Startups

Every year, 80 million tons of waste are generated in Brazil. Of those, about 52 million tons are not recyclable, as we need more appropriate technology to process them. However, not all recyclable residues are correctly disposed of. Less than 4% of the total waste is effectively recycled in the country. Beyond the environmental impact, the lack of proper recycling also results in a significant economic loss for the country, currently estimated at R$14 billion.

How can we turn this waste into value? How can we avoid emitting it in the first place?

The Team Switzerland in Brazil, represented by the Embassy of Switzerland in Brazil, Swissnex in Brazil, The Ekos Institute Brasil, The Swiss Business Hub, and SWISSCAM, is launching the very first Swiss Sustainability and Innovation Award, aiming at uniting the strengths of knowledge between Brazil and Switzerland in that area.

Are you a Swiss or Brazilian startup? Do you wish to contribute to a cleaner tomorrow? Participate in this challenge! Present a solution for Brazil’s operating private companies’ residue generation. How would you convert these residues into economic value?

One Swiss and one Brazilian solution will be awarded and recognized by a panel of Swiss and Brazilian experts in innovation and sustainability. The finalists will be able to present their solutions to companies interested in testing their technologies and conducting open innovation pilots together.

Application until 09.04.2023

Selection of the finalists by 24.04.2023

Swiss Sustainability and Innovation Award Ceremony and Pitch Competition/Jury's Decision on the 05.07.2023

WHAT APPLICANTS OFFER (Startup requirements):

A prototype, product, service, or solution for the proposed challenge
At least one representative of the startup team must be able to pitch in person at the Swiss Sustainability and Innovation Award ceremony.
It must be possible to use the application in Brazil (it is ok if some adaptation or co-development is needed).
An ambitious, diverse, science-based, and visionary startup team.
A pitch deck describing the solution, the business model, how this can be applied in Brazil scenario/demands, and the startup team.

WHAT FINALISTS CAN EXPECT:

Swissnex supports connecting with potential customers, clients, business partners, and regulatory/legal/sustainability specialists in Brazil.

Opportunity to network with relevant sustainability entrepreneurs, stakeholders, and representatives from corporations, research institutions, associations, and governmental organizations from Brazil and Switzerland.

Online mentoring and pitch training sessions with Swissnex in Brazil team to prepare for the final pitch.

New cooperation and pilot project opportunities to validate and implement the solution in Brazil.

WHAT WINNERS CAN EXPECT:

One year of association in the SWISSCAM (Swiss Chamber of Commerce in Brazil) free of charge - institutional category.

The Award will be presented by high-level authorities from Switzerland

New cooperation and pilot project opportunities to validate and implement the solution in Brazil.

IMPORTANT POINTS

Non-cash award.
3 Brazilian and 3 Swiss startups will be selected for the final pitch (which will take place on the award day, in person).
There will be no financial support for the entrepreneurs to travel to the award/pitch competition, but the Swiss participants can combine their trips with the Innosuisse Internationalization Program.
When registering, the startup needs to exist legally (have a CNPJ for Brazilian startups and a legal ID for Swiss startups).