Simone Wyss Fedele connects Swiss cleantech companies to the world with S-GE
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 is Simone Wyss Fedele, Director of Switzerland Global Enterprise (S-GE), who works daily to strengthen the international presence of Swiss companies.
Before joining S-GE, Simone Wyss Fedele worked in the life sciences, technology, and insurance sectors. “These experiences taught me what it takes to succeed internationally. Innovation is essential, but it is the right strategic positioning, market by market, that guarantees lasting success.”
At S-GE, she saw her mission as an opportunity to replicate this internationalization excellence across thousands of Swiss SMEs, many of which are in the cleantech sector.
Every year, S-GE supports more than 6,500 Swiss companies, including around 600 in the cleantech sector. Thanks to a specific agreement focused on sustainable infrastructure, the organization identifies large-scale market opportunities while providing personalized advice, market analysis, and access to a global network.
“We help companies position their sustainable innovations internationally, in collaboration with governments, multilateral financing institutions, and the business community,” she explains.
An innovative economy, a responsibility to fulfill
Regarding the Swiss Cleantech Report, to which she actively contributed, Simone Wyss Fedele highlights the unique strengths of Switzerland’s economic fabric. “Our economy has learned to succeed despite limited natural resources. Proximity to customers, a demanding regulatory framework and a collaborative ecosystem have forged a strong innovative force in cleantech.”
But this capacity for innovation goes hand in hand with increased responsibility: “Our high purchasing power generates a significant ecological footprint. We have a responsibility to reduce it.”
She also points out that demand for sustainable technologies is growing worldwide, particularly in the infrastructure sector, driven in particular by the commitments of the Paris Agreement and multilateral financing of USD 300 billion per year. In the face of geopolitical tensions and the fragmentation of international trade, she believes that the most resilient Swiss companies can come out on top, provided they offer innovative solutions focused on customer needs.
“We are convinced that S-GE, with its partners such as Team Switzerland Infrastructure and CleantechAlps, can play a key role in supporting Swiss cleantech companies internationally.”
Setting an example internationally
For Simone Wyss Fedele, reports such as the Swiss Cleantech Report play a crucial role in Switzerland’s image abroad. “They demonstrate that Switzerland is a global leader in innovation and sustainability. They show that our companies are taking concrete action in an environment that is conducive to cutting-edge technologies.”
Internationalization is not without its obstacles: geopolitical tensions, protectionism, fragmentation of trade. But she also sees an opportunity: “Resilient companies that offer innovative, customer-focused solutions can come out on top.”
A forward-looking ecosystem
“Digitalization and climate change will be major themes in the coming years. Switzerland offers an ideal ecosystem for continuing to develop innovative, customer-focused solutions.” Simone Wyss Fedele also emphasizes the key role of strategic partnerships, both in Switzerland and internationally, in ensuring the sector’s competitiveness.
“In collaboration with SECO and our partners in Switzerland and abroad, we are committed to developing our support for Swiss cleantech companies so that they remain visible, active, and competitive internationally.”
Additional information : www.s-ge.com
A strategic commitment to sustainable innovation
Simone Wyss Fedele is CEO of Switzerland Global Enterprise (S-GE), Switzerland’s official export and investment promotion agency. With cross-sector experience in life sciences, technology, and insurance, she uses her expertise to support the internationalization of Swiss SMEs, particularly in high-impact areas such as cleantech.
S-GE works closely with partners in Switzerland and abroad, including CleantechAlps, to support Swiss companies in their international development while promoting Switzerland’s attractiveness for sustainable technologies
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.
