The Swiss technological and scientific landscape has always had an ability to leverage some of the best minds around the world and focus them for success right from the center of Europe. As blockchain technologies continue to showcase their value across startups and enterprise business, the nation has once again established itself as the lead innovator in more ways than one. In fact, blockchain and cryptocurrencies are so endemic in the country that the famed city of Zug has a “Bitcoin Accepted Here” sign on their City Hall. But bitcoin is not the main attraction these days, it’s a range of startups helping the country keep its reputation.

Blockchain Valley Ventures: May 10th saw the launch of Blockchain Valley Ventures, a revolutionary new incubator, VC and advisory firm narrowly focused on blockchain innovation. The firm will focus on investments, incubation, and development of business ventures across a number of industries that are utilizing blockchain technology to facilitate growth. Their timing could not be better as the market continues to develop and become formalized like so many industries before it. The landscape is still nascent and so advisory and venture capital in the space may just help to change and speed up the next great array of technological solutions.

TrustSquare: Coworking has proven itself as a smart strategy for startups and even well-established businesses to maintain an office space that allows the unlimited potential for networking without the heavy costs. TrustSquare offers just that but is 100% focused on blockchain innovations. Space brings together entrepreneurs, businesses, investors as well as academics and researchers in an open and diverse environment right in the center of the commercial district in Zurich. New technologies need a lot of nurturing and so do their founders… having a dedicated space to provide niche focused mentorships, partnerships and joint learning is a major asset, and a major way the Swiss are keeping development in-house.

Hive Power: If you can imagine a world where anybody could have the power to create and manage energy communities on the blockchain, allowing for the sharing and trading of power across neighbors and neighborhoods, you can imagine exactly what HivePower is doing right now. The Ethereum based startup was incubated and developed by a research team at the University of Applied Sciences of Southern Switzerland (SUPSI) whose goal is to provide energy optimization and sustainability for their participants by lowering their bills, optimizing demand and valorizing their assets. In collaboration with meter producers, Hive Power is also building a blockchain ready energy meter. A range of high powered partners, acclaimed leadership, and a research-backed value proposition may just make Hive Power a true game-changer in the energy industry. Check out the details of the ICO and join the energy revolution on https://icoengine.net/ico/hive-power

WindingTree: WindingTree is an emerging travel startup based in Switzerland that has been building their street credit by scooping up well-established industry partners including the likes of Lufthansa Airlines. According to their recent press release “The Winding Tree platform provides travel suppliers, travel sellers, and travelers themselves with an alternative way of connecting. The platform creates a marketplace for all of these parties to learn about each other and carry out transactions.” As large travel organizations announce new ways to utilize blockchain technologies (Just like Cathay Pacific’s recent endeavor) it is the front-runners and newcomers to the space that will see the ability to truly invent. WindingTree, much like innovators before them, is blazing an entirely new trail.

A quick glance at the news these days is sure to yield a lot of conversation about how forward- thinking the Swiss people and their government are when it comes to embracing the power blockchain and cryptocurrency. The truth is that it is well-deserved acclaim and a direct result of cutting-edge and passionate innovators.