May 24, 2023.

Are you working on radically new solutions for a more sustainable urban future? Swissnex in San Francisco invites startups, design studios, research projects, and corporate initiatives in the fields of Food, Energy, and Physical and Digital Cities to submit their projects to take part in our Urban Futures Festival, from November 7–9, 2023 in San Francisco. Showcase your project in the world’s leading hub for technology, research, and innovation, and connect with like-minded individuals in a collaborative and inspiring environment.

About the Festival

As part of Swissnex in San Francisco’s 20th anniversary celebration, this immersive 3-day event will bring together forward-thinking individuals from Switzerland and the West Coast to explore the future of our urban lives. Through a curated program including experts talks, interactive workshops, project showcases and site visits, the festival will create a platform for knowledge-sharing, and cross-border and -disciplinary collaborations, to foster new partnerships and unleash the full potential of the participants’ projects.

The festival program will be adapted based on the selected participants’ need and focus topics. No sessions will be mandatory. Time for individual meetings will be mostly available prior and after the 3-day festival. However, 1:1 sessions with experts from the festival program will be made possible.

Benefits for Selected Participants

• Visibility: Maximize the visibility of your project by showcasing it to a wide range of stakeholders and benefiting from media coverage in both ecosystems, to amplify your impact and gain international exposure.
• Network: Connect with like-minded individuals, potential partners, and industry leaders to foster meaningful collaborations.
• Accelerate/Support: Receive tailored support and program to further develop your project’s growth and impact. Access our network of mentors and industry experts in the Bay Area and beyond.
• Financial Support: Selected projects will receive a 3K stipend to cover the participants’ flights and housing costs.Visibility: Maximize the visibility of your project by showcasing it to a wide range of stakeholders and benefiting from media coverage in both ecosystems, to amplify your impact and gain international exposure.

Full Program Outline

• October (Switzerland: Zurich, Basel, Lausanne): take part in our event series in Switzerland, as workshop participants, and take the opportunity to showcase your work within the Swiss ecosystem.
• October (virtual): Swissnex will work with the individuals one month prior to the festival to set milestones and connect them with relevant stakeholders (access to the Swissnex Mentors & Experts Network).
• November 7-9 in San Francisco: Urban Futures Festival

Who Should Apply

Swiss startups, design studios, research projects, and corporate initiatives that are working on radically new solutions for a more sustainable urban future, related to the following topics:

• Energy: Solutions for energy optimization, renewable energy integration, and future energy systems in cities.
• Food: Initiatives promoting sustainable, circular and regenerative food systems, and food innovation.
• Physical and Digital Cities: Projects that explore innovative practices for a more sustainable built environment and advancing urban planning, from digital solutions to circular construction methods.

Your project does not fit within these categories? We still encourage you to apply if aligned with the program’s main topic and would benefit from the program.

Participation Criteria

• Have a clear connection to Switzerland
• Be aligned with the festival topics, and work on radically new solutions for a more sustainable urban future
• Have a strong interest in connecting with the San Francisco Bay Area ecosystem.

Selection Process

Projects will be selected based on the participation criteria: alignment with the festival’s topics, their innovative approach, potential impact, and interest in connecting with the San Francisco Bay Area ecosystem.

How to Apply

Submit your application by filling out this form by July 2, 2023.