This year’s grow Apéro brought together entrepreneurs and representatives from business, academia and politics at the Fabrikbeiz in Wädenswil. The event focused on the successful development of «grow cluster» and changes to its Foundation Board.
Economic value for the region
Managing Director Dr. Peter Steiner highlighted the economic impact of «grow cluster». Since its foundation, companies within the network have signed financing, licensing and acquisition agreements with a combined value of more than CHF 4 billion and have raised over CHF 500 million in investments. These achievements not only strengthen the companies themselves but also benefit the region by creating highly qualified jobs, generating business for local companies and driving investment in infrastructure.
Steiner emphasised that the close collaboration between research, entrepreneurship, investors and strong regional partners is a key success factor. “This network creates the conditions that enable innovative ideas to develop into successful companies, grow and, in turn, give rise to new start-ups.”
Honouring long-standing contributors
A particularly memorable moment of the evening was the farewell to several individuals who have shaped «grow cluster» over many years. Among them was founding member Heiner Treichler, who has played a key role in developing the innovation hub since 2004. Ueli Fausch, also a founding member and former Mayor of Wädenswil, paid tribute to Treichler’s outstanding contribution in a personal address and reflected on the early days of «grow cluster». The event also honoured long-serving Managing Director Prof. Dr. Dolf van Loon as well as Foundation Board members Philipp Kutter and Adrian Schmidlin.
They were succeeded on the Foundation Board by Manuela Schellen from Zürcher Kantonalbank and Thomas Brassel, CEO of Tuwag Immobilien AG.
Insights into start-up financing
Further highlights included a presentation by Florian Dünner from ZKB Start-up Finance on financing innovative start-ups, followed by Dr. Jana Fischer of Navignostics AG, who shared her experiences of growing a company within «grow cluster». The evening concluded with an apéro, offering guests ample opportunity for networking and personal exchange.
