Blockchain Nation Switzerland (2021–2024)

Blockchain Nation Switzerland was an Innosuisse support program, with the Swiss Blockchain Federation as the leading house.

As a national innovation promotion program, Blockchain Nation Switzerland has been active between 2021 and 2024 with the support of the Swiss Innovation Agency Innosuisse and under the direction of the Swiss Blockchain Federation. The objective was to strengthen Switzerland as a leading ecosystem for blockchain innovation and to promote ideas based on technology, supported by a strong network of business and science.

Impact and achievements of Blockchain Nation Switzerland

  • Over 100 project ideas resulted from the Challenge Stage, of which over 50 were supported as part of the Idea Stage.
  • More than 20 partner organizations from business, administration, and science across the country were actively involved.
  • Establishment of a network within the Swiss blockchain community.
  • Direct contribution to positioning Switzerland as a renowned blockchain nation.
  • Visibly strengthening the collaborative innovation ecosystem around Distributed Ledger Technologies.

Selected Examples of Supported Projects

  • Chainstaff
    Chainstaff is a blockchain-based platform that connects companies with suitable professionals through a user network. At its core is a referral and reward system in which job postings are shared via personal contacts, with successful referrals being compensated. This allows companies to reach both active and passive job seekers, while keeping the hiring process cost-efficient and effective. The project helps to address the shortage of qualified professionals.
    Learn more
  • AELIG.art
    AELIG develops e-paper frames that make digital artworks and NFTs physically visible while linking them with blockchain technology. Through a patented process, each artwork is securely paired with its frame, ensuring that authenticity and ownership are verifiable beyond doubt. The solution targets collectors, artists, and galleries who want to experience digital art securely, sustainably, and in the physical space. In doing so, AELIG builds a bridge between the digital and real art worlds.
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  • Data Center at Home
    Data Center at Home is developing a sustainable heating system that repurposes excess heat generated by cryptocurrency mining equipment for space and water heating. In doing so, the team offers a cost-effective and environmentally friendly alternative to fossil-fuel-based heating systems, which are still widespread in many Swiss households. The model also allows partial refinancing of heating costs through the revenues generated by mining. The aim is to significantly reduce the use of fossil fuels and accelerate the transition to renewable energies.
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Partnerships and network

A key success factor of Blockchain Nation Switzerland was the close cooperation with a large number of committed partner organizations from business, research, the public sector, and civil society.

All partners at a glance:

Activities and formats of Blockchain Nation Switzerland

  • Innovation Pitch Days
    Blockchain Nation Switzerland organized pitch days in various regions of Switzerland. Research and business were brought together there to further develop blockchain ideas that had previously been generated at the challenges. The ideas were presented to a panel of experts consisting of representatives from Blockchain Nation Switzerland’s research and implementation partners. The jury decided which disruptive ideas had the most potential and were therefore tested and further developed with the support of Blockchain Nation Switzerland.
  • Blockchain Hackathons
    The Swiss Blockchain Hackathon – as a challenge format that resulted in ideas – took place every September. In 2022 and 2023, the Swiss Blockchain Hackathon entered a partnership with Europe’s largest hackathon – HackZurich – and contributed blockchain challenges to it.

Blockchain Nation Switzerland was more than a support program – it was a catalyst for ideas, talent, and collaboration in a cutting-edge technology sector.

Pitch Day in Lugano

Swiss Blockchain Hackathon at HackZurich 2023

Audience at HackZurich 2023

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