AWARDS 2022
HI-TECH ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR
Marija Plodinec
CO-FOUNDER ARTIDIS
The Basel-based biotech company, which emerged in 2017 as a spin off from the Biozentrum, has developed a nanomechanical biomarker for cancer that diagnoses the disease in less than three hours, detects its aggressiveness and predicts the likelihood that a patient will develop metastases. The award recognizes "the degree of innovation/novelty, the potential to scale globally, and the value creation / added value for the Basel region.
LO-TECH ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR
CATHERINE MEUTER
CO-FOUNDER VYN SNEAKERS
The Basel-based startup, founded in 2020, has re-designed and re-engineered the most vulnerable parts of the sneaker so that they can be replaced by the wearers* themselves. The eco-innovation is made of high-quality materials of Italian craftsmanship. With the "world's first repairable and durable sneaker," Vyn now aims to revolutionize the footwear industry and put a stop to material waste".
ADVOCATES OF THE YEAR
INITIATOR AND FOUNDER
MANAGING DIRECTOR
For 18 years, this pioneering institution has been helping women with migration and refugee backgrounds from all over the world to achieve sustainable independence through empowerment, coaching and a comprehensive range of training programs. Time and again, Crescenda sets milestones with innovative projects, most recently with the launch of the cooperative for cleaning and everyday help "flexifeen", and is committed to the importance of female entrepreneurship with numerous public appearances and publications.
NOMINEES
HIGH-TECH ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR
The High-Tech Entrepreneur of the Year award recognizes a founder who has made significant contributions in the development of cutting-edge technologies to create innovative products or services that have a significant impact on society. This award honors the dedication, perseverance and achievements of founders who have demonstrated entrepreneurial skills, leadership, and vision in launching tech-driven ventures, positioning them as role models and inspiration for future generations.
NOMINEES
LO-TECH ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR
The Lo-Tech Entrepreneur of the Year award recognizes a founder with remarkable achievements in the Lo-Tech business landscape. This category celebrates entrepreneurs who have demonstrated outstanding leadership, strategic thinking, innovative approaches to launch and grow their businesses across various industries, creating jobs and contributing to the economic growth and development of their communities. This award honors the role of business founders as inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs in diverse industries.
NOMINEES
ADVOCATE OF THE YEAR
The Advocate of the Year recognizes a remarkable individual, initiative or organisation showing outstanding commitment and dedication to advocating for gender equality and empowerment of women in female intra- and entrepreneurship. This award honors their significant contributions as a catalyst for change to promote equal opportunities for women* in the innovation ecosystem.
