Switzerland. For a guy born and raised in Como, the neighbourhood. Beyond that, It’s not the first country that comes to mind when talking about food except, of course, for cheese and chocolate (no stereotypes here). But maybe that’s precisely why it’s emerging as one of the world’s most exciting foodtech ecosystems. After all, as we’ve often discussed, a strong traditional food culture can sometimes hinder innovation. Switzerland, unburdened by culinary dogma, is proving just the opposite.
The southernmost point in Switzerland. (Credit: Ticino.ch) https://maps.app.goo.gl/KFdLaJ6zA4GUBj1h6 It’s just as obvious that when people think of Switzerland, the first thing that comes to mind is probably money. But does a vast amount of capital alone guarantee a thriving ecosystem? Of course not. So, with a generous dose of irony, masked prejudice, and stereotypes, here’s a breakdown of the key reasons behind Switzerland’s remarkable success in foodtech (and innovation in general), compared to other European countries (I omitted the European countries in question, but you can easily imagine which ones—a fun challenge) A tax system that’s refreshingly light No suffocating unions or endless strikes. Trust and loyalty — not just empty words. No delusions of global superiority — just steady progress. A favorable climate (at least south of the Alps). Discipline and rule of law — because chaos is bad for business. What's definitely Switzerland's secret sauce? Less ego, more execution. Of course, no offense intended, folks—just a bit of healthy irony so we don’t take ourselves too seriously. But it's not all sunshine and roses, unfortunately. When I began writing this article, I believed Switzerland was immune to the sovereigntist tide sweeping across Europe. However, the Swiss Supreme Court's bans on Planted products, on May 2nd forced me to reconsider. I don't know what your opinion on the matter is, but you'll agree with me that sovereigntism and conservatism are the worst enemies of technological innovation, won't you?CONFOEDERATIO HELVETICA
A (PERMANET) STAIN?
That’s the overview done, now let’s dive into the heart of it! Following the rankings of the 100 most influential figures in Italian foodtech and the top 100 globally, I'm so excited now to present a list of the 70 leading innovators shaping Switzerland’s foodtech and food innovation landscape. I’ve added a short description for each: a playful touch for those I know well, and a more straightforward one for those I don’t. THE LIST
1 - Alessandra Roversi - Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation
Where food meets politics – she’s at the heart of it all.
2 - Alessandro Fontana – Mulino Maroggia
Innovation in milling? Absolutely. He’s proving it every day.
3 - Alexandre Bastos – Givaudan
A global ambassador of Swiss food innovation – leading with vision and impact.
4 - Andrea Tassistro – Various Ventures
Serial entrepreneur and investor (yes, also in food). What doesn’t he do?
5 - Angelo Bondi – Manor
T urning food scouting into an art form, with a keen eye on innovation.
6 - Annalisa Ziliani – Swiss Business Hub
Driving Swiss-Italian foodtech cooperation from the consulate and making a real difference.
7 - Annina Winkler – Emerald Ventures
A powerful blend of investment, tech, and unstoppable girl power.
8 - Antonio Davila – HEC Lausanne
Food needs open innovation. Open innovation needs him.
9 - Barbara Schandli – Mondelez International
Shaping the snacks of the future. Because the future of snacking is already in her hands.
10 - Bénédicte Veinand – Agilery
Over 20 years in food innovation, and still inspiring the next generation.
11 - Billie Maude Hauser – ETH Zurich
Manager at ETH Zürich World Food System Center. No further explanation needed.
12 - Brij Sahi – Swiss DeCode
Decoding the complexities of Swiss food. A real challenge.
13 - Caroline Costa – Barry Callebaut
Driving innovation in one of Switzerland’s most iconic products. No small feat.
14 - Christian Bartsch – Essento
A true pioneer in the edible insect market. Swiss pride.
15 - Christina Senn Jakobsen – Swiss Food & Nutrition Valley
At the forefront and on the top of Swiss food innovation, with commitment and collaboration. Enough said.
16 - Claire Smith – Beyond Animal
Combining activism and investment in support of veganism. A respected voice in the space.
17 - Claire Casteran – Cluster Food & Nutrition
Fully dedicated to fostering collaboration within Switzerland’s food innovation ecosystem.
18 - Constantin Makarhov – Kidemis
Once (and still) at Hempfy, now at Kidemis. You be the judge.
19 - Daniel Protz – FlavorWiki
The "Nerd King" of coding food sensory profiles. Does it sound so excting?
20 - Daniela Steiner – Felfel
A passionate trailblazer in high-tech vending solutions.
21 - Daria Rosch – Agrinorm
Championing quality and consistency in fresh produce through data and tech.
22 - Denis Weinberg – Umami
Growing better food for a better world. A true hero.
23 - Dominique Pierre Locher – Various
The ultimate Key Opinion Leader in all things digital food—and one of the most active investors out there.
24 - Elena Gross – KetoSwiss
A rising star in Switzerland’s “Food as Medicine” movement.
25 - Emilie Dellecker – HackGroup
HackGroup. The name says it all. The number 1
26 - Erik Linke – FoodSolutions
A pillar in the world of functional ingredients.
27 - Francesco Dell'Endice – QualySense
A revolutionary pioneer in agricultural product quality control.
28 - Frederic Mauch – BioApply
Holding ground in the crowded and demanding bio-packaging space.
