasion of the Swiss Digital Day with over 70 participants and great moments of dialogue and active conversation. It was held in “fishbowl” mode with the theme “The city of 15 minutes: how to design an innovative and sustainable city“. Four events are planned for 2022. Get in touch to discover more about the next events!
#Impact Hub Ticino: the Ticino chapter of Impact for Breakfast is born at IHT!
Impact for Breakfast is an informal network of investors, family offices, foundations, funds, venture philanthropy with an interest in sustainable entrepreneurship and the goal of raising awareness on impact investing. The event’s first guest was Sebastiano Cossia Castiglioni, Vegan Impact Investor. Thanks to the support of our partner Copernicus Group, we will organize 5 events in 2022. Get in touch for more information!
#Impact Hub Ticino: Training for a new economy, the challenge of creativity
This year, the Swiss Federal Institute for Vocational Education and Training SFIVET, in collaboration with the Swiss-Italian Conference for Adult Education CFC, Impact Hub Ticino, Benefit Innovation, Ulab Hub Ticino and with the support of the Department for Vocational Education and Training DFP and éducation21, is promoting five meetings and one workshop as part of the initiative “A workshop of ideas: meetings for innovation in vocational training“, which is already taking place for the eighth time.
#Impact Hub Ticino: FuckUp Nights: dealing positively with failure
In a society of success, mistakes are not expected. We tell and reward glorious stories of goals met or exceeded, of success and profit, and if failure occurs, we react with aversion. Yet, failure is an important source of learning and growth. This is why Impact Hub Ticino collaborates with FuckUp Nights Lugano and promotes four events in its spaces. Get in touch to reserve your spot and for more information!
#Impact Hub Geneva: Accelerate2030 selects top global entrepreneurs with solutions for the SDGs
From coral reef safe sunscreen made from agricultural waste to simplified investment solutions for clean energy, 15 high-impact companies have been selected out of over 1400 companies worldwide to join the global Accelerate2030 program, kicking off at the Building Bridges Week 2021. During an intensive week, the entrepreneurs were connected to the Geneva ecosystem of investors, strategic partners and mentors, joining a community of over 400 entrepreneurs in developing and emerging countries that have been selected by the Impact Hub network for their potential and achievement to play a key role in the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals worldwide. Want to know more and get connected to a high-impact pipeline of entrepreneurs? Get in touch with our team!
#Impact Hub Geneva: Building Bridges Week 2021
Impact Hub Geneva played an active role in the 2021 Building Bridges Week (November 29 – December 2, 2021), a high-level initiative in Geneva, bringing together diverse actors from the finance industry, the United Nations, international organizations, and government together around a common vision of advancing sustainable finance to address the SDGs. Apart from connecting the Accelerate2030 global entrepreneurs with the Geneva ecosystem, Impact Hub Geneva organized several hands-on events focused on channeling financing to entrepreneurs in developing and emerging countries, including two key events on Driving Finance to Scale Entrepreneurial Solutions for the SDGs as well as the key storytelling event of the week, Factory17: The Pioneers of Today, Shaping the Future of Tomorrow. Read more in our press-release here!
#Impact Hub Geneva & Lausanne: Kickstart announces 50 new deals for 2021
Kickstart, the innovation platform and Impact Hub Zürich spin-off company that brings together startups and organizations to create meaningful partnerships, grew its presence in the Romandy region in collaboration with Impact Hub Lausanne and Impact Hub Geneva through the Circular Economy Initiative.
For the 2021 edition, 50 Proofs of Concepts (PoCs) and other partnerships between international start-ups and renowned Swiss companies and institutions were announced at the closing ceremony. Circular Economy, sustainability and digitalization are now at the forefront of the focus areas including EdTech & New Work, FinTech & InsurTech, Food & Retail Tech, HealthTech, Smart City & Technology, as well as Intrapreneurship.
#Impact Hub Zürich: Cultural and culinary events & parties
Also in the second half of 2021, Impact Hub Zürich offered a variety of cultural & culinary events: In collaboration with the party labels Naturklang, Adroit and Sozius, events such as “The Factory“, “HEX“, and “Boiler Room” took place at Kraftwerk, starring renowned local and international DJs. With concerts by The Nozes, Anissa Damali & the Genius, LAGIOIA, Prince Jelleh and Caroline Nukula Mossi (as part of a secret “Sofar Sounds” concert series), or music video shoots by the music label and Impact Hub Zürich member Capitano Music, fans of other music genres did not miss out either. The same goes for lovers of special food and drink: At the Rioja Days, the About spirits festival and the Cheese Weeks at Kraftwerk, visitors were able to broaden their culinary horizons.
