Axpo Energy Award: Axpo to reward the best business idea in the energy sector with CHF 50,000 starting capital
The Swiss Startups Awards will pay out a total of CHF 150,000 in prize money to the three best business ideas in Switzerland. In addition to the STARTUPS.CH AWARD and the AXA Innovation Award, the energy company Axpo will for the first time give away its Axpo Energy Award for the best idea in energy.
In the following interview with Mr. Rainer Meier, communications chief for the Axpo, you will gain more insight into this initiative.
Mr. Meier, why has Axpo decided to create the Axpo Energy Award and give CHF 50,000 to a startup in the area of energy?
Rainer Meier: there is hardly any other sector where there’s more going on these days than in the energy sector. New ideas are very sought after, whether they are in production, application, or smart devices. We see enormous potential for a new business idea.
What are your expectations from these awards?
Axpo wants to give innovators and entrepreneurs a chance to realize their ideas. At the same time, we promise ourselves to be inspired by conversation in and around the ideas and projects.
What criteria are of special importance to the applicants?
Aside from the innovative approach, it is important to Axpo that the project is market viable. To that end, aside from energy experts, our jury will include marketing experts.
Two requirements for the participation in the Axpo Energy Award must be fulfilled: the business idea outlined in the submitted business plan must not exceed a initial starting capital of CHF 1,000,000 and the company may not yet have been entered into the commercial register.
The deadline for the submission of business plans is June 30, 2013. The business ideas may be submitted online via www.swiss-startups-awards.ch until that date.
