Switzerland is renowned for its innovation, and that reputation has been further cemented with three Swiss start-ups – Goodwall, MobyFly, and Transmutex – being recognized as Technology Pioneers by the World Economic Forum (WEF) in 2023. The WEF’s Technology Pioneers community comprises more than 900 global companies employing technology to shape the future and solve critical global issues.
Goodwall, the Geneva-based socially conscious career development platform, equips two million youths across 150 countries with necessary skills and opportunities. Through experiential learning and gamification, the company partners with corporations, organizations, and governments to develop innovative programs.
Valais-based start-up MobyFly recently made headlines with the successful testing of its zero-emission hydrofoil boat on Lake Geneva. The MBFY10 prototype, with MobyFly’s patented retractable foil system, achieved a maximum speed of 74 km/h while consuming 20% less energy than expected, reflecting the startup’s commitment to sustainable transportation.
Lastly, Transmutex, based in Geneva, aims to revolutionize nuclear energy. Its pioneering technology combines a proton accelerator and a subcritical thorium reactor to transmute the most dangerous nuclear waste into stable elements, producing electricity and hydrogen. The promising results have been obtained with technologies tested at CERN and the Paul Scherrer Institute, reflecting the startup’s commitment to sustainability and clean energy solutions.
As members of the Technology Pioneers community, these start-ups will have the opportunity to collaborate with their peers on innovative solutions to global issues. They’ll participate in multi-stakeholder initiatives, co-create partnerships, and gain access to the WEF’s platform and research.
All three start-ups have shown significant promise in their respective fields, coupling technological innovation with sustainable, socially conscious practices. These start-ups had to demonstrate not only a high level of innovation but also a robust business model capable of making a long-term impact on society and the planet.
