
We gained valuable insights into the recycling industry in the Hong Kong region. Both the event and the visits to local recycling facilities were particularly enlightening.
Valentin Ibars CTO and Co-founder, WasteFlowMarking swisstech’s debut at a startup event in Hong Kong, the delegation was showcased at the DACH pavilion, a collaboration between Start2/German Accelerator, Advantage Austria, and Swissnex.
This joint presence signals a stronger European footprint in Asia, fostering deeper connections between the DACH region and the local innovation ecosystem. The program was designed to equip startups with the insights, tools, and connections they need to meaningfully engage with the Hong Kong market, an increasingly strategic hub for launching into Southeast Asia and Mainland China.
The swisstech booth stood alongside startups from Germany and Austria under the DACH Pavilion, a new initiative co-organized with German Accelerator and ADVANTAGE AUSTRIA. This trilateral effort presented a united European front to Asia, reflecting a shared commitment to support startups in accessing international markets.
Among the standout moments was Rapidata and Zoundream earning spots in the Top 30 pitching rounds, a strong validation of Swiss innovation in a highly competitive environment. Rapidata arrived in 2nd place.
The swisstech campaign is a private-public initiative supported by Presence Switzerland, Innosuisse, Swissnex and Switzerland Global Enterprise. JumpstarterHK marked swisstech’s first startup presence in Hong Kong. Organized by Swissnex in China, the initiative is part of its ongoing mission to connect Switzerland with global hubs in education, research, and innovation. “While Switzerland is globally recognized for its innovation, staying connected beyond its borders is crucial,” said Raphaela Oliver, Deputy CEO and Head of Innovation at Swissnex in China. “Engaging with international platforms, tracking global trends, and fostering trusted partnerships are key to reinforcing our innovation ecosystem.”
The DACH Startup Night, held as a satellite event of JumpstarterHK, served as a platform to connect startup ecosystems from Switzerland, Germany, and Austria with the vibrant innovation scene in Hong Kong. Organized by Swissnex, German Accelerator, and ADVANTAGE AUSTRIA, the evening featured startup pitches and networking opportunities designed to spark new partnerships across regions.
The event was attended by a high-level Swiss delegation led by Conradin Cramer, President of the Government of the Canton Basel-Stadt, alongside Ambassador of Switzerland to China Jürg Burri, Daniel Freihofer, Consul General of Switzerland in Hong Kong, Stefan Bredohl (Consul General of Germany), and Dr. Gerhard Zettl (Consul General of Austria). Their presence highlighted the shared commitment to fostering deeper innovation ties between the DACH region and Asia.
From left to right: Josias Planta (Head of International Cooperation at Department of Presidential Affairs, Canton of Basel-Stadt), Philippe Roesle (CEO Swissnex in China), Conradin Cramer, Jürg Burri, Raphaela Oliver and Daniel Freihofer
We gained valuable insights into the recycling industry in the Hong Kong region. Both the event and the visits to local recycling facilities were particularly enlightening.
Valentin Ibars CTO and Co-founder, WasteFlowStep into the ring. Join the fight for our planet. The Climate Ring Shanghai is a collective battle against climate change. In this ring, we don’t exchange punches but ideas and each “round” of discussion brings us closer to impactful solutions.
The Startup Camp, powered by Innosuisse and managed by Swissnex, offers a unique opportunity for Swiss entrepreneurs to explore and learn about the world’s 2nd largest economy. Over the years, we have helped Swiss startups to navigate and dive into the Chinese market via our market validation camp and market entry camp.
Swissnex in China is proud to launch the swisstech booth at the DACH Pavilion during JumpstarterHK from 26-27 March, 2025.
If you're a Swiss researcher curious about what’s happening in China’s academic and innovation scenes, our Tailored Research Trips might just be a good fit.