CHF 50 000.- Prize Money
+ possibility to scale up with a leading actor of the Swiss food industry
You have until October 15 to apply! 👉 Form link
The DSR Award
Do you have an innovative project that rethinks our food system in a more sustainable, healthy, and inclusive way?
The DSR Foundation, in partnership with the Eldora Group, launches the DSR Award - Innovation for a Sustainable Food System - this first edition will reward and scale up Swiss startups engaged in the transformation of the food system.
This prize is offered by DSR*, a non-profit organization based in Switzerland. Eldora* serves as the implementing partner for the prize, while MassChallenge supports the overall management of the competition.
*Check the About section below.
Why The DSR Award?
The DSR Foundation seeks to reward a Swiss project that is innovative, viable, and has a social and/or environmental impact, such as:
- Promoting health through better nutrition
- Reducing the ecological footprint of food
- Access to quality food
- Reducing food waste
- Strengthening the social bond through food
What does the DSR Award Winner get?
- CHF 50'000. - to support the development of the project (no strings, non-dilutive, no equity taken)
- A pilot implementation in Eldora Group’s catering services
- National visibility
- Advice from a jury of entrepreneurs and experts in the sustainable food and innovation ecosystem
What are the eligibility criteria?
- Be a Swiss-based startup active in Switzerland
- Created less than 3 years ago
- For-profit or not-for-profit
- Proposing a concrete solution (MVP) that can potentially be tested and developed within the Eldora Group. This could be any solution involved in food production and consumption, from farm to waste, that the Eldora Group could help scale
- With less than CHF 2 million of equity financing from professional investors
About
The DSR Foundation's mission is to promote the physical, mental, and spiritual development of individuals in a sustainable
environment and to foster the strengthening of social ties. Founded in 1919 by the Young Mens’ Christian Association (YMCA) and the Blue Cross, the DSR Foundation is today the sole shareholder of the Eldora Group, one of Switzerland's major players in the field of collective catering.
Each year, the DSR Foundation provides financial support through its philanthropic efforts to organizations and projects related to food. In particular, it supports activities that combat poverty, promote individual dignity, integrate individuals into society, and promote healthy living. It operates on the basis of the values inspired by the Christian faith: respect, tolerance, integrity, solidarity, charity, and fairness.
The Eldora Group is a people-centered company that has been operating exclusively in Switzerland for several decades, specializing in contract catering and related services. To manage and operate more than 300 on-site restaurants across the country, the Eldora Group relies on a skilled and dedicated workforce. Every day, over 2,300 employees play a vital role in ensuring the smooth and efficient running of its operations.
The Eldora Group consists of five affiliated companies, each bringing unique expertise to its service offering:
With consolidated revenues of CHF 390 million, the Eldora Group is one of the leading players in contract catering in Switzerland. It is well-regarded for the quality of its services and the customer-oriented mindset of its employees.
By carefully considering the specific expectations of each client, Eldora succeeds in designing tailor-made solutions that match their needs in every way. Within the Eldora Group, there is only one approach: customization!
The Eldora Group is also deeply committed to sustainable development, convinced that its growth must go hand in hand with respect for all its stakeholders. As such, it pays special attention to its staff, clients, guests, and suppliers. Naturally, environmental responsibility is central to its concerns; significantly and sustainably reducing its carbon footprint is one of its top priorities.
The Eldora Group's headquarters are located in Rolle (Vaud canton) and employ more than one hundred people. All the essential administrative departments are centralized there, including Finance, Human Resources, Procurement, IT, Marketing, and the Quality & Sustainability Department. The group also operates a German-speaking branch based in Zurich.
The Eldora Group is wholly owned by the DSR Foundation, which is its sole shareholder.
FAQ
1. Do I need to be incorporated to receive the prize?
Yes. Incorporation is required before the prize can be paid.
2. When will the prize be paid?
Prize payments will be made after all eligibility requirements are met, including incorporation.
3. What are the financing eligibility criteria?Applicants must have received less than CHF 2 million in equity financing from professional investors; friends-and-family funding and grants are excluded from this calculation.
4. Where will the judging take place?
In the MassChallenge Switzerland office near Lausanne, Chemin du Closel 5, 3rd floor,1020 Renens.
5. Where will the prize be awarded?
At the Swiss Tech Convention Center, Lausanne (VD).
6. In which language can the applications be submitted and pitches be delivered?
Applications and Pitches may be submitted/delivered in either French or English.
Key Dates
