Nicolas Bideau, the voice of an innovative and sustainable Switzerland abroad
To celebrate 15 years of commitment to sustainable innovation, CleantechAlps is launching the “15 years – 15 faces” initiative, highlighting personalities who are shaping the Swiss cleantech ecosystem. Among them, Nicolas Bideau embodies the international dimension of our country’s sustainability.. As former director of Presence Switzerland, he made clean technologies one of the priorities for promoting Switzerland abroad.
For Nicolas Bideau, the role of embassies is clear: they represent all of their country’s interests, but certain issues must be prioritized, such as sustainable development. “This issue affects everyone: it’s about securing our future. Switzerland therefore has every interest in promoting its startups, researchers, and companies involved in cleantech.”
This conviction led to the launch of the traveling exhibition “Can Tech Save the World?in collaboration with CleantechAlps. “Promotion also means knowing how to capture people’s attention. The title is thought-provoking, and the exhibition showcases Switzerland’s commitment to sustainability, its innovation ecosystem, and the concrete solutions that are emerging from it. It is both a political and an economic message.”
A solid image, urgent challenges
Switzerland enjoys a strong academic reputation internationally, particularly in the field of renewable energy. “Our landscapes also reflect this sustainable image: think of the dams in our mountains. It’s both real and symbolic.”
But he believes that diplomacy can no longer act alone: “It must work hand in hand with researchers, start-ups and economic players. It’s a win-win situation: Switzerland strengthens its image, and its partners gain visibility and impact.”
His personal background has shaped this vision. “Traveling has opened my eyes, especially in Africa and Asia. You see how badly some regions are affected by climate change. As a diplomat, I have always believed that Switzerland, as an exporting and privileged country, should lead by example by investing in sustainable solutions here and elsewhere.”
One experience in particular left a lasting impression on him: the disappearance of the Aral Sea. “It’s a dramatic example of the importance of water management and the consequences of climate change. It had a profound effect on me.”
Reaching out to the world to act for the world
In his view, Swiss cleantech companies wishing to expand internationally must first and foremost immerse themselves in local contexts. “You have to go out, travel, and understand people’s needs. Swiss technologies can make a difference, but they have to be connected to the realities on the ground.” He also emphasizes the role that Swiss development cooperation can play in facilitating these connections.
Why does Switzerland attract cleantech start-ups? For him, there are many reasons: “Stability, innovation, strong links between research and SMEs, openness to the world… Switzerland tics all the boxes. It has managed to maintain a strong industrial base while remaining at the forefront of research. And it takes sustainability issues seriously.”
Additional information : Expo “Can techsave the world ?”
Nicolas Bideau's favorite quote
« Don't put off until tomorrow what you can do today. »
Nicolas Bideau has chosen a simple but essential maxim—especially when it comes to sustainability: He concludes by saying, “When it comes to sustainability, this is truer than ever. We must act now.”
A strategic voice for sustainable Switzerland
Nicolas Bideau headed Presence Switzerland from 2011 to 2024, within the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs. In this role, he worked to promote Switzerland’s international standing by highlighting its strengths in democracy, innovation, and sustainability.
In collaboration with CleantechAlps, he initiated the traveling exhibition “Can Tech Save the World?”, a project designed to showcase Swiss cleantech solutions abroad, combining a political message with a focus on the sustainable innovation ecosystem.
The 15-year anniversary concept
For the past 15 years, CleantechAlps has been committed to advancing its vision and connecting talents, stakeholders and solutions that drive the transition toward a more sustainable future in Western Switzerland. To mark this anniversary, we wish to highlight the individuals who bring our ecosystem to life every day — through their projects, their dedication and their vision.
“15 Years – 15 Faces” features fifteen personalities, fifteen journeys, fifteen voices that embody cleantech. From technology to policy, from research to industry, from local to international — these women and men are building, each in their own way, the cleantech solutions of today and tomorrow. Through their stories, we share with you the successes to which CleantechAlps has contributed — notably by serving as a facilitator of connections, dialogue, and collaboration. Discover their passion. Their inspiration. And their vision for a more sustainable future.
