Since its inception in 2011, the TOP 100 Swiss Startup Awards have provided a platform for Swiss entrepreneurs to connect with global investors and industry leaders, fueling the ongoing success of the country’s innovation ecosystem. Organized by Venturelab, the event plays a crucial role in driving Swiss entrepreneurship and showcases the cutting-edge work of startups across a range of sectors.
Each year, the 100 most innovative and promising Swiss startups are selected by a panel of leading investors and startup experts—100 seasoned connoisseurs of the startup scene, including Dr. Felix Moesner, CEO of Swissnex in Japan. Once again, they have chosen startups with the highest growth potential and the ability to make significant impacts in their industries.
From DePoly, ranked #1 for its groundbreaking work in plastic recycling, to Corintis, revolutionizing cooling technology, and Yokoy, transforming finance automation—this year’s winners are shaping the future. The top ten list features startups from fields as diverse as cleantech, food innovation, healthcare, and robotics, reflecting the wide-ranging impact of Swiss innovation. Companies such as Planted Foods, which is transforming plant-based food, and HAYA Therapeutics, renowned for its work in therapeutic development, also ranked among the celebrated winners.
Led by Samantha Anderson, Christopher Ireland, and Bardiya Valizadeh, DePoly has developed a solution that transforms plastic waste into valuable resources, contributing significantly to sustainability efforts. The Lausanne-based startup’s work represents a major advancement in the circular economy and has already garnered attention both within Switzerland and internationally, including in Japan.
CEO and co-founder Samantha Anderson
The road ahead is long, and our goals are ambitious. But with the will and determination to succeed, I’m confident we’ll tackle the plastic waste problem and create a sustainable circular economy for plastics—together.
This recognition follows DePoly’s participation in the prestigious STS Forum in Kyoto, where the startup showcased its innovations to global leaders. DePoly’s rise has been supported by Swissnex in Japan, facilitating the company’s partnerships with Japanese industry leaders, notably through the Innosuisse Internationalization Camps.
As DePoly continues its international expansion, its success underscores the vital role of cross-border collaboration in addressing environmental challenges. The startup is expected to make further strides in advancing recycling technologies and sustainability on a global scale.
From left to right: Dr. Christopher Ireland, Dr. Samantha Anderson, Dr. Felix Moesner