Do you want to start a new business or complete an existing offer? Here are 50 ideas that are being talked about abroad, commented on by a panel of Swiss experts.

“Nothing is lost, nothing is created, everything is transformed,” said French chemist Antoine Lavoisier. A formula that can also be applied to the world of entrepreneurship. Using the model of a company existing abroad makes it possible to have certain essential data before launching yourself: competition, customers or even fair prices for the products or services offered.

United States, France, Germany, South Korea or Japan: our selection of original examples comes from all over the world. However, it must then succeed in adapting the concept to the specifics of the local market. We can thus imagine joining forces with a foreign company to develop its model in Swiss soil. Last year, more than 40,000 companies were created in Switzerland, a new record! Maybe this year will be your turn? Starting signal!

1. Arcade room in virtual reality

Exploiting the craze around virtual reality games, this is the principle of the Playdium VR brand, based in Hong Kong. The place offers game studios that can be privatized to accommodate up to ten people at the same time. More than thirty virtual reality games are available there today, a number expected to increase. Created in 2016, it is the first structure of this type in the country.

Remy Assir: “There is no doubt that virtual reality games are growing and bringing about a real revolution in the video game market. The problem today is the cost of high quality equipment, which is high for the average person. In the future, I think we will see improved and cheaper devices that will allow users to play and interact with each other from home, without having to go to an arcade. ”

2. Yoga for the tough

Yoga relaxes, muscles, relaxes … and can now be practiced only between men. To spread the benefits of yoga to men, Robert Sidoti invented the concept called Broga (contraction of brother and yoga). His solution is to offer men “real tools to cope with stress and the demands of everyday life” through a fitness program based on yoga, but taught “from the point of view of man” . Founded in the United States, the company claimed in 2016 some 12,000 customers and 500 teachers around the world thanks to free online videos.

Sandy Wetzel: “In my opinion, it is above all a concept of communication which makes it possible to interest a new target audience other than women in yoga. This company adopts a young and modern positioning targeting dynamic, cosmopolitan and urban men. This yoga could find its audience in the Lake Geneva region. ”

3. A connected watch for the visually impaired

More than 200 million people worldwide are visually impaired, 36 million of whom are blind, according to the latest WHO figures. The Korean start-up DOT Inc. has developed a connected watch whose screen displays characters in Braille. To do this, 36 “pins” are activated via a magnet system. This raised display allows you to receive calls, view messages, notifications and emails. If desired, the user can also display the time in Arabic numerals. The watch also allows learning braille for people who, for the moment, have a slight visual impairment. The sentences are displayed simultaneously in their original form on the phone and in Braille on the watch. The price of the watch is set at 400 francs.

Sandy Wetzel: “It’s a totally innovative product! It has the merit of opening the Internet of Things and wearables to the world of the visually impaired. Especially since it is emerging in a market where, to my knowledge, innovations are still limited. The technology seems to work. However, I have doubts about its ability to display a whole message on a screen of 36 “pins” or to provide a real Braille learning program. “

4. Rabbit cafes

After the cat bars, here is the variant with rabbits! From Tokyo to Hong Kong, Bunny Cafés are a hit. According to the formulas, it is possible to cuddle them, play with them, feed them or take pictures with them. However, some establishments have drawn up a list of rules on entry. Thus, it is forbidden to pull the ears of animals. But this trend does not stop at rabbits or cats. Indeed, Japan has also seen the opening of an owl bar and a reptile cafe.

Frank Gerritzen: “Japan provides animals to pet in public establishments because people do not want four-legged friends at home. This is not the case in Switzerland. The announcement effect having passed, I doubt very much the enthusiasm that this kind of initiative will arouse… without forgetting the reluctance of consumers to enter establishments that smell of animals. ”

5. Cosmetics based on processed fruit waste

Riding on the wave of sustainable cosmetics, the English start-up Fruu has created a range of lip balms composed of ingredients extracted from 15 types of fruit. Most are created from processed fruit waste. This method “generates additional vital income for small fruit producers”. Made in workshops in England, the products are certified by the animal defense NGO PETA and guaranteed without animal protein. Among the flavors on offer are avocado, pomegranate, coconut and mango. Part of the profits from the sale of the tubes, between 4 and 6 francs, is donated to WWF in order to preserve the environment.

Sandy Wetzel: “This product is clearly part of an ecological trend and there is growing demand in this niche. The brand will therefore find its audience. Its great strength lies in promoting the circular economy by using processed fruit waste and making its products as and when ordered. We need more companies with this approach in Switzerland. ”

6. Optimization of workspaces

Meeting rooms that remain empty or unused offices: the French start-up Jooxter wants to solve these problems through an offer that combines web platform and connected objects. A service which also wants to be useful in preparing a reorganization of the premises which is well accepted by the employees.

