Swisscom StartUp Challenge 2021
Boosting the future of cyber security
Next steps:
The 75+ applications received will be scrutinised by 40 judges from 5 July to 31 August. You will have the chance to vote for your favourite between 1 and 16 September 2021.
Cyber security, one of the most important issues in our decentralised digital world, is the focus for the Swisscom StartUp Challenge 2021. Over the last few weeks, start-ups and research teams from the field of cyber security have been submitting their applications to us.
They are aiming to win an exploration programme with Swisscom’s cyber security community by impressing judges and voters with their products, prototypes and solutions. The ten companies to make it through to the finals will be announced on 1 September 2021.
What's in store for winners during the exploration programme?
Access to security infrastructure
Access to security applications and existing Swisscom Services as well as the infrastructure used in the customer environment.
Interaction
Building a network of potential customers and business partners. Consideration given to an investment from Swisscom Ventures.
Access to security Community
Support and mentoring from Swisscom cyber security experts and partners.
New cooperation opportunities
Exploration programme and invitation to our Swisscom Outpost in Silicon Valley (US) for a selected start-up.
Applicant requirements
- A cyber security prototype, product or solution
- The team must be able to present a fully functioning prototype or product during the exploration programme (in the Swisscom environment if appropriate).
- The application must be usable in Switzerland
- An ambitious and visionary research or start-up team
What’s in store for the 5 winners?
- A one-week exploration programme with Swisscom’s Cyber Security Community and access to Swisscom’s infrastructure (remote option)
- Mentoring from Swisscom cyber security experts and partners
- Development of marketing and sales skills
- Individual pitch training and coaching from our partner Venturelab
- Discussion of cyber security experiences with leading entrepreneurs and venture capitalists
- Building a network of potential customers and business partners
- Consideration given to a business partnership with Swisscom and investment from Swisscom Ventures
- Invitation and network building for a selected start-up at our Swisscom Outpost in Silicon Valley (US) The programme will be tailored to the individual needs of the start-up.
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«I never imagined that the Swisscom StartUp Challenge would provide myself and qiio with such an abundance of insights.»
Felix Adamcyk, CEO qiio
StartUp Challenge Winner 2020
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«We received valuable feedback on our future developments and increased our network to possible partners and customers.»
Dominic Jud, ETH Robotic Systems Lab
StartUp Challenge Winner 2020
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«Our collaboration with Swisscom is always very supportive and is based on trust and respect. »
Stefan Merz, CEO of Swisscom Venture
SEC Consult (Schweiz) AG
17 May bis 4 July 2021
Application
Submit your application with your security case from the field of cyber security at www.swisscom.ch/startupchallenge.
5 July to 31 August 2021
Selection
Swisscom selects the 10 most interesting cases from all applications
1 September 2021
The 10 finalists are announced
Pitch-Training
Preparation for the finals with Venturelab (remote option)
1 to 16 September 2021
Public voting
Members of the general public vote online for their favourite
16 September 2021
Pitch
The 10 finalists present their pitch to the panel (remote option)
16 September 2021
The 5 winners are announced
21 September 2021
Exploration briefing on the exploration programme (remote)
4 October 2021
Individual briefing on the exploration programme (remote)
Preperation gets underway. The joint collaboration begins.
24 to 28 January 2022
Exploration programme with Swisscom's cyber security community experts (Remote Option)
There is a brief profile of the winners and finalists below. You can see previous finalists and winners in the Hall of Fame.
Winners
Finalists
The Swisscom StartUp Challenge’s jury and mentors
The jury includes members of the Swisscom Group Executive Board and Swisscom Security Group and representatives from Swisscom Ventures and our programme partner Venturelab. During the Exploration Week, cyber security experts from Swisscom and our programme partner will provide support and guidance to the winners.
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Roger Wüthrich-Hasenböhler
Chief Digital Officer, Swisscom
Philippe
VuilleumierHead of Group Security, Swisscom
Kathrin
HösliHead of Exploration, Swisscom
Cyrill
PeterHead of Cyber Security Services, Field CTO, Swisscom
Dusan
VuksanovicSecurity Director and Advisor, Swisscom
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Egon
SteinkassererChief Technology Officer B2B, Swisscom
Dominique Mégret
Head of Swisscom Ventures, Swisscom
Marcus
DahlénVP Cyber Security & CISO at Swisscom Outpost
Friederike Hoffmann
Head of Connected Business Solutions, Swisscom
Stefan
SteinerCo-Managing Director, Venturelab
More insights
The winners of the StartUp Challenge 2020
In 2020, the Swisscom StartUp Challenge was open to start-ups from around the world for the first time. The competition called for 5G applications and prototypes. On 17 December, the ten best start-ups from among more than 125 applicants from 30 different countries pitched their ideas to the jury. Learn more about the five winners.
Swisscom StartUp Challenge: Fotokite provides more insights for rescue workers
For Fotokite, winning the Swisscom StartUp Challenge 2020 came at the right time. The three-month exploration phase allows the start-up to explore the possibilities offered by 5G for its tethered drones for rescue workers. In addition, new perspectives open up on the business side.