29 - Gabriele Corte – Ceresio Investors
A banker truly committed to food innovation. Thankfully, not just a dream.
30 - Giacomo Cattaneo – Food Founders
A solid foundation to elevate food tech-transfer in Switzerland to the next level.
31 - Ingeborg Gasser-Kriss – Various Roles
A solid, wide-ranging track record of pushing food innovation to the next level.
32 - Jennifer McCloskey – Swisscom Ventures
Wondering how telecom and foodtech connect? She’s your answer.
33 - Jerome Penot – Zebra Ventures
A trusted investor and true food enthusiast. What more could you ask for?
34 - Laura Camurri – Various Roles
A vibrant force in Swiss food innovation, eclectic, dedicated, and always in the spotlight.
35 - Laurent Freixe – Nestlé
A textbook case in staying ahead: when innovation is non-negotiable.
36 - Marco Tschanz – Bell Group
Leading a meat company into the future with alternative proteins. That says it all.
37 - Marco Iotti – Various Roles
An outstanding profile shaping the benchmark for Swiss foodtech ventures.
38 - Margherita Pinardi – The Earth Foundation
At the forefront of new strides in food sustainability.
39 - Mariana Gonzalez – Collateral Ventures
A key player in impact investing and a major force in the food space.
40 - Marina Helm Romaneschi – Swiss Food Research
Possibly the most effective ecosystem builder in Swiss food innovation, driven by a passion for connection.
41 - Marison Ian – Planetary
Steering the next wave of fermentation technology. The future is brewing.
42 - Markus Venzin – EHL Group
Bringing academic excellence and strategic leadership to shape the future of food and hospitality.
43 - Marta Antonelli – Barilla Foundation
Advancing the dialogue between sustainability, nutrition, and policy with intellect and purpose.
44 - Matteo Vanotti – xFarm Technologies
Featured in the Top Global, Top Italy, and now Top Switzerland (the only one) Not by chance, just true foodtech leadership (and yes, he's a personal favorite too).
45 - Matteo Panzavolta – Autena
Driving digital transformation in agri-food logistics with precision and vision.
46 - Matthias König – Foodflows
Rewiring food supply chains with innovation that matters.
47 - Mei Pallàs – DSM Firmenich
Championing health, nutrition, and sustainability from one of the most influential industry platforms.
48 - Mine Uran – Alver
From microalgae to macro impact, leading the protein revolution with purpose.
49 - Monia Caramma – Vieille Graine
Rescuing ancient grains to feed the future, cultural, regenerative, and visionary.
50 - Naomi MacKenzie – Kitro
On a mission to eliminate food waste with tech-driven insight and relentless focus.
52 - Nicolas Bürer – Various Roles
A dynamic figure across the Swiss innovation scene, connecting the dots between tech, entrepreneurship, and impact.
53 - Nicolas Menesses – MassChallenge
MassChallenge. What else? Fueling the next wave of agrifoodtech startups, where ideas turn into impact.
53 - Nina Bachmann – HSLU
Bridging applied research and real-world solutions in the food innovation ecosystem.
54 - Olga Dubey – AgroSustain
Turning science into sustainability, biotech at its best for a greener food chain.
55 - Pascal Bieri – Planted
Der Köking. Le Roi. Il Re. El Rey. Bringing Swiss excellence to the global plant-based stage
56 - Renzo Verne – Swiss Cocoa Platform
Driving sustainability in one of the world’s most beloved commodities.
57 - Roger Lienhard – Blue Horizon
An early visionary shaping the future of food through sustainable investment and bold bets. Without animals, ça va sans dire.
58 - Roman Hartmann – Farmy
Reinventing the grocery model with tech, transparency, and farm-fresh commitment.
59 - Ronald Herculejins – Swiss Lachs
Proving that sustainable aquaculture isn’t just possible, it’s thriving in Switzerland. One of the first ever featured on my blog.
60 - Sibilla Quadri – Ticinoate
Bringing regional innovation to the national stage with passion and precision.
61 - Simone Theiss – EPFL Innovation Park
At the crossroads of research, startups, and scale-up—building the next generation of foodtech leaders.
62 - Stefan Scheiber – Bühler Group
Steering one of Switzerland’s most iconic companies toward a more sustainable and food-secure future.
63 - Stefania Bellaio – Migros
Driving plant-based revolution from the inside of a Swiss retail giant. Impressive
64 - Steve Tanner – Ecorobotix
Where robotics meets regenerative agriculture—precision, impact, and a cleaner planet.
65 - Suzanne Hraba-Renevey – BusinessIn
A connector of people, purpose, and projects—shaping the future through innovation and influence.
66 - Tobias Gunzenhauser – Yamo
Reinventing baby food with clean ingredients, bold vision, and startup spirit.
67 - Tomas Turner – Cosaic
Fusing data, tech, and transparency to empower smarter, more sustainable food choices.
68 - Vincent Vida – Upgrain
Upcycling grains, upgrading nutrition, leading circularity in food with real impact.
69 - Walfredo Della Gherardesca – Genuine Way
Bringing blockchain and traceability to the heart of conscious consumerism.
70 - Yuri Vasilkov – Gamaya
Unlocking the potential of agtech with aerial insights and data-driven precision.
What do you think about this list?
If you liked the article, feel free to share it in your network.