Export Award
Export Award – the prize for internationally successful companies
With the Export Award, Switzerland Global Enterprise honors internationally active companies with an impressive expansion strategy and innovative approach to market cultivation. All international Swiss and Liechtenstein-based companies are eligible to participate.
The Export Award 2027 will be presented to a Swiss or Liechtenstein company at a ceremony on the occasion of the International Trade Forum on April 27, 2027, at the Kursaal Bern.
Prize and Advantages
The candidates in the competition benefit from attractive advantages:
Why you should participate:
- Assessment of the export strategy by an independent jury from the worlds of business, science, and media
- Media coverage in industry, regional, and business media
- Video-clip about the company presented at the International Trade Forum in front of more than 400 participants
- Export Services Vouchers* for a new market launch worth 1 x CHF 5,000 (winner) and 2 x CHF 1,000 (finalists)
- Trophy or certificate presented by the Chairwoman of Switzerland Global Enterprise, Ruth Metzler-Arnold
- Free tickets for the International Trade Forum for your employees or customers
*From the market analysis for your target destination to specific country information and detailed analysis of the competition, the vouchers for services from Switzerland Global Enterprise offer you everything you need to successfully tap into a new market.
The Export Award is an excellent opportunity for Swiss SMEs to critically reflect on their international strategy, highlight their own strengths and show their employees they value them.”
Martin Naville
Export Award Jury President 2026Application process
The applications received will be examined in a multi-stage process and assessed by an independent jury of experts.
Application
The application is simple and the submission deadline for the Export Award 2026 is January 16, 2026.
Pre-Jury
February 03, 2026: The preliminary jury assesses the submitted applications and selects the six best ones to be nominated for the jury presentation.
Jury-Meeting
February 19, 2026: Main judging: All nominees have the opportunity to present their internationalization strategy to an independent jury of experts.
International Trade Forum
April 23, 2026: Award ceremony attended by around 400 participants from the worlds of business and politics. The prize is presented by Ruth Metzler-Arnold, Chair of the Board of Directors.
Show moreFinalists 2026
Success Stories
HAEUSLER AG
Swiss precision shapes metal sheets for the world
Founded in 1936, the family-owned company HAEUSLER from Duggingen in the Canton of Basel-Landschaft is one of the world’s leading suppliers of roll bending machines and complete systems for forming technology. Its systems are used all over the world – for example, for pipelines in the Middle East, for the shipbuilding and wind tower industry in Asia, and for tank and container manufacturers in the USA. With the world’s first fully autonomous roll bending machine, HAEUSLER is setting new standards in forming technology and strengthening its position in key international sales markets.
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Success Stories
Ideal-tek
Swiss precision instruments for high-tech industries
Based in Balerna, TI, Ideal-tek has been developing and producing precision instruments since 1964 for industries in which the tiniest details are critical – from medtech and electronics through the watch industry. The tools are produced in Ticino and sold worldwide. With an export share of around 90 percent, the company targets markets in which industries are dependent on reliable, high-precision instruments. The US as well as up-and-coming medtech hubs such as Costa Rica and emerging markets like China are particularly important in this regard.
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Success Stories
WILCO AG
Pioneer in leak testing of pharmaceutical packaging
Founded in 1971, WILCO AG develops inspection systems for leak testing and visual inspection of primary packaging for the pharmaceutical, biotech and medtech industries. Its systems identify the smallest leaks, defects or foreign bodies and thus contribute to the safety of sensitive products. The solutions are in use in over 80 countries. For further growth, WILCO is focusing on highly regulated markets as well as on global locations with expanding pharmaceutical production.
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Export Award Jury
Impressions of the 2025 Award Ceremony
