About
A global and annual event
GEW Switzerland is inspired by Global Entrepreneurship Week (GEW), a global and annual event each November, dedicated to entrepreneurship, ecosystems and networking and matchmaking. GEW is the world’s largest celebration of the innovators and job creators who launch startups that bring ideas to life, drive economic growth and expand human welfare.
During one week, GEW inspires people everywhere through local, national and global activities designed to help them take the next step in their entrepreneurial journey. Large-scale competitions and networking events connect participants to potential collaborators, mentors and even investors.
GEW is met with approval from politics and economics i.a. by the former British PM Gordon Brown, the US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, the president of the French Republic Nicolas Sarkozy, Sir Richard Branson as well as by Michael Dell.
GEW has about 35,000 events in more than 170 countries and attracts about 10 million visitors.
11th edition of GEW Switzerland
In 2021, Swissparks organises GEW Switzerland for the 11th time.
The HUB Entrepreneuriat et Innovation of the University of Lausanne participated 2020 with 14 virtual events (livestreams from the studio) for 15’000 students for the second time. UniL also acts 2021 as key Partner.
GEW Switzerland started in 2011 with numerous events in the canton of Berne. In 2012 GEW grew on a national scale.
In 2019 there were more than 3000 participants attending 90 events across ten cantons and 13 cities. The over 30 Swiss GEW organizers include incubators, innovation and technology parks, impact hubs, universities and founder centres. The variety of activities ranges from information events to interactive workshops to investors days.
2020 was a special year: Because of the Corona pandemic most of the 80 events were online (press release 2020).
Participants
Organizations can get involved in a variety of capacities — planning events and activities as a local partner or even coordinating the initiative for an entire country as a GEW host. Individuals interested in exploring their entrepreneurial potential can find a broad array of activities. Entrepreneurs and investors can share their ideas and experiences — face-to-face or online.
Benefits
- Raise awareness of your organization and gain recognition for your work.
- Reach new audiences within your community.
- Strengthen connections with existing supporters and sponsors etc.
