Winners of the WA de Vigier Award each receive CHF 100,000 à fonds perdu. There is a lot of interest and the selection process is correspondingly rigorous. Managers have to put a lot of work into the application. Those who want to participate in the next edition should start now.
The WA de Vigier Foundation award is unique, if only because of its history. Founded in 1989 by the successful entrepreneur Bill de Vigier, it is still one of the most prestigious Swiss start-up awards. A total of CHF 14 million has been distributed to winners so far. The start-ups receive the money with no strings attached; they do not have to give up any shares or enter into any other obligation.
In the last edition, seven CEOs received CHF 100,000 each. Although the foundation itself awards a maximum of five projects, it is not uncommon for more than five prizes to be awarded. The other prize money comes from supporters committed to the award and from former winners, who often donate an additional prize.
The engagement of previous winners is not limited to the financial aspect. The alumni community meets once or twice a year, during which newcomers and more experienced founders have an intensive exchange on all kinds of challenges, with the topics ranging across the spectrum. This active community of successful entrepreneurs also underlines the special nature of the award.
However, the foundation’s network extends beyond its alumni. Start-ups benefit from access to potential business partners and investors, and the award gives the winning companies high visibility throughout Switzerland and in some cases even abroad.
The hurdles to overcome to gain access to this exclusive circle of award-winning start-ups are high and even completion of the application documents requires a lot of work. The application period ends on 6 January, so preparation should start now.
Companies that develop a protectable product and which have an ambition that goes well beyond the Swiss market have a good chance of success. Another important criterion is the personality of the founders. They must have a passion for their project, be able to communicate it authentically and work full time for their company. In addition to purely business requirements, the effect on society and the environment also count. It is no coincidence that André Hoffmann, hugely prominent in terms of sustainability in Switzerland, is president of the foundation’s Board of Trustees.
The origin of the start-up, on the other hand, is not a factor. It is irrelevant whether a company was founded from a university or by founders with many years of practical experience. Applications from start-ups without a university background are even expressly encouraged. When it comes to the awards, the focus is always on the personality of the founder.
As in previous years, the best 50 applications will be selected in the first stage, where they present themselves on Selection Day in February. The event is streamed and attracts several hundred viewers, among them potential funders and other supporters. The foundation has also created a seal for the top 50, which can be shown on their website. Even if a start-up does not make it to the top of the podium, it still benefits from the competition.
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