What began in 2011 as a simple ranking has, over the last 15 years, evolved into one of the most important platforms for Swiss innovation. Today, the Top100 is much more than just a ranking — it stands at the center of a dynamic ecosystem that shines a spotlight on founders and provides targeted support to help them grow and succeed
The Top100 includes two distinct rankings — each with its own jury process and selection criteria. Here's how they work:
Top100 Swiss Startup Ranking
The Top100 Swiss Startup Ranking showcases the 100 Swiss startups with the greatest potential. One hundred startup investors and experts each nominate 10 startups that are no older than five years. They assign 10 points for the first place and one point for the tenth place. The companies with the most points are included in the Top100 Startup Ranking.
Discover the Top100 Startup Jury
Top100 Swiss Scale-up Ranking
The ranking of startups that have grown beyond five years but are not older than 10 years are judged by a jury of 25 growth investors and experts. The jury process is similar to the Top100 Startup Ranking, and the 25 Swiss scale-ups with the most points make it into the Scale-up Ranking: The most promising have their shot at being the future Swiss unicorns.
Discover the Top100 Scale-up Jury
Top100 Public Voting
The Top100 Public Voting runs parallel to the expert jury ranking and gives the community a voice. Ten outstanding Swiss startups, each excelling in their respective industries, are selected by the public. All startups no older than five years and listed on startup.ch are eligible to participate. Each person with a LinkedIn profile has one vote, and the companies with the most votes win in their respective industries.
Discover the Top100 Public Voting winners
“What the Oscars are to actors and the Nobel Prize is to scientists, the Top100 ranking is to the Swiss investor and startup community.”
“I have been participating in the Top100 for years because it is always a unique opportunity to connect with the Swiss ecosystem and meet fantastic founders and investors. This has led us to make our first investment in Switzerland with Planted Foods.“
“The Top100 Swiss Startup Award is an outstanding format. The TOP 100 list is showcasing the current and future potential of Switzerland as a deeptech nation.”
“The Top100 has become an indispensable and high quality biomarker in a very competitive market. In the hunt for future unicorns, the Top100 ranking is widely recognised in the international venture capital community.”