Presence Switzerland
Swiss Innovation Day
Monday 30 July was dedicated to Swiss innovation. Life Science start-ups from Zürich presented their assets to British representatives and innovative Swiss products such as the Victorinox Swiss Army Knife and the FLYER electric bike were introduced to the public.
"Hey FLYER e-bike, what are you doing in the House of Switzerland?", Victorinox Swiss Army Knife asks. "I am introducing myself to the British public, what about you?", answers the Swiss electric bike promptly. "Is that a joke? I am introducing myself to everyone and enjoying all the great networking opportunities of the Red Zone." The crowd of the House of Switzerland is amazed by the conversation between these two objects. They shouldn't be.
Monday 30 July was Swiss Innovation Day. Outdoors, Biketech AG presented its FLYERs bikes, and Victorinox explained how sustainable the production of its products is. A brilliant success was completed by the Zürich Life Science Day inside the House of Switzerland.
"When people hear about Zürich, they think about finance and banks," explains Bruno Seiler, who works for the City of Zürich and organised the event. "We want British people to know that our town is more than that. It is also a creative and modern city." The aim of the event was to provide a broad overview of the newest, cutting-edge research and business opportunities in Life Science, mostly in the Zürich area.
British and Swiss representatives of the whole industry were present: government, start-ups, academics, etc. "We wanted our start-ups to meet other groups and create synergies," says Benno. The event achieved this goal successfully. "When you are in London during the Olympics, you feel a special spirit. More important members of the industry are here because of that," explains Jan Lichtenberg, who works for InSphero, a Swiss biotech. "I have met five to six of potential customers at the event."
Tony Jones, director of One Nucleus, a partner of the event, was also convinced by the Life Science Day: “You need to know people and live with them if you want to do business with them. This is the place where you can do it.” As the event was such a good place to meet people, you can understand now why even a Swiss Army Knife and an electric bike can network in the House of Switzerland.
To see more pictures of the Zürich Life Science Day, click here.
