Valais is shining brightly in the Swiss start-up landscape in 2023, making the podium in the national ranking of the top 100 start-ups. This result is confirmation of the region’s dynamism in the high-potential technology start-up sector, seeing it climb to third place, alongside the leaders, Zurich and Vaud, and on a par with Berne and Geneva. Among these success stories is the start-up DePoly, based at the Energypolis Campus in Sion, which has even made it into the top 10 of this prestigious ranking compiled by around one hundred Swiss experts. WattAnyWhere, Urbio and MobyFly were also honoured this year. These four companies enjoy support from the partners at Economic Promotion Valais.
The TOP 100 ranking of Swiss start-ups showcases Swiss companies with high potential founded within the last five years. The list was topped by Haya Thérapeutics, based in Epalinges (specialising in biotechnology, VD), Planted Foods (in the food industry, ZH) and Yokoy Group (in the financial sector, ZH).
Valais is very proud of its top start-up in this ranking, DePoly, which has moved up to 10th place. This represents remarkable progress, as it was in 28th place in 2022, and is testament to the exceptional potential of this young company with its origins at the EPFL Valais Wallis. Already a multiple award-winner for its revolutionary PET and plastic recycling system, DePoly now employs 13 people in Sion and was ranked third in the Cleantech category by the jury.
Another rising star from the Energypolis Campus, WattAnyWhere, entered the ranking in 42nd place. The company is specialised in the development of an off-grid electricity generator powered by renewable ethanol and has installed pilot systems in Valais and France.
MobyFly and Urbio move up the rankings
MobyFly, based in Collonges, which impresses with an electric boat employing foil technology to increase its efficiency, took 44th place. This is a significant improvement on its 76th place in 2022 and acknowledges the progress the company has made in the past year.
Last but not least, Urbio, also based at the Energypolis Campus, has climbed up the rankings from 75th to 58th place. The company develops innovative energy planning software and now employs 11 people.
Cleantech in force
At Swiss canton level, Zurich and Vaud dominate the rankings with 44 and 29 start-ups respectively, benefiting in particular from their proximity to the two Federal institutes of technology. Valais ranked third, on a par with Geneva and Berne, thanks to the four start-ups mentioned above.
It is important to note that cleantech plays a major role in this ranking. Stefan Steiner, director of the TOP 100, emphasised that “Start-ups remain true drivers of innovation. They contribute both directly and indirectly to our country’s present and future prosperity, especially in this rapidly accelerating world. Cleantech, for example, has 17 representatives in the TOP 100 (including 3 in the TOP 10), confirming a positive momentum that began several years ago and is even stronger in 2023.” Of the four Valais-based companies in the ranking, three are active in the cleantech sector.
The 13th edition of the Top 100 Swiss Startup Award took place at a ceremony in Schlieren and was attended by start-up founders, investors and partners. The awards ceremony was also broadcast live to a global audience. The Top 100 Swiss Startup Award was organised by Venturelab in collaboration with Credit Suisse and the Swiss Venture Club.
If you would like further information and to view the ranking, please feel free to download the Top 100 magazine.
“Start-ups remain true drivers of innovation. They contribute both directly and indirectly to our country’s present and future prosperity, especially in this rapidly accelerating world.”