THE IDDEA Prize encourages, supports and rewards the most innovative sustainable ideas in the Canton of Geneva. This year, 16 projects were in the running to win one of the prizes. A rich ecosystem of support was in place for support these finalists over the last 6 months so that they transform their ideas into a business plan.
It is on the basis of these documents that the jury evaluated each project according to economic, ecological and social criteria. The winning projects were announced during the big Gala evening which closes the 11th edition of the IDDEA Prize. The public prize was awarded by the spectators present during the evening.
1st Prize: Immocrush CHF 20,000.- offered by the City of Geneva and the Canton of Geneva
In Geneva, the current housing supply intended for students does not meet the significant demand, particularly for shared accommodation. And yet, thousands of square meters of vacant offices could be rehabilitated into residences for students and young people in training. This is the initial observation of the young company Immocrush who aims to transform vacant offices into modular and eco-designed housingthrough the installation of private “cocoons”, developed in collaboration with the Geneva office apropå.
2nd Prize: Refuge – R.Unit CHF 10,000.- offered by FER Geneva
While the world already has more than 2 billion air conditioners in service according to data from the International Energy Agency (IEA), the figure of 5.6 billion polluting air conditioners could be reached in 2050. And even in Switzerland, Sales figures have been increasing for several years. The Refuge project, hosted in an EPFL laboratory, offers an ecological alternative to traditional air conditioning systems, through a solution that uses rainwater to passively cool spaces. This clean, low-tech air conditioning solution, which also stands out for its compact appearance, is still in the testing phase, but it already represents significant marketing potential.
3rd Prize: Swiss Woolness Wellness (SWW) CHF 5,000.- offered by SIG
For several decades now, synthetic fibers have largely replaced natural fibers in the fashion and design industry. So much so that Swiss sheep wool is often thrown away, as shepherds are unable to sell it at a fair price. SWW wanna giving new life to sheep’s wool, working with local shepherds. The wool is harvested twice a year, washed, carded, colored, felted and also spun to use it in the creation of 100% ecological handicraft objects, coming from a real circular economy and displaying a Made in Switzerland label.
Public prize: The School that Hits CHF 2,500.- offered by the Swiss Alternative Bank
L’School that is a hit is an association which offers internship opportunities to young people wishing to continue their training. The objective of the association is to produce articles and furniture made from recovered cardboard, designed and made by students. The project aims in particular to develop their personal and professional skills.
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