Caroline Coquerel: “Optimizing the use of spaces and improving the profitability of surfaces are topical subjects. Such a project will thus find a very rapidly evolving market in Switzerland. The challenges relate in particular to aspects such as the corporate culture, the modification of working methods, the rearrangement of spaces requiring investment and depreciation capacity or even the security of access to the premises of large companies. ”

7. Mobile urban vegetable garden

Making the culture of a vegetable garden accessible to everyone is the ambition of the Italian company Orto Urbano, which specializes in mobile urban gardens. Designed from the recycling of pallets initially intended for maritime transport, these kits consist of a bin in spare parts whose assembly is particularly easy. It can be found on balconies, terraces or even in offices. Equipped with casters, the bin can easily be moved to adjust its exposure to the sun or rain. It is possible to plant flowers, aromatic herbs or vegetables.

David Davinroy: “The Orto Urbano concept is accompanied by an attractive educational dimension. But it should not be overlooked that the Swiss climate makes cultivation delicate. In our region, the exposure of balconies is not ideal for planting. Getting to grow a vegetable garden in these conditions takes a lot of work. If the object seems attractive at first, its long-term success seems to me to be compromised. ”

8. Rent a goat to clear the bush

No more pollution from brushcutters! For ecological maintenance of areas overgrown with vegetation, the Californian company Rent A Goat offers goats for rent. Greedy, the goats graze on the most stubborn herbs. Resistant, they replace herbicides and eradicate pests and invasives. From a sustainable and ecological perspective, they also fertilize the soil with their excrement. For a softer mowing, the sheep version for rent adapts to gardens and green spaces. In Paris, on certain public lawns and the edges of the ring road, sheep are already used as clippers.

Eric Plan: “This green concept can be developed at a cantonal or municipal level for example. In a city, goats can replace road workers and take care of clearing roadsides for example. In private homes, it seems difficult to let a herd of goats roam in a garden, unless it is overgrown. These animals do not distinguish the plantations and would ransack them. ”

9. Customizable treats

The English start-up Boomf specializes in the design of candies on which it is possible to have an image or text printed. Launched in 2013, the company has also become known for the original and customizable cards it produces. When these cards open, confetti or a cardboard cube springs from the envelope, guaranteeing a surprising and playful effect.

David Davinroy: “It seems to me that this product really has potential. Swiss consumers like to have some control over what they are going to offer. It is an easy purchase because its price is really reasonable. The cards offered by the brand are festive and the excitement of the surprise they cause is, I think, a guarantee of success. In addition, the target audience is particularly large, which is also very promising. ”

10. Unlimited concerts and evenings

Developed by two young French entrepreneurs, Guestme presents itself as the “Netflix of live music”. The start-up offers two monthly subscription packages (33 euros for one person and 60 euros for a duo), which provide access to concerts and hand-picked parties in Paris. About fifty offers are made to subscribers each month, three days before the event in question. The sesame also gives the opportunity to access announced full concerts or certain private parties.

Remy Assir: “This is a fine example of a disruptive business model. Guestme offers three types of customer value. Subscribers get good value for money, paying a modest monthly fee for access to a variety of different concerts. The value of the experience is also provided because customers benefit from a choice of concerts to attend, available in a single device, thus avoiding the hassle of finding and reserving seats each time. Finally, there is value in the platform itself: by building a vast network of customers, Guestme creates competitive pressure for concerts to sell their places on its platform. ”

11. Investing in trees

Reconciling sustainable development and profitability: this virtuous credo is that of EcoTree. To put it into practice, this French start-up buys or plants forests and maintains them at its expense. It is remunerated by offering an atypical investment to its customers: becoming the owner of one or more trees which will increase in value as they grow. The investor recovers his stake on the sale of the wood when the trees are cut. Since 2016, this company has raised more than 1 million euros and planted 56,300 trees in Brittany. A forest that absorbed the equivalent of the CO2 emissions of 2,840 Paris-New York flights.

Eric Plan: “In Switzerland, the exploitation of forests remains expensive and the available land scarce. Unlike the French model, the return on investment here would be low and long. On the other hand, this idea translates well into an approach of corporate social responsibility (CSR). A start-up could propose to “renaturate” or strengthen the biodiversity of spaces by using the funds of companies wishing to achieve their CSR objectives. “

12. High-end portable toilets

Do you dream of getting married in the New England meadows? For this unique day, which you imagine perfect from every point of view, do not neglect the health aspect. The company ElizaJ, based in Massachusetts, offers a rental service for high-end portable toilets, the most complete models of which, fitted out in small caravans, include cloth towels, bouquets of fragrant flowers and baskets for cosmetic products. This hotel-like service will relieve guests who are anxious about raising their taffeta dress outdoors. Eliza J. Kendall’s company offers its services to private clients as well as event organization agencies and caterers.

