The “Swiss Food & Nutrition Valley” was presented to approximately 130 participants mainly from Japanese companies responsible for open innovation. The webinar, with a subtitle, “exploring possibilities for collaboration in the field of food and nutrition" was held on July 21st. The event was organized by the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) in collaboration with the Swiss Business Hub Japan as well as the Science & Technology Office Tokyo at the Embassy of Switzerland in Japan.

The event was opened with an introduction on innovation in Switzerland in Japanese, by Mr. Takashi Wada, Director General of JETRO Geneva.

Mr. Fathi Derder, Managing Director of Swiss Food and Nutrition Valley followed his presentation with an overview of Switzerland’s latest project for developing sustainable food solutions through international open innovation.

Then, specific activities and concepts were presented by the Valley’s founding members; Canton Vaud was presented by Ms. Yuliya Blaser, Project Director of Innovaud. Mr. Oliver Nussli, Nestlé R&D Meat Alternative Platform Lead, outlined the company’s accelerator programs and its new institute. The Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne (EPFL) was represented by Mr. Christian Schwab, Director of EPFL Nutrition Center who showcased their activities and highlighted strategic areas for Switzerland. The innovative activities of Swiss Hospitality Management School in Lausanne (EHL) was presented by their Head of Innovation Pole, Ms. Zina Singer. The session from Switzerland was concluded with the presentation of Mr. Chris Rinsch, CEO of Swiss start-up Amezentis on their exciting new technologies and solutions.

At the very end, Ms. Kyoko Suzuki, Head of the Science and Technology Office Tokyo gave additional information on the importance of the Swiss Food & Nutrition Valley, some other food and nutrition innovation players across Switzerland and funding opportunities from the Swiss federal government.