Join us for a transformative Day of Innovation: Swiss Diabetes Technology and Beyond.
Be part of a day dedicated to bold ideas and breakthrough solutions in diabetes technology and beyond! On 5 November 2025, we’re gathering at sitem-insel in Bern to celebrate innovation and announce the winners of the largest Innovation Challenge in diabetes tech.

Over the past few years, diabetes technology has made remarkable strides, yet the need for fresh, impactful solutions remains. The DCB Open Innovation Challenge was launched to spark these ideas, empowering innovators to rethink and reshape diabetes management. Now, the journey culminates at the DCB Day of Innovation, where the top five finalists will pitch their game-changing concepts live on stage. This unique event will gather forward-thinking leaders from healthcare, research, technology, business, and politics under one roof.

Look forward to a day packed with:

• Exceptional opportunities for networking
• Inspiring start-up pitches & keynote sessions
• Presentations highlighting pioneering innovations from the Bernese and Swiss innovation ecosystem

Hosted by Ema Grabenweger and Greta Ehlers, the event brings together leading voices from healthcare, research, business, politics, and the Swiss innovation ecosystem.

Programme

Arrival & Welcome (12:00 – 14:25)

• Lunch & Networking – sitem-insel EG
• 5 Years of Innovation at DCB – Ema Grabenweger & Greta Ehlers
• Welcome by DCB – Derek Brandt
• Welcome by sitem-insel – Simon Rothen

Innovation Spotlights (14:25 – 15:00)

• Spotlight: Translational Research at DCB (Panel Discussion) – Ema & Greta
• TechBio Frontier: From Smart Wearables to Organoid Innovation – Samantha Paoletti
• T1D1: From User-Led Idea to FDA-Cleared Innovation – A DCB Success Story – Drew Mendelow

Start-up Showcase (15:10 – 15:40)

• Start-up Spotlight: SNAQ – Aurelian Briner
• Start-up Spotlight: GO-PEN – Ole Nielsen
• Start-up Spotlight: MYNERVA – Greta Preatoni
• Innovation Insight: Pancreas on Chip? – Nina Hobi
• sitem-insel School Introduction – Antje-Christin Knopf
• Open Q&A – Ema Grabenweger & Greta Ehlers

Pitch & Policy Block (16:30 – 17:40)

• Innovation Through a Political and Economic Lens – Christoph Ammann
• Pitch Kick-Off: DCB Innovation Challenge – Ema & Greta
• Where Ideas Take Shape: The DCB Innovation Bootcamp Experience – Ema & Greta
• Finalist Pitches

Keynotes & Awards (17:40 – 18:30)

• Keynote: Investing in Founder-Led Ecosystems for Global Impact in Quantum Technology – Alexandra Beckstein
• Keynote: Digital Ethics – Giovani Maio
• Announcement: Public & LEP Winners – Ema & Greta
• DCB Open Innovation Challenge 2025 – Winner Announcement – Ema & Greta
• Closing Notes & Apéro Delights – Ema & Greta

Finalist Spotlight – Meet the Top 5 Innovators

• Alva Innovations (US) – A just-in-time insulin fibril filtration platform that reduces skin irritation and extends pump set lifespan.
• Neuraura (CAN) – LoOoP, a biowearable and digital platform for proactive diabetes risk management in people with PCOS.
• SynchNeuro (USA) – A brain-signal-based wearable and app for non-invasive, continuous glucose and cardiometabolic monitoring.
• Diawiser (LTU) – A voice-based, non-invasive software that detects blood glucose abnormalities.
• MEMS MicroPump Module – A highly integrated, precise insulin infusion technology enabling miniaturized and intelligent pump control.

Grand Finale

Celebrate the winner announcement of the DCB Open Innovation Challenge 2025 Winner.

Wrap up the day with an Apéro Riche, connecting with entrepreneurs, researchers, and change-makers driving the future of diabetes care.