Pascal Bourgier: “Despite a strong receptivity to the concept of comfort in Switzerland, we spend less time in the open air community than the Americans, followers for example of the sacrosanct weekly barbecue. To this limit is added the small size of the market. I could imagine an international version for this service but, in this case, the expensive Swiss made would constitute another barrier. ”

13. Gourmet vegan burgers

Fast food for vegetarians and vegans? This is the bet of this New York restaurant, which has been serving for some years the great classics of this type of food in vegetable version. Superiority Burger applies to concocting variations around the burger, wraps or pizza. The burger beef steak is thus swapped for a mixture of quinoa, carrots, nuts and spices, while the chicken fillet of the wrap gives way to a slice of tofu.

David Davinroy: “The idea of ​​a vegetarian restaurant offering classic fast food dishes seems to meet real demand. More and more people in Switzerland are adjusting their eating habits and are attracted to vegetarian cuisine. However, the vegetarian offer is still relatively light. The advantage of such an establishment is, in my view, the fact that it could also attract the attention of people who do not follow a vegetarian or vegan diet. ”

14. Pop-up store express

Fashion, furniture or designer objects: the pop-up store concept has been very successful in recent years, focusing on the surprise and entertainment of consumers. The Storefront start-up aims to facilitate the rental and provision of spaces that can accommodate this type of shop.

Raphaël Conz: “It is a judicious concept for certain products adapted to this type of sales. But I fear that the size of the Swiss market is not sufficient, except in Zurich and Geneva. On the other hand, Storefront could add these two cities as well as others (Lausanne, Berne, Lugano, etc.) to its international catalog. The pop-up connects in well-targeted urban areas. ”

15. Culinary tasting kits

Try before you buy is the watchword of Try Food, which offers various gastronomic product tasting kits online. Olive oil, vinegar, pepper or gin can be ordered in small formats, accompanied by a descriptive booklet, in order to test which product is best suited. Customers can then purchase their favorite product in greater quantity from the brand’s website.

David Davinroy: “I think the Swiss population likes the idea of ​​being able to try a product before venturing out. However, the process is relatively demanding in my opinion. The consumer must go to the site for the first time to order the kit, then a second time as soon as the preferred product is chosen. But the presentation and packaging offered by the brand are really successful, which makes it an ideal gift. It would therefore be necessary to adjust the concept in order to go beyond specific consumption and find a way to make it work on a more daily basis. ”

16. Mobile charging of electric vehicles

In Germany, the boom in the electric vehicle market prompted the company Ubitricity to develop a solution to bring power directly to mobile consumers. The company has thus developed with Siemens a portable charging cable that can be connected to terminals installed in the city. Also active in the United Kingdom, Ubitricity has nearly 300 charging stations installed around London. A connected mobile application allows you to follow your electricity consumption in real time to make payments.

Jörg Beckmann: “This innovation is clearly in line with the current mobility trend. Almost all of the 800 companies active in the Swiss electricity sector are seeking to join the new market for electric vehicles. Their challenge: to succeed in associating with the cities

and large groups that manage

the network. ”

17. Simplified agrifood transactions

Founded by two former farmers, the Australian start-up AgriDigital is developing an offer simplifying transactions throughout the production and sale chain of agrifood products. Using blockchain technology, it notably eliminates the tedious and repetitive steps related to the drafting and sending of contracts.

Caroline Coquerel: “This project is part of the trend of foodtech and agritech start-ups. This Australian project seems to be geared towards a specific type of farmers (in terms of area, products and a certain volume of production). To adapt it to our territory, it would be important to study the adequacy between the target audiences of this tool and the structuring of our agricultural world, through a market study and partners who know the field very well. ”

18. Airbnb for older owners

With age, the family nest becomes empty. The American company Silvernest offers seniors a solution to facilitate the rental of a room in their house. A web platform links potential owners and tenants. The approach aims to fight against the loneliness of the elderly, but also to provide them with some income. The structure also supports the owner in his administrative and financial procedures. Already available in sixteen cities, the device should extend to New York, Boston and Seattle soon.