#Impact Hub Bern: Second Lean Innovation Award finished – and third upcoming
Five teams & projects presented their ideas on November 18 at the Ceremony Night of Impact Hub Bern’s Lean Innovation Award. If you like to know more about these finalists and relive the award with photos, you can do so in this blog post. Also in 2022, there will be a Lean Innovation award – stay tuned for more info!
#Impact Hub Bern: Impact Academy launched – and full program 2022 upcoming
Six months after its launch, the Impact Academy is starting a full program in 2022: The entertaining lunch events invite monthly to an interactive lunch session on different topics – this year also nationwide as hybrid events – and the in-depth half-day workshops offer a deeper insight into the world of 4.0 & latest insights on innovation, sustainability and technology & trends. Right in January, the academy will continue with a lunch event on circular economy. More info here.
#Impact Hub Basel: Gleisbogenfest
Impact Hub Basel is located next to shut-down railroad tracks, and together with its neighbors, it has now joined forces to revitalize this industrial area. To celebrate this initiative and to make the projects and companies along these tracks better known to the public, the Gleisbogenfest was held on August 26, 2021. Throughout this day, many different activities and attractions such as concerts, food trucks, mini golf, hub tours, an impact market, networking events and much more introduced visitors to the neighborhood and its residents. Watch the video and be taken back to that summer day in August!
#Impact Hub Basel: Basel Entrepreneurship Gala 2021
There was a lot to celebrate on November 12, 2021! On the one hand, Impact Hub Basel celebrated its two-year anniversary, and on the other hand, the first Basel Entrepreneurship Gala took place at Impact Hub Basel as the crowning finale of this year’s Global Entrepreneurship Week. The evening was filled with illustrious guests, a motivational speech by Martin Stricker, Standortförderung, Kanton Basel-Stadt, a laudation by Impact Hub Basel Co-Founder Hanna Byland, musical performances by Carolina Müller, a speed networking session, and delicious food and drinks by Café spurlos. Watch the video and capture the magical atmosphere of this evening!
#Impact Hub Basel: Lafiya Immersion week
Promising startups focusing on health and well-being from Impact Hub Medellín, Impact Hub Accra and Impact Hub Dakar visited Basel in November for the Lafiya Immersion Week, a week-long program that brings together selected entrepreneurs from the Lafiya Innovators program with key players in the European health and business ecosystem. The week was packed with speed networking, pitching exercises, workshops on storytelling and business model canvas development, a hackathon, a trip to the mountains and much more. Impact Hub Basel is grateful to have been able to host these inspiring entrepreneurs for this week.
More impressions and info about the startups here!
2. COMING UP NEXT
January
#Impact Hub Switzerland: National Demo Day of the Circular Economy Incubator
On January 25, the third edition of the Circular Economy Incubator comes to its grand finale: The 33 entrepreneurs who went through the 3-month incubation program will pitch in front of a jury, investors and general public, and share their vision, progress and learnings. We would be delighted to meet you at this virtual event! Get your ticket now!
#Impact Hub Switzerland: Launch of geschlechtergerechter.ch
Geschlechtergerechter launches on 26 January as a new virtual platform around gender equality in Switzerland. The platform, which was co-created by Sotomo, Sensor Advice, Stapferhaus and Linno, provides a space for constructive, fair debates and relevant surveys for everyone seeking to reflect on gender, gender equality and the history of genders in Switzerland. The platform additionally pursues broad alliances, including Impact Hub Switzerland as a key ally.
#Impact Hub Switzerland: New format for community networking call “Bumpin”
Our Swiss Wide Impact Hub Community format “BumpIn” is changing: Starting in January 2022, members from the Swiss Impact Hub community will not only meet for coffee on the first Tuesday of every month, but will also hear a short input from a member that is especially interesting for solopreneurs (and anyone else who is interested). Reach out to us if you want to learn more about our virtual community building activities!
