The Swiss Sustainability Challenge promotes young minds with sustainable visions

The world needs new ideas – and the Swiss Sustainability Challenge (SSC) offers young people the stage to turn precisely these ideas into reality. The University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland (FHNW) and Pax, Swiss Life Insurance Company Ltd, have been jointly organizing this competition since 2017. The aim is to actively promote innovative projects with an ecological and social impact – regardless of whether they are start-ups or non-profits, in the concept phase or already being implemented.

Originally launched as a competition for students, the SSC is now open to all young people who are passionate about working towards a more sustainable future. Whether alone or in a team – if you are developing (or would like to develop) a project on social or ecological sustainability, this is the right place for you.

Coaching, know-how, network – all included

Participants receive a comprehensive support package with a total value of around CHF 70,000 – free of charge! This includes:

• Individual coaching: Each final project receives 5 hours of coaching, the winning project even 10 more.
• Seminars & workshops: From innovation to business start-ups – practical, diverse and inspiring.
• Networking events: For exchanges with other teams, experts and key people from business, research and society.

Structure for growth: the Sustainable Innovation Canvas

To develop their projects, the teams use the Sustainable Innovation Canvas – a tool that systematically records social, ecological and economic aspects and makes the impact of the project visible. Alternatively, traditional business plans can be submitted as long as all relevant points are taken into account.

Competition with an impact: the Pax Sustainability Award

The three best projects will receive the Pax Sustainability Award:

🥇 1st place – CHF 10,000
(CHF 6,000 cash, CHF 2,000 video portrait, CHF 2,000 additional coaching)

🥈 2nd place – CHF 6,000
(CHF 4,000 cash, CHF 2,000 video portrait)

🥉 3rd place – CHF 4,000
(CHF 2,000 cash, CHF 2,000 video portrait)

💡 Note: Payment is made to a legal entity entered in the commercial register.

Sustainability in three dimensions

SSC pursues a holistic approach to sustainability:

• Ecological: conserving resources, protecting the climate
• Social: Promoting participation, justice and health
• Economical: Creating solutions that are sustainable in the long term

The projects are based on the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) – a global compass for the future.

Valuation with a system

The projects are evaluated on the basis of 13 criteria and the Sustainable Innovation Canvas. It is not just good ideas that count, but also impact, feasibility and degree of innovation. The jury makes its decision by consensus – with an eye on the big picture.

Ready for the next step?

The Swiss Sustainability Challenge is more than just a competition. It is a springboard for projects that want to make our world a better place. Those who take part not only receive valuable knowledge and feedback, but also real opportunities for implementation, impact – and success.

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