Hilary Murphy: “Many baby boomers are reaching retirement age. Some want company, others need income. This is an interesting opportunity for many of them. It would be great if the system could screen and match potential candidates, since seniors are vulnerable. There should be a trial period for long stays, as well as an easy exit clause for both parties in the event of a culture shock! ”

19. Loyalty card on tablet

No more loyalty cards that accumulate in drawers or wallets! This is the idea of ​​Spoqa, a South Korean start-up that installs shelves in stores, restaurants or cafes. Touchscreen supports allow customers to enter their phone number and earn loyalty points without having to install a mobile application or have a loyalty card. The company claims more than 12 million users in South Korea and 10,000 partners.

Frank Gerritzen: “The idea is attractive to make life easier for customers and, for the merchant, to retain them. The devil is in the details, however: the complexity will be to reach its goal with the least amount of manipulation and time possible. Check out Twint, the Swiss bank payment app that’s struggling to take off. It is much easier to take out a credit card than to open the Twint app, turn on Bluetooth, approve the payment (relatively long). In this kind of service, the customer has to earn something other than points, in this case time or money. ”

20. Sell extreme outdoor products online

Save hours of tedious research for customers wishing to indulge in a thrilling outdoor activity. This service was set up online by the French agency Adrenaline Hunter. Launched in 2016, the website of this start-up is a global catalog of extreme activities which brings together 6,101 services, offered by 2,322 partners in 88 countries. Translated into three languages, the portal compares the offers of several universes: water, air, snow, earth and urban. It allows thrill seekers to book the right activity, in the right place and with a trusted provider.

Etienne Languetin: “The clientele of French outdoor activities does not hesitate to use foreign platforms. This global competition can be an obstacle to the creation of a local business in this sector. Except by placing yourself in a niche: existing sites rarely offer a complete package for someone who would like to do, for example, a week of thrilling activities. It is perhaps in the creation of these activity-accommodation-travel packages that there is a market. ”

21. Targeted business transfer

The French Ouipharma platform connects pharmacists and potential buyers. Knowing a strong craze, the service plans to expand to other areas of activity, such as medical offices or restaurants. The publication of an advertisement is subject to a subscription for a variable amount.

Raphaël Conz: “There are many more freelancers in France, while the vast majority of pharmacies in Switzerland are managed by large groups. Here we do not have the critical mass of independent pharmacies. In addition, the market is relatively saturated: at each street corner, a pharmacy. In Switzerland, Business Broker or Remicom specialize in the transfer of businesses / businesses. Yes for a tool of this type integrated on an existing platform, but not a separate and general business. ”

22. Sell your car in four clicks

The French company EffyCar is committed to selling used vehicles in less than a month. After this period of time, if a car is not sold, the company buys it back from the individual who put it up for sale. Target market: high-end models. To sell your car, the service offered to individuals includes a quote, a free inspection of the car and taking care of the administrative aspects. For buyers, the vehicle is renovated before being delivered to the home with one year of assistance and mechanical warranty.

Jörg Beckmann: “Overall, anything that makes life easier for vehicle owners and drivers is good to take. This type of service is beginning to flourish in Switzerland, the smallest structures that would like to establish themselves in this segment must take this into account. But of course there are still places to take in this market. ”

23. Luxury smoke shop

With the development of the legal cannabis market, Lazydaze Co. wanted to reinvent the traditional smoky boutique, drawing inspiration from the design of the American clothing brand Urban Outfitters and the quality of services from stores like Macy’s. The company not only sells legal marijuana, hemp-related accessories or products, but also decorative items and clothing. It also has a space reserved to taste coffees or hemp teas, while having the possibility of smoking. Lazydaze Co. has been deployed in several cities in Texas, but also in North Carolina, Ohio, Colorado, Nevada and Australia.

Frank Gerritzen: “We are dealing here with a chain of specialist shops, whose success depends on the popularity of the product, the size of the market, the location of the shops and many, many marketing. In itself, there is nothing that prevents such an initiative from succeeding, except the size of the Swiss market and the popularity of cannabis … Fashion effect? Remember twenty-five years ago, there were countless stores that sold cell phones. Mobilezone is the only one that has really managed to survive today… ”

24. Collaborative company canteen

Chicken tajine, chili con carne or moussaka prepared at home before being delivered to the workplace: the French foodtech start-up Avekapeti innovates by making the link between eccentric companies and amateur chefs. The meals, designed from fresh products, are delivered in a few clicks by the individuals themselves. In two years of existence, the company has delivered more than 15,000 meals made by 800 different chefs.

