A Decade of Entrepreneurial Impact

A Decade of Building Entrepreneurial Futures

Since its launch in 2015 by Switzerland’s State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO), Swiss EP has worked to strengthen startup ecosystems in seven SECO partner countries: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, North Macedonia, Peru, Serbia, Vietnam, and Kosovo. The program focuses on entrepreneurial and institutional capacity building, improving access to finance, and fostering internationalization - creating jobs, accelerating startups, and driving innovation.

Foundations for Success

Opening the event, Malin Borg, Head of Program at Swiss EP, reflected on what has driven the program’s impact over the past decade. She pointed to three essential principles:

• adaptability, ensuring that approaches evolve in step with the fast-changing startup world;
• empowering local stakeholders, so they can lead and sustain ecosystem development; and
• building successful startup ecosystems that foster innovation and collaboration.

She emphasized that today’s event was designed to showcase exactly this impact - how these principles have translated into tangible results across diverse contexts - and expressed appreciation for SECO’s continued support.

Entrepreneurship as a Driver of Growth

The keynote address by Ambassador Pietro Lazzeri, Head of the Economic Cooperation and Development Division at SECO, explored why entrepreneurship is central to economic development. He noted that Switzerland’s strength as an economy is rooted in factors such as a strong education system, decentralized governance, and an export-oriented market.

However, the success of Swiss startups, he emphasized, is never guaranteed - it depends on a mix of ingredients like risk-taking, luck, and the ability to overcome challenges.

Lazzeri then addressed a key question: why does Switzerland invest in entrepreneurship in developing and emerging countries? His answer was clear:

Entrepreneurship is a powerful driver of economic growth. By fostering entrepreneurial ecosystems, programs like Swiss EP help create jobs, spur innovation, and build competitiveness - especially in the face of global challenges such as digital transformation and climate change. Swiss EP plays a pivotal role in enabling this journey across SECO partner countries.

Ambassador Pietro Lazzeri, Head of the Economic Cooperation and Development Division at SECO

Turning Ideas into Ecosystems

A panel discussion brought together experts from Serbia, Peru, and Switzerland to explore how fragmented initiatives can evolve into integrated ecosystems. The conversation focused on lessons learned in creating supportive environments for entrepreneurs and improving access to funding.

In the panel discussion, experts explored how fragmented initiatives can evolve into integrated ecosystems. Participants in the debate were:

• ​Luis Narro – Director of the Board, Peruvian Association of Seed and Venture Capital - PECAP,
• Sébastien Hug - Head Innovation Office, University of Bern, ​
• Karin Sartorius, Innovation Manager Life Sciences - AWA BS, Initiator und Board member POWHER – Female Entrepreneurs Basel, ​
• Kosta Andric – Executive Director, ICT Hub Serbia and ​
• Camila Cordero – Country Manager, Swiss EP Peru, who moderated the discussion.

Entrepreneurs at the Heart of Impact

The pace of the event picked up as the focus shifted to business. Swiss EP-supported founders from Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Peru, and Vietnam each delivered a five-minute pitch, showcasing their innovative solutions and entrepreneurial drive. This dynamic segment highlighted the diversity and ambition within Swiss EP’s network.

Following the pitches, a fireside chat provided deeper insights into the realities of building a startup in emerging ecosystems. Founders shared what support from Swiss EP proved most critical - such as guidance on market entry and pitch development - and discussed common myths and challenges they face in their local contexts.

Participants:

• Dragana Mujanović – CEO & Founder, AIsthesis (Bosnia Herzegovina),
• Arber Kadia, CEO & Founder of Patoko (Albania)
• Natalia Cardenas – CEO & Co-Founder, Eolic Wall (Peru), and
• ​Thang Nguyen – CEO & Co-Founder, A-Star Group (Vietnam).

Collaboration for the Future

Closing the event, representatives from SECO, Swisscontact, and J.E. Austin emphasized that entrepreneurship is not only about business - it is about creating economic and social value. Brigitte Bruhin, Program Manager at SECO, reminded participants that success is always relative and depends on bringing diverse stakeholders together. She highlighted the talent and potential in developing and emerging countries and stressed that investing in entrepreneurship means investing in a new generation of innovators who can drive both business growth and social impact.

The program remains committed to fostering innovation, competitiveness, and collaboration across ecosystems. By continuing to connect local and international actors, Swiss EP will build on ten years of experience to create even greater impact in the years ahead.

Text by Alexis Martin is also published on the Swisscontact website.