From mushroom-based natural foam to vertical wind turbines – the seventh Green Business Award
once again showcases the wide variety of nominees. Each year the award honors companies that
combine ecological impact with economic success, thereby shaping the future of a sustainable
economy.
37 companies with diverse solutions are nominated for the seventh Green Business Award: ranging
from up-and-coming scale-ups to large corporations that have transformed their business models
toward genuine sustainability. Among the nominees is a startup that has developed a sewing thread
which completely dissolves under the influence of water, pressure and heat – an innovation with great
potential for the textile industry. Also, a third-generation family business that uses its own
sustainability index to transparently show how environmentally friendly and circular each piece of
furniture is.
Innovations in the energy sector
This year, the energy sector stands out with a remarkable number of nominated solutions. A vertical
wind turbine is setting new standards in energy generation, while geothermal panels are transforming
underground spaces such as parking garages into renewable sources of heating and cooling. A heatreflective coating helps reduce heating costs, thereby improving the energy efficiency of buildings. This
marks an important step forward, considering that the building sector is responsible for approximately
23 % of Switzerland’s greenhouse gas emissions, according to the Federal Office for Environment1.
«Technological innovation in the energy sector plays a key role in driving the energy transition”, says
Doris Leuthard, former Federal Councilor and President of the Green Business Award jury. «Once
again, the nominees demonstrate the diversity and forward-thinking nature of these solutions. They
are an inspiration for the entire economy to actively help shape the transition.»
The importance of impact investing is increasing
«Personally, I am very pleased that this year, some sustainable solutions from companies in the
financial sector are represented», says Cédric Habermacher, Director of Green Business Switzerland.
«It shows that the topic of impact investing remains important and that we are on the right track with
our new strategy.» For the past year, the Green Business Award has been presented jointly with Impact
Gstaad. At the finale, the finalists are given the opportunity to pitch their solutions to investors to
obtain growth capital.
The selection process for the Green Business Award is unique and takes place in several stages. The selection process of the Green Business Award follows a unique, multi-stage procedure. After
around 40 partner organizations – such as the Federal Office for the Environment, Solar Impulse, Swiss
Textiles and the WWF – have submitted their nominations, a preliminary jury awards the five best
solutions with the label «Green Business Excellence». These five companies then pitch their solutions
to the main jury, chaired by Doris Leuthard.
LThe winner will be announced on February 13, 2026, at the Impact Circle event in Gstaad.
Congratulations to all the companies that are members of our CleantechAlps network for their nominations!
Source: Press release