Cyril Déléaval .: “The strong point of this idea is the home-made aspect and the varied meal offer offered to employees of remote companies, who only have access to a limited choice . In terms of challenges, there are hygiene, delivery and regulatory issues to be checked. There would be a market study to be done on smaller cities like La Chaux-de-Fonds. ”

25. Brewing personalized beers

What beer lover has not dreamed of creating their own drink? Rather than cluttering up with a brewing kit and experimenting alone at home, it is better to surround yourself with connoisseurs and enjoy a friendly moment. In Paris, the Beer Fabrique offers workshops to support learners, from the choice of their recipe to the personalization of their bottles. They leave with 15 liters of their craft beer. Nothing like to impress your loved ones! It takes 160 euros for two people, the workshop for four hours.

Hilary Murphy: “One can imagine applying this concept to events such as music festivals, sporting events or weddings, with the labeling remaining as a memory of the moment in question. However, the craft beer market is becoming increasingly crowded. This concept can be seen by most customers as a unique experience. The challenge would be to build a sustainable personalized beer business. ”

26. An intelligent irrigation system

Agriculture uses almost 70% of the water drawn from the water table and rivers. To reduce its impact, the Italian start-up Bluetentacles is developing a system that allows watering the crops only when necessary. The solution developed by the company aims to connect existing equipment to online artificial intelligence, which continuously analyzes climate data and soil moisture.

Caroline Coquerel: “This project brings together strong trends in Switzerland too: our concern for an increasingly critical resource in our country and our research to use less and better thanks to new technologies. More and more start-ups are appearing in Switzerland around agritech and foodtech. Such a project will therefore find competition, partners and a rapidly evolving market on our territory. ”

27. Creation of localized videos

In the age of social networks, video communication is still gaining importance, including for SMEs. The American platform SmartShoot is surfing this trend via its site which allows you to find a videographer or a professional photographer worldwide in just a few clicks, and thus order new content at an attractive price.

Caroline Coquerel: “In other fields, projects are developing with similar models, combining a global platform and highlighting local players, such as Batmaid (cleaning professionals), Buildigo (craftsmen), MagicTomato (local products delivered on same day). These examples show the usefulness of these global platforms for, on the contrary, promoting local jobs and activities. In terms of video and photo offers, two parallel trends are developing: projects like this one to find qualified professionals or ergonomic tools to make high quality videos and content yourself. ”

28. Custom dog food

The London start-up Tails specializes in creating personalized menus for our four-legged friends. The owner of a dog communicates to the company, on his website, the gastronomic preferences and food allergies of his animal. Tails makes him perfectly adapted dishes, delivered to his home once a month. Food preparations can be changed, upon request, at any time. It takes between 12 and 40 francs per month, depending on the complexity of the recipe. Tails also provides advice and devices for dog health (care of hair, teeth, etc.).

Hilary Murphy: “Some people consider their pet as a family member and spoil it as they would any other loved human being. Americans spend $ 70 billion a year on their pets. In the United States, clothing offers, spa treatments, weddings and pet vacations are appearing. “

29. Free meal (served with a little pub)

Based in New York, Lunchspread has launched a brand new restaurant promotion service: groups of employees can place a free tasting order, committing to responding to a survey. The delivery is accompanied by a presentation of the restaurant.

Raphaël Conz: “This business model – being able to define your profile and receive personalized offers – is interesting, while at TripAdvisor, for example, the client must search the site in relation to defined evaluation criteria. Yes, why not push an offer so that local restaurants can cater to a local target audience. Both are winners: for the consumer, it is a system based on his own interest, from his profile, and for the small restaurateur, it is direct marketing at lower cost. But this solution should expand and not only concern the geographic area where you have your office, where you take your lunch break. Because the employees are more and more nomadic, they move from city to city. In my opinion,

30. Poshtel, the upscale youth hostel

A contraction of posh (“chic”) and hostel (“youth hostel”), the Poshtel concept offers a new form of tourist accommodation. The Freehand chain, for example, offers comfortable rooms and suites in five cities in the United States, also at comfortable prices (between 300 and 400 dollars per night), while providing a backpacker atmosphere. Intended for a rather young clientele, the establishments put on evenings, workshops with local artists, all this combined with a restoration of great chefs and a welcome worthy of the name.

Hilary Murphy: “This type of stay helps to better integrate hosts into the local community – especially those looking for authentic tours – with an emphasis on entertainment, art and culture. However, the success of such an experience requires specific skills to unite groups and give a sense of belonging and authenticity, so dear to young generations of travelers. ”

31. Express repair of cyberattacks

Last year, a third of Swiss SMEs were victims of a computer attack, according to a study by the gfs institute Zurich. A phenomenon which is also observed abroad, and which often affects the website. In the UK, SharkGate offers a service that guarantees free repair of a website in one hour, in exchange for a subsequent subscription to computer protection.

