Courage for the Future – the Winners of the Swiss Sustainability Challenge 2025

At the Swiss Sustainability Challenge 2025, young entrepreneurs show how sustainability can be thought of innovatively.

It was an evening full of innovation, passion and commitment: for the ninth time, founders met in Basel to present their ideas for a more sustainable future. The Swiss Sustainability Challenge (SSC), organized by the University of Applied Sciences Northwestern Switzerland (FHNW) and supported by Pax has become one of the most important platforms for sustainable entrepreneurship in Switzerland.

A stage for young changemakers

Around 30 teams applied this year and ten made it to the final. The challenge is based on a simple but powerful concept: students and young founders develop business ideas that tackle ecological or social challenges. They are supported by coaching, workshops and a broad network of experienced experts.

In nine years, the SSC has supported over 190 projects. What is particularly impressive is that two thirds of the previous winners are still active with their companies. This is a remarkable rate in the dynamic start-up world.

Diversity as a strength

This year’s finalists reflected the entire spectrum of sustainable innovation: from vegan ice cream and the textile circular economy to gaming apps for biodiversity. Projects such as FoodBuddy (against food waste), Sveve (upcycling textile waste into designer acoustic panels) and CrabSpace (temporary use of empty buildings) showed how creative minds can tackle ecological and social issues.

«Wir wollen Changemaker, die bereit sind, einen positiven Beitrag zu leisten», betonte Mitorganisator Prof. Dr. Claus-Heinrich Daub von der FHNW. Nachhaltigkeit sei nicht nur eine Frage des Idealismus, sondern auch des wirtschaftlichen Denkens: «Nur wenn sich nachhaltiges Handeln auch wirtschaftlich lohnt, kann es sich langfristig durchsetzen.»

Two second places – and a beaming winner

The jury, made up of experts, previous award winners and representatives from business and science, faced a difficult task. “We had such different, strong cases that we decided to award two second places,” explained jury president Prof. Dr. Uta Milow.

First place went to BuiltStop, a start-up that uses innovative technology to protect existing buildings against earthquakes better, quickly, cost-effectively and sustainably. The “Neg SV” system redirects seismic forces in a targeted manner and can be installed without major structural interventions.

The two second places went to:

• weLoop: a plug-in for online stores that enables fashion companies to offer garments for resale, rental or repair on their website.
• Anura League: a mobile game that takes young people back to nature via augmented reality and makes it possible to experience biodiversity in a playful way.

More than just a competition

For many participants, the challenge is the start of a long-term journey. “You don’t just win a prize, but a network that supports you,” said Boriana Dimitrova from EnableMe Insights, one of last year’s winners. This is also reflected by Pax CEO Peter Kappeler, who emphasized: “As a cooperative, it is our mission to assume social responsibility – and that is exactly what we are doing here.”

In 2026, the Swiss Sustainability Challenge will celebrate its tenth anniversary and thebrokernews will report on it again. One thing is already clear: it is more than a competition, it is a laboratory for the future.

Binci Heeb

Read also: Swiss Sustainability Challenge 2024: EnableMe Insights, VERRETEX and Niatsu are the winners