Finalists of the SEF.WomenAward revealed

Three female founders are competing to the title ‘Female Startup of the Year’ and three for the ‘CEO of the Year’. The prizes will be bestowed onto the winners during the SEF.WomenAward award ceremony on 1 April.

The Swiss Economic Forum (SEF) has created a platform for women entrepreneurs through the SEF.WomenAward to honour women with an outstanding entrepreneurial track record. Women entrepreneurs are awarded in the categories "Young Entrepreneur of the Year" and "Entrepreneur/CEO of the Year". The latter is dedicated to female entrepreneurs in small and medium-sized companies. Winners will receive access to the network of the Swiss Economic Forum, media presence including a portrait in the NZZaS and various SEF.channels and a watch from Breitling.

Meet the finalists of the SEF.WomenAward 2022

Category Female Startup of the Year

Fajer Mushtaq, CEO Oxyle
The Zurich based startup uses its catalyst driven and patented technology to improve water quality by eliminating the discharge of persistent and toxic pollutants at their source. Once the smart catalyst is placed in contact with contaminated wastewater, it senses its environment and harnesses freely available energy for activation. Large doses of reactive species are continuously generated, followed by complete degradation of organic pollutants and discharging of treated water. Unlike existing solutions, Oxyle presents a cost-effective treatment, which significantly reduces operational costs.

ZHANG Xi, CEO Superlab Suisse
Founded in 2019, Superlab Suisse specialises in the Lab as a Service for life sciences companies. The offering includes innovatively designed laboratory facilities and state-of-the-art equipment as well as professional and concierge services offered to companies working in biotech, pharma and medtech, along with funding support. The service is available since 2021 in Lausanne and will be launched in 2023 in Basel in 2024 in Zurich. 

Estella Benz, CEO
Thanks to artificial intelligence, the startup offers customers instant personalization by highlighting the product benefits for each of them. While online shopping is booming, the startup found that 57% of consumers refuse to buy cosmetics online because of the lack of consultation. Skin Match helps customers to find their most suitable skin, hair and body care routine.

Category CEO if the Year

Brigitte Breisacher, CEO Alpnach Schränke AG
Alpnach specialises in built-in cabinets and customized storage furniture. Breisacher’s passionate and authentic commitment as a Swiss entrepreneur has enabled her to win prizes and get recognition in other award programs.  

Monika Walser, CEO de Sede AG
The Swiss manufactory based in Klingnau, Switzerland, produces exclusive upholstered furniture and leather accessories in the premium segment.

Anna Baumann, Direktorin Natur- und Tierpark Goldau
The Zoo acts as a center of excellence for breeding and reintroduction as well as education and information, thanks to the wide range of recreational and educational activities, important species conservation programs, collaborations with international zoos and science.

(RAN)