Caroline Coquerel: “SharkGate combines a very interesting approach and various facets of our ecosystem: collective intelligence and collaboration at global level, new technologies and artificial intelligence, analogy with the human immune defense mode and innovation of the business model. In Switzerland and at Fongit, such a project would certainly find collaborations and technologies that would be useful for this activity. ”

32. On-site bicycle maintenance

Established in France, the company Cyclofix offers a cycle repair service that travels to users. Encouraging soft mobility, the offer notably includes changing the air chamber in the event of a puncture, adjusting the brakes and gears or even a complete overhaul of the equipment. Also competent on electric bikes, the company sends its repairers on request to Paris, Strasbourg, Bordeaux, Grenoble, Lille and Lyon. These support services can also be requested via a mobile application.

Jörg Beckmann: “In my opinion it would be interesting to specialize in assistance for electric bikes. With their engine, these machines require a new type of maintenance. Another track to follow in connection with this idea: bike sharing, because the purchase of an electric bike remains quite expensive. ”

33. On-board and connected advertising

Advertising is available on all media, and even on water bottles. The French start-up Ads On Board aims to connect advertisers and users of taxis, VTC and shuttles. To do this, the company distributes bottles with QR codes or an advertisement.

Frank Gerritzen: “We can see advertising on the backs of chairlifts, cable cars and airplane seats, why not on water bottles? It is important to be seen as often and as long as possible. On the other hand, the support is not particularly high-end, therefore does not lend itself to luxury products or services. And if you have to scan the QR code to see what it is, few will bother in my opinion, let alone the target audience. ”

34. The social network for childcare

Keeping a child for a few hours is often a headache for parents. Three Berlin entrepreneurs have found a solution by launching the SitEinander mobile app this year. Thanks to this, parents can build a network among themselves to organize childcare. To ensure the balance between the parents, each childcare service accumulates “points”. They are then used as vouchers to be able to benefit from custody. The start-up has just completed a crowdfunding campaign which should allow it to make itself known throughout Germany (at the moment, the application is notably used in Berlin). The service is free – ultimately, the start-up will offer premium paid subscriptions in order to finance itself.

Markus Binggeli: “In Switzerland, many neighbors and families organize themselves via platforms such as Facebook or WhatsApp for different types of activities. The advantage of SitEinander is that all interactions concerning childcare are centralized. However, the Swiss market may be too small for such an application. To make it work, many parents have to choose this system at the expense of other free ones, like WhatsApp. ”

35. Simplified machine learning

The growing use of artificial intelligence in the economic world is causing a shortage of talent. To answer this question, the South Korean company XBrain is counting on a turnkey solution which allows neophytes to access the advantages of automated data analysis. Dubbed Daria, the cloud platform is adaptable to different industrial sectors.

Caroline Coquerel: “Given the difficulty in finding expert profiles in these areas and given the high growing demand, this type of tool could find its audience in a high-tech country like ours. It is completely in line with the appearance of these new tools and applications, allowing non-expert audiences to appropriate subjects that are sometimes perceived as complex. ”

36. Races in 1 minute

The French start-up Jow has developed an application that offers tailor-made weekly menus, with recipes presented in the form of a video. Launched in April 2018, this service also automatically converts recipes to a shopping list on a partner’s online store, in this case Monoprix. The delivery is included. The application is free, the start-up taking a commission from the shopping carts generated.

Frank Gerritzen: “In the same vein as HelloFresh, less delivery. It’s an interesting and well-targeted trend: consumers want to cook healthy, unprocessed products, but don’t want to waste hours in stores. I think there is a future for this kind of application, but we must keep in mind that there is no intellectual property to defend and that our Migros and Coop will quickly copy the idea… as soon as it is successful! ”

37. High-end spices at home

The Ankerkraut brand was born in Germany in 2013. It sells on the internet spices prepared without preservatives or flavor enhancers. The consumer can choose between classic spices or mixtures presented in a jar with a refined design. Condiments are divided into several categories: those intended for cooking, grilling or baking. Ankerkraut also concocts a whole range of spices intended to be drunk, like a tea.

David Davinroy: “The spices are particularly appreciated by the Swiss, who like to cook at home. The bottles are well presented, which would no doubt encourage consumers to buy. However, one should take into account that the consumption of spices is rather slow. The concept could therefore be energized by offering, for example, subscriptions. It is also important to consider that e-commerce does not work as well in Switzerland as in other countries. It’s an interesting idea, but I think it would benefit to be combined with an already existing concept. ”

38. Creation of B2B podcasts

The production of content in the form of podcasts is increasing. The American company Sweet Fish Media shows that a podcast can also be used as a promotional tool with potential customers. The company promises to save time and efficiency by creating custom podcasts.

