Since 2011, the SEIF Tech for Impact Awards target European impact entrepreneurs who develop or make innovative use of technologies to contribute to the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Thanks to the highly qualified jury and detailed selection process, the SEIF Awards have been established as a quality label in the impact ecosystem over the past 10 years.
Together with our partners UBS and Julius Bär, we provide finalists with a unique opportunity to increase international awareness, pitch in front of impact investors and establish a positive reputation in the impact ecosystem. Each Award grants the winner CHF 10’000.
Who is it for?
- Impact-driven entrepreneurs with innovative tech solutions designed responsibly to contribute to at least one of the UN SDGs.
- Europe-based (operations can be worldwide).
- The positive impact dimension should be clearly reflected in the core business principles.
You can have a look at the list of previous winners here.
Why Tech for Impact?
When it comes to technological progress and global challenges, we live in fascinating yet demanding times. Technology can be a great tool for positive change, as innovative technologies often represent highly scalable solutions with potential to make a significant contribution to reach the UN SDGs.
This is why it is crucial to foster the positive potential of impact-driven tech entrepreneurs. It not only means integrating the impact dimension in the newest technological developments, but also to conduct and communicate the impact management and measurement transparently. We are pleased to see that a growing community starts to think in this direction.
What do we mean by impact-driven tech entrepreneurs?
We have a broad definition of impact-driven tech entrepreneurs spanning across all sectors ranging from solutions applying AI, AR, nanotech, robotics or material science to low tech solutions, digital platforms or drones. You have either created a new solution or apply existing technologies in an innovative way to create positive impact.
What do finalists benefit from?
- visibility and exposure to an European wide network of experts, corporates and investors
- the “quality” stamp of the Tech for Impact Awards reputation
- more attraction from investors and key partners: the Award finalists 2019-2021 have so far raised more than 120 million Swiss francs
- you can win prize money of a total of 30’000.- and non-financial support from our corporate partners
Discover the SEIF Tech for Impact Awards brochures from 2020-2022 here.
Can startups from outside of Switzerland apply for the SEIF Awards?
Yes, definitely! The SEIF Awards are not at all limited to Swiss ventures. We are more than happy to receive applications from all over Europe, operations can be worldwide. With Europe, we refer to the region’s Innovation Ecosystem and refrain from a purely political or geographical definition. The EU Research and Innovation programme Horizon 2020 provides a useful guideline and all participating countries are welcome to apply.
Are non-profit organizations and NGOs eligible for the Tech for Impact Awards?
Unfortunately not. However, we are constantly adapting our offer and programs to meet the needs of impact-driven entrepreneurs: keep yourself updated through our LinkedIn channel!
Can we apply with any technical solution?
Yes, of course! From low tech to deep tech, there are endless opportunities to use the huge potential of technology to tackle today’s social and/ or environmental challenges.
How much does it cost to apply?
It’s free of charge! There is no cost to apply. However, a small fee will be asked for investments done by an impact investor that had been invited, introduced or contacted by SEIF or may have reached out to SEIF for investment opportunities.
Do we have to apply directly for a specific category (e.g. scalable solution or responsible business)?
No, you just hand in a general application for the SEIF Awards. The jury will assign your case to a specific category during the evaluation process.
Can I submit my award application in German?
Yes, absolutely! You can submit your application in English or German.
What should be included in my business description?
The structure of your business description is free but it should include all relevant information about your business. The business description should be uploaded in PDF format and should not exceed 25 pages, or 30 slides if you upload your pitch deck.
Please remember that all important information should be covered, but the reader should not feel overwhelmed with information. Ask for feedback from a person not involved in your organization!
We already applied for the SEIF Awards in the past. Can we try again?
Yes, definitely. Every startup develops and changes over time. Among our past year’s winners were several startups that won an award only after applying for the second time.
Do I have to upload a Business Description and a Pitch Deck, or is only one of these required?
No worries! You only need to upload one business description. This could be for example your business plan or pitch deck. The most important thing is that the document includes all relevant information about your business (the application fields provide guidance on what to include in the pitch deck).
What are the evaluation criteria for the SEIF Awards applications?
The jury focuses on the following criteria during the evaluation process:
- Professional skills of the project team
- Innovation of the project
- Social / ecological impact
- Quality of the business model and financing
- Proof of concept
- Replicability and scale
Can I start my application and come back to it later?
Yes, you are able to save your application and finish it later.
Can I still change my application after submission?
Yes, but you have to submit your application again. You can not change your application after the deadline.
When do I hear back from SEIF?
The applications for the SEIF Awards are open from January 4th until March 31st 2023. After this deadline, we will review all applications and present them to the Jury. You will hear from us by the end of April. However, we recommend to block the pitch day of May, 11th in your agenda. Please be aware that we can’t give personal feedback to your application.
Where and when is the Awards Ceremony?
The Awards Ceremony will take place in person in Zürich on June, 6th 2023.
We continuously update the FAQs.
Deadline to apply: March 31st, 2023
What previous winners say
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“The SEIF Tech for Impact Award had a significant influence on our development, in particular on the fundraising. It publicly showed our ambition to go towards impact driven entrepreneurship and attracted, as a result, impact driven investors. One year after, we are still in touch with several of them.” Etienne Jeoffroy |
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“2016 was a key year for us. We won the SEIF Award, which allowed us to register Mosan as a company and move to the next level. That year we worked a lot on our business model and established key partnerships in Central America.” Mona Mijthab |  |
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“The most important aspect of the award was the recognition we received from the nomination. The award also helped us to gain additional traction as an employer.” Oliver Marchand |