Fribourg seeks out the most innovative companies and start-ups

The Direction de l'économie et de l'emploi and the Banque Cantonale de Fribourg are launching the 14th edition of the Prix à l'innovation du canton de Fribourg, aimed at Fribourg's most innovative companies and start-ups. It is endowed with prizes of up to 50ʼ000 francs. Applications can be submitted until June 30 at www.innovationfr.ch.

At the end of April, State Councillor and President of the jury Olivier Curty launched the 2018/2019 Innovation Prize of the canton of Fribourg at the new premises of Frewitt fabrique de machines SA in Granges-Paccot. Frewitt had won the Prix à l'innovation in 2016. CEO Antoine Virdis commented: "Winning the Prix à l'innovation has reinforced our image as an innovative company among our customers. I encourage every company with an innovative project to take part in the Prix à l'innovation du canton de Fribourg".

Olivier Curty, who will be chairing the jury for the first time this year, emphasized that "to be successful, any innovation requires the coming together of a wide range of people and skills, and the greatest victories are those achieved as part of a team".

 

Two categories and two prizes

All companies based in the canton of Fribourg can take part in the Innovation Award, in the "Enterprise" category if the company was created before 2013, and in the "Start-up" category if the company was created after 2013.

The winner of the Prix Entreprise takes home 10,000 francs, while the winner of the Prix Start-up receives a cheque for 30,000 francs. In addition, among the finalists in both categories, the company with the most sustainable project is awarded the Cleantech prize, worth 6,000 francs.

The Innovation Award ceremony will take place on November 7, 2018 at Forum Fribourg in the presence of over 500 guests. The winners of the international Agri & Co Challenge competition, organized for the first time this year by the canton of Fribourg, will also be announced on this occasion.

 

Register now at www.innovationfr.ch

Applications can be submitted by June 30 to www.innovationfr.ch or by post to the Promotion économique du canton de Fribourg address. The jury, made up of 12 representatives from the economy and higher education, and chaired by State Councillor Olivier Curty, will evaluate the applications according to the following criteria:

• degree of technological innovation;
• degree of market innovation;
• commercial potential;
• benefits for society, the regional economy and the environment.

 

Collaboration with Banque Cantonale de Fribourg and the media

The Prix à l'innovation du canton de Fribourg is organized by the Promotion économique du canton de Fribourg and the Banque Cantonale de Fribourg (BCF). The main cantonal media (La Liberté, La Gruyère, Freiburger Nachrichten, La Télé, Radio Fribourg/Freiburg) are partners in the event.

The Prix à l'innovation du canton de Fribourg is aimed at Fribourg companies and is awarded every two years. This year it will be awarded for the fourteenth time. Information and entry forms are available at www.innovationfr.ch or can be requested from Promotion économique du canton de Fribourg, Pérolles 25, CP 1350, 1701 Fribourg, T 026 304 14 00.

 

Source: CP Promotion économique du canton de Fribourg