Deep Tech Nation Switzerland

Background

Deep Tech Nation Switzerland (DTN) is an independent, non-profit foundation established in 2024 through a private initiative by Swisscom and UBS. The foundation is dedicated to enhancing the framework conditions for Swiss startups, scale-ups, and investors in the deep tech sector, thereby strengthening Switzerland's innovation and competitiveness over the long term.

Key Strategic Focus

DTN's strategic objectives include:

Venture Hub Switzerland: Aiming to significantly increase investment capital flow into Swiss startups and scale-ups by creating internationally competitive financial and legal frameworks for institutional and strategic investors.

Scaleup Booster: Intending to boost the number of startups and scale-ups by 15-20%, supporting their path to becoming global market leaders through enhanced services and access to business networks.

International Promotion: Focusing on positioning Swiss deep tech internationally by centralizing information, coordinating Switzerland's presence abroad, and connecting global stakeholders to the Swiss innovation ecosystem.

Financials and Funding

DTN aims to mobilize CHF 50 billion in venture capital for Swiss deep tech startups by 2033, with a target of CHF 5 billion annually. This initiative is expected to indirectly create up to 100,000 jobs. The foundation seeks to increase local investment capacity, aiming for 50% of the annual financing to come from Swiss investors, significantly above the current CHF 500 million per year.

Pipeline Development

While DTN does not directly develop products, it supports the growth of Swiss deep tech startups across various sectors, including:

Artificial Intelligence (AI): Startups like Lakera, EthonAI, and Jua are leading in AI/ML innovations.

Biotechnology: Companies such as Alentis, Asceneuron, and iOnctura are making significant strides in biotech.

Robotics: ANYbotics has achieved milestones with substantial funding rounds.

Climate Tech: Startups like Neustark and terralayr are innovating in climate and energy sectors.

Technological Platform and Innovation

DTN leverages Switzerland's robust deep tech ecosystem, characterized by:

Academic Excellence: Institutions like ETH Zurich and EPFL are among Europe's top five for deep tech spinout value creation.

High AI Talent Density: Switzerland boasts the highest density of AI talent in Europe.

Significant Venture Capital Allocation: Deep tech absorbs 60% of all Swiss VC, the highest national share worldwide.

Leadership Team

Joanne Sieber: CEO of Deep Tech Nation Switzerland Foundation, with a background in lean-agile leadership and lecturing.

Pascale Vonmont: CEO/Director of Gebert Rüf Stiftung, focusing on innovation, entrepreneurship, and education.

Michael Sauter: Entrepreneur, co-founder, lecturer, and author specializing in product-market fit.

Jürgen Rogg: Global leader in digital and technology in financial services, managing director, and leader of technology & digital advantage practice in Central Europe.

Leadership Changes

Recent additions to the advisory board include:

Pascal Mathis: Founding Partner at Founderful and co-founder of GetYourGuide.

Philipp Stauffer: Co-founder and Managing Partner at FYRFLY Venture Partners.

Michael Schaepman: President of the University of Zurich.

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics

Switzerland's deep tech sector is characterized by:

High Venture Capital Allocation: 60% of Swiss VC funding is directed towards deep tech, the highest globally.

Rapid Growth: Deep tech funding in Switzerland has grown sixfold in the last decade.

Global Leadership: Switzerland ranks first in Europe and third globally in deep tech funding per capita.

Competitor Analysis

While DTN operates as a non-profit foundation, it collaborates with various organizations to strengthen Switzerland's deep tech ecosystem. Key collaborators include:

Venture Kick: A philanthropic initiative providing seed funding to Swiss startups.

Founderful: A pre-seed venture capital fund focused on high-tech, scalable businesses.

Kickfund: A venture capital firm investing in deep tech startups at the pre-seed and seed stages.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

DTN has established partnerships with:

Venture Kick: To support Swiss leading technologies and enhance startup support.

Startupticker Foundation: To launch the Deep Tech Nation Information Platform, improving access to investment opportunities in Switzerland's deep tech sector.

European Space Agency (ESA): Collaborating on initiatives like the European Space Deep Tech Innovation Centre in Villigen, Switzerland.

Operational Insights

DTN's strategic considerations include:

Enhancing Local Investment Capacity: Aiming to increase the proportion of local investors in late-stage funding rounds to retain value within Switzerland.

Addressing Talent Retention: Implementing measures to retain top talent and attract international executive leadership to sustain long-term innovation.

Strategic Opportunities and Future Directions

DTN's roadmap includes:

Mobilizing CHF 50 Billion by 2033: To support deep tech startups and scale-ups, aiming to create up to 100,000 new jobs.

Strengthening International Positioning: Through targeted international promotion to enhance Switzerland's global reputation in deep tech.

Developing Support Programs: Such as the Scaleup Booster to increase the number of startups and scale-ups, supporting their path to becoming global market leaders.