Picture (from left to right): Thomas Gfeller (CEO, Switzerland Innovation Foundation), Roland Ledergerber (VRP, SIP East), Peter Frischknecht (Deputy CEO, SIP East), Hans Ebinger (CEO, SIP East)
On Thursday, March 7th, we were able to welcome Thomas Gfeller , the new managing director of the Switzerland Innovation Foundation, to the Switzerland Innovation Park East (SIP East). The independently organized foundation is the umbrella brand that includes six independent parks across Switzerland – including Park East. The focus of the meeting was getting to know each other and presenting our main topics.
Thomas Gfeller took over the management of the Switzerland Innovation Foundation from Raymond Cron on March 1st. Previously, as Chairman of the Board of Directors, he set up the Switzerland Innovation Park Biel. Thomas Gfeller already knows Switzerland Innovation and the challenges of an innovation park very well.
Getting to know the park
The focus of today’s meeting was an initial personal exchange and getting to know SIP East. After a welcome and introduction to the team over coffee, the day started with a tour of the approximately 7,000 m 2 of the park. This also offered the opportunity to come into contact with tenants and visitors.
From SMEs to startups to school classes
SIP East offers a wide range of innovative offers. This was shown to Thomas Gfeller when introducing Smartfeld . Smartfeld managing director, Cornelia Gut, explained how an educational lab that introduces children and young people to MINT careers was created in this innovative environment.
Roadmap
The status of the development and the upcoming milestones of the SIP East formed another program item for today. The HEALTH, SENSOR and BUSINESS Innovation Hubs are currently under construction. Experiences and best practices were exchanged over lunch.
We would like to thank Thomas Gfeller for taking the time to visit St.Gallen and look forward to our future together.
