This year, the W.A. de Vigier Foundation has recognised more startups than ever before. In 2026, it is once again supporting five Swiss young companies with prize money of CHF 120,000 each. Through the Recognition Prize, the Foundation is also honouring five additional finalists, including a startup from the Technopark Winterthur ecosystem. In total, the Foundation is awarding CHF 700,000 in prize money.
Five Swiss young companies have received the 2026 W.A. de Vigier Award and will each receive CHF 120,000 to further develop their ventures. Five additional finalists were presented with a Recognition Prize worth CHF 20,000 each. Among them is Windworks, a participant in the Energy & Environment Accelerator.
Five Main Awards and Five Recognition Prizes
The main awards went to Gwenael Hannema of OrthoSens SA, Seoho Jung of Chiral Nano AG, Giancarlo Mattiello of Crìa Technologies SA, Dr Robert Schreiber of Alpinasana AG and Dr Arthur Sebesteny of Dental Robotics GmbH.
OrthoSens is developing a battery-free sensor for orthopaedic implants that tracks the healing process in real time and enables healthcare professionals to respond to potential complications at an earlier stage.
Chiral Nano develops equipment that allows nanomaterials such as carbon nanotubes to be integrated into semiconductor chips with precision and at industrial scale. The technology could enable more powerful and energy-efficient applications in fields such as artificial intelligence and quantum computing.
Crìa Technologies produces high-vacuum insulated transport containers that keep sensitive biological materials and advanced therapies at stable temperatures without the need for dry ice.
Alpinasana combines an AI-based system for the early detection of malnutrition in hospitals with specially developed medical nutrition products.
Dental Robotics enables professional preventive dental care outside traditional dental practices with a portable three-in-one system, including in patients’ homes, workplaces and care facilities.
The five companies impressed the jury with their innovative solutions, entrepreneurial vision and potential to turn pioneering ideas into impactful businesses.
The Recognition Prizes were awarded to 80SBio, Iron Energy, Windworks, UpGrid and Qendra AG. Thanks to the support of funding partner FERS, the total prize money amounted to CHF 700,000.
Windworks Impresses with Its Vertical-Axis Wind Turbine
Technopark Winterthur is particularly pleased about the recognition of Windworks. The startup is part of the Energy & Environment Accelerator and develops scalable vertical-axis wind turbines for locations where conventional wind turbines reach their limits. Their design enables on-site, commercial-scale electricity generation and opens up renewable energy production in challenging environments.
The Recognition Prize acknowledges the team’s achievements to date and highlights the potential of its technology. Technopark Winterthur warmly congratulates Windworks on this success and is delighted to support such an ambitious company within its ecosystem.
More Than 200 Projects Submitted
The final was preceded by a multi-stage selection process. From more than 200 submitted projects, the jury initially selected the Top 50, followed by the Top 15 in February. These startups then underwent an in-depth interview process with the Foundation Board before the ten finalists were chosen.
The award ceremony in Solothurn brought together founders, jury members, partners and guests. André Hoffmann opened the evening, while another highlight was the keynote by Dr Dorian Selz, co-founder of Squirro and a former W.A. de Vigier Award winner.
A rainbow over Solothurn provided a fitting conclusion to an evening dedicated to innovation, entrepreneurship and optimism for the future.
