Bcomp wins Fribourg Innovation Prize

The jury short-listed six finalists, three in the SME category and three in the Start-up category. Speaking at the prize ceremony, president of the jury and Cantonal Minister of Economic Affairs, Beat Vonlanthen, declared: “This year’s innovations were truly impressive. The six finalists should be proud of everything they have achieved, including the fact that they have made it the last six of the Fribourg Innovation Award.” In all, 28 candidates applied for the 2014-2015 Innovation Award of the Canton of Fribourg.

Bcomp wins public vote
Over the last five weeks the public has had the opportunity to select the winner of the Start-up Award. With 39% of the votes, the award went to Bcomp Ltd from Fribourg.

Bcomp has developed a core for skis that offers the same high performance as standard wood cores but weigh four times less. The bCores technology developed by the start-up combines lightweight balsa wood with a flax fiber composite. It is these fibers that give the cores the necessary strength and stability, and guarantee excellent shock absorption. The Bcomp cores are suitable for use in a range of skis, including ski-touring and freeride skis.

President of the jury, Beat Vonlanthen, presented the winners with the Start-up Award, which includes CHF 20,000 in prize money and a three-year coaching contract with the business incubator Fri Up, valued at CHF 85,000. Second and third places went to VIVOS-Dental Ltd and DAHU Sports Company Ltd, respectively.

Launched in 1991, the Fribourg Innovation Award is given every two years and recognizes the achievements of local companies. More detailed information on the award can be found at www.innovationfr.ch. The next award is scheduled for 2016.