Frank Gerritzen: “Depreciating the production of a podcast on a very small number of customers remains a challenge, we should at least attack the European market. That said, an approach by another form of media is interesting. It is important to know your customers’ preferred communication channel and their ability to take the time to listen. The density of information on a channel such as listening is not at all the same as in writing, and time is what everyone is missing … ”

39. Digital tools and wellness tips

Improving the well-being of Londoners is the mission of the Good Thinking digital platform. “From managing your anxiety to meeting like-minded people, whatever your needs, we want to help you find them,” says its home page. This initiative, launched in particular by the City of London and the National Health Service, provides support to people suffering from insomnia, depression, anxiety and stress. To do this, the user chooses one of the four themes, then responds to an online questionnaire. Based on its responses, the platform will give a top 5 of the best possible supports: another mobile application, link to specific national health services, etc. All the solutions offered by Good Thinking are free for Londoners.

Sandy Wetzel: “This initiative is necessary because it not only offers help to the suffering people, but it also allows a form of public recognition of these problems. In this sense, such a project in Switzerland would be welcome. However, I regret the lack of depth in the questions and solutions. ”

40. Online wedding planner

A wedding is often an organizational marathon. Between the choice of the place of the ceremony, the clothes and the menu, many providers must be contacted. The Berlin start-up Foreverly wants to make this task easier. She has created an online platform where the bride and groom can get in touch with more than 4,500 providers. The free service also exists in the form of a mobile application which includes, for example, a “to do list” and a schedule for the budget. In addition, Foreverly publishes an online magazine that deals with topics around the theme of marriage. The start-up finances itself through advertising space on its site which it sells to service providers. It claims more than 70,000 visitors per month.

Pico Lantini: “It is a service that illustrates the potential of integrated service offerings around a particular moment in life. Beyond putting advertisers in the presence, a valuation strategy already well known for two decades, I think that this type of platform can provide very relevant data to long-term service providers – such as insurers, for example . They can find a real interest there, because they reason in “lifetime value” of the contacts thus established, therefore in a long term perspective, and could finance all or part of the platform. In addition, there are around 40,000 marriages in Switzerland each year… which makes a good volume of contacts! ”

41. 3D prints for manufacturers

Thanks to its advanced equipment, TheFabLab enables manufacturers to quickly print prototypes of their new products at a better price. The Italian structure offers designers to accompany customer requests, unlike the traditional offer where the processes are more artisanal. The start-up also offers training in the fields of digital manufacturing, the Internet of Things and robotics.

Frank Gerritzen: “3D printing has a bright future. And not all SMEs will be able to afford high-performance printers. So in itself, this is a great attempt, but one which is subject to stiff competition because nothing prevents a competitor from doing the same thing, cheaper, faster… It is the one who will occupy the market the fastest . The company needs significant capital to deploy quickly, and to do aggressive marketing. ”

42. Recommendation of providers

How to find the best partner locally or internationally? It is from this question that the French start-up PrestaShare was born. Based on a simple Excel file, it has now become a platform which has more than 1,200 referenced companies.

Raphaël Conz: “This is a very interesting concept, because we are recommending service providers, on the model of TripAdvisor but in B2B. On the other hand, is there sufficient critical mass in Switzerland? With us, businesses operate primarily by word of mouth. Indeed, with our mentality, the small size of our population and our markets, societies talk to each other and recommend each other mainly through this. So I would bet more on a platform like this for a B2C model. ”

43. Optimization of worker management

The construction sector also benefits from innovations from the digital domain. Example with the French start-up Site2Site, which has developed an application to simplify the management of a site: link between office and site, staff schedules, analysis of the progress of works.

Raphaël Conz: “The Swiss construction market is well developed, rich in many companies. This application could be of great interest to these companies. A priori, Swiss customers might prefer an application of this type rather than an investment in a tailor-made IT tool. ”

44. Limit isolation of seniors

One in four people in France is over the age of 60. Justine Arnoux, a former nurse, noticed that many seniors were very lonely on a daily basis. That’s why she created MyDonger two years ago. This digital platform connects older people with “dongers” who want to spend time with them. These moments of sharing include outings, help (shopping or other) or visits to the elderly person’s home. The service is chargeable: the retiree pays the donger according to an hourly rate agreed in advance by both parties. MyDonger receives a commission of 1.50 euros on each transaction. For the moment, the service has more than 500 “dongers”.

