In November 2016, more than 500 guests gathered to watch the canton of Fribourg honor its most innovative companies. It was also the perfect occasion to celebrate the 25^th anniversary of the canton of Fribourg Innovation Award, which is organized by the Fribourg Development Agency, under the patronage of the Cantonal Department of Economic Affairs and Employment. Out of a total of 33 candidates, six companies made the 2016-2017 shortlist, with only three taking home the coveted award.

With prize money of CHF 10,000, the 2016-2017 SME Innovation Award went to Frewitt for its ingenious FreDrive-Lab system. Designed with the pharmaceutical, fine chemicals and food industries in mind, FreDrive-Lab can perform up to six different milling processes. The Start-up Award, worth CHF 30,000, went to PMFch for its quick, simple and effective assembly system that can be used to build any kind of tubular structure – such as workstations, exhibition stands and furniture – from stainless steel, aluminum or steel square tubes, which all come with standard cross-sections.

The Cleantech Distinction, which comes with prize money of CHF 6,000, honors the canton’s “greenest” innovator. The jury chose Samvaz and its sound-proofing corner angle made of recycled foam. This element, which is suitable for use in any kind of timber construction, significantly attenuates the transmission of sound waves without having to increase the thickness of the walls.

→ www.innovationfr.ch