April
#Impact Hub Lausanne: Announcement of a new home
In November, Impact Hub Lausanne made its shared vision with partners and the City of Lausanne finally public: The opening in April 2022 of a unique place bringing together startups and organizations from various sectors to collaborate and trigger new opportunities in the Circular Economy: Halle 18 : Beaulieu Circulaire. With different workshops and laboratories, popup stores, private offices, meeting and training rooms, coworking, as well as a large event space, H18 offers a one-of-a-kind in- and outdoor innovation village with specific collaboration opportunities in areas including food & farming, secondhand, health & well-being, and diversity & inclusion. Are you curious to see how to be part of it? Let’s connect.
May
#Impact Hub Lausanne: Regenerative, Circular Food Ecosystems Day
On 9 May, Impact Hub Lausanne collaborates with the SHIFT 2022 conference to bridge regenerative circular funding, social integration, high-tech innovation and ancient know-how – with the new interpretation of „Papet Vaudois“ at the core. Connect to explore partnership opportunities!
#Impact Hub Zürich: Open Hub Day 2021
For its third Open Hub Day, Impact Hub Zürich once again invites the general public, neighbors, and partners to a big “open doors” day on May 20, 2022. A variety of keynotes and workshops by the local community will give insights into the daily work of the maker community in Zürich. Stay tuned for more updates!
#Impact Hub Geneva: Collective month without tobacco in 2022 across Switzerland
We all know how difficult it can be to quit smoking. But what if we enable everyone who wishes to stop to do so collectively and support each other in it? Together with the Tobacco Prevention Fund and dozens of partner organizations across Switzerland, Impact Hub Geneva will organize this collective participatory experience based on a community-building and partnership approach open to anyone to contribute and benefit from it. The announcement of which month in 2022 it will take place is soon taking place but if you’re already curious how your organization can partner, we’re looking forward to connect.
3. IMPACT HUB IN THE NEWS
NZZ (7.10.2021)
Startups in Zürich: Wie sich die Szene durch Corona wandelt
Tagesanzeiger (8.10.2021)
Ein Volkshaus fürs digitale Zürich
Corriere del Ticino (10.2021)
Da sedia vuota a occupata, per il presente e il futuro
SRF Regionaljournal Bern Freiburg Wallis (03.11.2021, from 11:52min)
Fail Night 2021 – November: Mit dem abgewählten Freiburger Ständerat Beat Vonlanthen
Tele Top (29.10.2021)
Mit Teamwork gegen den Klimawandel
Radio Lac (11.2021)
Beaulieu va se transformer en centre sportif et d’innovation
La Regione (09.2021)
Capitale ad impatto, se ne parla a Lugano
Stadt Zürich (30.10.2021)
Climathon 2021: 12 Ideen für Zürich auf dem Weg zu Netto-Null
La Regione (09.2021)
Inaugurazione di Impact Hub Ticino
Recycling magazine (08.2021)
Gesucht: Schweizer Startups aus der Kreislaufwirtschaft
All news (11.2021)
Building Bridges en faveur d’une économie circulaire et régénératrice
Tutto Green (11.2021)
Come accelerare l’economia circolare
Startupticker (15.10.2021)
CE Incubator opens doors for 33 startups
Corriere del Ticino (11.2021)
Imprenditori responsabili per una nuova economia
RSI Radio 2 (10.2021)
L’arte di fallire
All news (11.2021)
Kickstart franchit une étape importante avec plus de 200 partenariats liés à l’innovation
4. IMPACT HUB IN NUMBERS
Active Members: 1’400 in Switzerland // 24’500 globally
Number of Hubs: 6 in Switzerland // 106 globally
Number of spaces: 8 in Switzerland // 130 globally
Square meters: 6’000 m2 in Switzerland // 84’800 m2 globally
Team size: 96 team members (74 FTEs) in Switzerland
New jobs (p.a.): 1’628 new FTEs created in the Swiss Impact Hub community in 2020
5. IMPACT HUB SWITZERLAND BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Amanda Byrde, Impact Hub Geneva & Impact Hub Lausanne
Christoph Birkholz, Impact Hub Zürich
Marina Hasler, Impact Hub Basel
Noora Buser, Impact Hub Bern
Tommaso Tabet, Impact Hub Ticino
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