Patrick Albert: “The“ silver economy ”is a promising market. Especially since the aging of our western societies will continue. MyDonger is for me a population that is certainly older, but rather connected, that we find more in big cities. To also benefit less connected seniors, in my opinion it would be necessary to combine such a service with already existing volunteer structures. This type of collaboration would qualify the somewhat too monetary side of MyDonger. As far as the business model itself is concerned, I think you have to reach a very large base of participants if you want to make a profit. ”

45. Biodegradable toothbrushes

The Swiss consume more than 20 million toothbrushes a year. Or almost as many pieces of plastic that land in the trash. Companies are tackling this buildup of waste by making biodegradable toothbrushes out of bamboo, both a strong and flexible material. The French brand Smiloh is distinguished by its graphic products, colored with a blowtorch, and with hairs infused with vegetable charcoal with whitening action. It sells them at a price of 7.50 euros, mainly in France, in particular at Monoprix, and in a few organic brands in Switzerland. When will Swiss manufacturers, when the country is among the leaders of the oral market with companies like Trisa and Curaden?

Pascal Bourgier: “In a country sensitive to the quality of life and the environment, this kind of product has a good chance of success. Natural materials are in vogue and Swiss consumers are able to absorb the additional costs. Entry barriers seem to me to be important for a start-up, however. It should face international competition and launch many steps to set up a distribution network. The bet is risky. “

46. ​​Artificial intelligence to mobilize staff

Retain and motivate its employees: a market estimated at 74 billion francs worldwide. The Indian start-up UnderstandBetter has positioned itself there by developing a platform which makes it possible to probe the motivation of employees. Their responses are then evaluated by an artificial intelligence, so as to set up an action plan within the company to improve relations between peers.

Cyril Déléaval: “Any initiative that can improve the links between employers and employees is good to take. The challenge for adaptation in Switzerland is that we are dealing with a rather traditional market. Hence the importance of making prototypes or functional models, even if it means using human wisdom before resorting to artificial intelligence, which would allow the idea to be tested at a lower cost. ”

47. Recruit candidates who are not candidates

At a time of shortage of engineers, the French start-up HireSweet is banking on a solution that analyzes publicly available data on specialized platforms such as GitHub or Stack Overflow to find talented computer scientists. A way to limit the tedious aspect of recruitment and to find rare gems more quickly for the benefit of customers.

Cyril Déléaval: “This is an interesting idea, because poor recruitment often costs the company dearly. Especially since there is a real problem of workforce for SMEs which must compete with giants like Google to recruit IT professionals. However, the legality of the use of this public data, which is supposed to belong to the users, must be studied. ”

48. Display campaign

The company Message in a Window offers to organize targeted communication campaigns in the windows of French shops. With a network of 40,000 brands, or more than 100,000 windows, the start-up boasts a strong commercial effect from its approach. Certain products on promotion are subsequently offered for sale by merchant advertisers. Sensors are used to calculate the audience for campaigns.

Cyril Déléaval: “This is an interesting idea, because it is surfing on a rapidly changing media and advertiser market! Swiss display legislation will soon change. This will be a point to check. The challenge will be to sufficiently capture the attention of passers-by, because human beings are always developing more filters in the face of advertising. You must therefore know how to adapt over time. The digital component has the advantage of being able to test the idea fairly directly. ”

49. Counseling for sick children

Many parents consult online forums when their child becomes ill. However, the advice there is often anxiety-provoking and unsuitable for specific situations. The French entrepreneur Fanny Renoux therefore founded DoudouCare. This website allows parents to ask questions by SMS or e-mail. They receive a personalized written response. within twenty-four hours. The site collaborates with around thirty specialists: child nurses, child psychologists and osteopaths. The service is chargeable – a consultation costs 5.90 euros. Preferential formulas also exist, such as a pack of 10 questions valid for 50 euros, for example.

Markus Binggeli: “The business model seems solid to me, because each exchange on DoudouCare is monetized. The Swiss easily consult Google when they want more information about a disease. Professional and reliable online service can therefore find customers in our market. However, it is essential to rely on transparency to create a climate of trust: who are the specialists who give me advice? What have other customers’ experiences been? ”

50. Support for young travelers

Parents who cannot accompany their children on bus, train or plane journeys would like to see them well accompanied. To find an accompanying person, they can use the French Kidygo service (available as a website and mobile application). The service relies on a network of more than 40,000 certified guides. In general, these are people with experiences in babysitting or professionals in the supervision of children. Parents enter the route of their child (ren) in the site’s search engine and see the names of potential carers who wish to make the same trip. Then the parents pay for the accompanying person’s transport ticket. Kidygo receives a commission on this transaction.