Hüppen evoke childhood memories, Sunday afternoons, and Switzerland’s culinary heritage. At Straumann Hüppen AG, they are still produced the traditional way – with a great deal of craftsmanship and precise wafer-baking expertise. Yet, Managing Director Vladimir Minic felt a strong desire to further develop the long-established brand.

“In day-to-day operations with three production lines and only nine employees, there is simply no room for experiments”

When Straumann Hüppen gained the opportunity to invest in innovation through Ahead, Minic seized the moment. For the first time, he and his team could explore new recipes and processes.

“We wanted to create a new identity for our Hardegger brand and rejuvenate it.”

Together with Peter Braun, an expert from the Ahead network, the team developed new fillings that could be produced using the existing machinery. By cleverly reusing sections of the production process and applying a modular approach, they created a wide range of products—without the need for new machines. Implementation required considerable effort: suppliers for small quantities had to be found, suitable fats had to be tested—but in the end the result was high quality at lower cost.

“The project showed us what is possible—and where our limits are.”

Shelf-stable and crispy thanks to smart packaging

Because Hüppen are only convincing when they are perfectly crisp, the team devoted considerable attention to packaging. Tests showed that standard foil packaging allows a shelf life of six months at room temperature, while aluminium-laminated foil preserves freshness for up to twelve months. If the wafer absorbs too much moisture, it becomes rubbery. Through targeted adjustments, the team was able to secure product quality over the long term.

A more sustainable baking process with new technology

Alongside new fillings, Straumann Hüppen took another step: switching to an electrically heated wafer oven. Until now, the wafer rolls had been baked in gas-fired ovens—with the corresponding CO₂ emissions. For Minic, the new baking process is also a commitment to responsibility.

“We aim to produce a large share of our Hüppen on this line.”

Through the innovation project, Straumann Hüppen expanded its product range, increased efficiency, and contributed to sustainability. And for Minic, one thing is clear:

“This development marks the beginning of a future in which tradition and innovation go hand in hand.”

Straumann Hüppen AG
https://www.straumannhueppen.ch/

Londero GmbH designs and builds specialist vehicles for fire services, emergency medical services and the police. Founder Raphael Londero understands operational demands from first-hand experience. But even a seasoned company reaches its limits as the demand for digitalisation and efficiency increases. Through innovation support from Ahead(formerly KMU und Innovation), Londero discovered new solutions – and a clearer innovation strategy.

From Rescue Work to Vehicle Development

With 25 years of experience in emergency services, Raphael Londero brings deep practical knowledge to his company’s offering: custom modifications and specialist solutions for blue-light organisations – functional, robust and carefully considered down to the last detail. Over time, however, new challenges arose: How can processes be digitalised? How can expertise be scaled? And how can one-off projects evolve into a sustainable business model?

“We knew we had to explore new directions – but weren’t sure where to start. That’s where Ahead helped us immensely.”
– Raphael Londero, CEO Londero GmbH

A Rapidly Changing Market Demands Innovation

Londero GmbH faced the specific challenge of integrating electric mobility into its product offering while also structuring and advancing its internal innovation processes. At an SME event, Raphael Londero connected with an Ahead innovation expert. This led to an initial meeting with additional members of the Ahead team.

External Input, Internal Impact

Together with the experienced innovation expert from Ahead, Raphael Londero analysed his business model, identified growth areas, and developed a strategy for systematising customer solutions. The external perspective and structured approach proved particularly valuable.

“We’re experts when it comes to vehicles – but innovation is something you have to learn. The exchange helped us set the right focus.”
– Raphael Londero, CEO Londero GmbH

Successful Grant Applications

Raphael Londero takes pride in the fact that, as part of the support process, an application for an Innosuisse innovation cheque was successfully completed, followed by a full Innosuisse grant application. This secured funding of CHF 20,000 and enabled the further development of a fully electric drive system with a range of over 450 km under full load – a genuine game-changer for modern emergency vehicles.

“Working with the innovation experts – who guided us with sensitivity, structure and foresight – allowed us to develop and refine our ideas. This resulted in a new understanding of our innovation potential and strategic partnerships. We were also able to achieve our first key milestones.”
– Raphael Londero, CEO Londero GmbH

Innovation Moves Faster Through Partnership

The experience with Ahead was thoroughly positive for Londero – especially because it was practical and hands-on.

“We’re grateful to have benefited from the innovation support provided by Ahead and strongly recommend it to other SMEs. It brings focus, encourages change, and opens doors. The support gave us real momentum for our continued development and sparked a new innovation culture – something truly invaluable.”
– Raphael Londero, CEO Londero GmbH

Raphael Londero is CEO of Londero GmbH in Volketswil, a company specialising in the design and conversion of emergency vehicles for rescue services, fire brigades and the police. Drawing on his many years in emergency services and his technical expertise, he leads a team that develops and implements bespoke vehicle solutions. Under his leadership, Londero GmbH has become an innovative player in the industry, known for quality and customer-focused concepts.

Londero GmbH – Londero.ch | Customer-Focused Vehicle Concepts

 

Swiss Resilience Hub AG empowers companies and employees in times of growing pressure.With innovative blended learning programs—on-site interventions combined with the digital platform GROW—the company aims to sustainably promote resilience, leadership skills, and mindfulness. But how can such an offering be scaled effectively? Swiss Resilience Hub found the answer through innovation coaching from Ahead (formerly KMU and Innovation).

A Solid Foundation for Mental Strength
With the Swiss Resilience Hub, Markus Renevey and his business partners have created a center of excellence that helps organizations, teams, and individuals strengthen their mental resilience. The offering includes personalized learning journeys focused on topics like resilience, mental health, and leadership.

Growth with Substance, Not Growth at Any Cost

Markus Renevey has a clear development goal: to make access to mental strength and effective self-leadership scalable—for businesses and individuals alike. The foundation is in place. Customer feedback has been consistently positive, and the srh-grow.ch platform is up and running.
Still, the next step was unclear.

“Despite the positive feedback, we lacked strategic clarity for the next growth phases. How do we prioritize? Where do we focus? How do we broaden our reach without losing focus?”
explains Renevey.

Coaching at Eye Level: How Ahead Brings Structure to the Table

This is where the Ahead program came in. As part of the coaching process, the business model was jointly reviewed with experienced innovation consultants. The external perspective brought new clarity:

“Ahead met us exactly where we were—and moved us forward in a targeted way. The combination of entrepreneurial know-how, innovation methodology, and concrete SME experience was especially valuable.”

The focus wasn’t just on reflecting on the current business model, but also on identifying key levers: target groups, processes, communication.

Tangible Changes Instead of Generic Advice

The result? First measures have already been implemented. Communication has been sharpened, positioning clarified, and internal processes adjusted. At the same time, ongoing evaluations help determine what works, what doesn’t, and how the offerings can be better aligned with market needs.

“The coaching was not only professional but also practical and inspiring. It pinpointed exactly what we needed to change—and why.”
Markus Renevey, Founder & CEO, Swiss Resilience Hub AG

A Recommendation for Fellow Entrepreneurs

“For SMEs at a turning point or looking for new growth paths, this offering is a real opportunity. It’s solid, personalized—and happens at eye level.”
Markus Renevey, Founder & CEO, Swiss Resilience Hub AG

About Markus Renevey
Markus Renevey is the founder and CEO of Swiss Resilience Hub AG in Zurich. For over 20 years, he has worked as an executive coach supporting leaders, top athletes, and teams in their development. His focus is on strengthening resilience in organizations—particularly in the context of cultural and digital transformation and the development of impactful leadership cultures.

sr-hub.ch / srh-grow.ch

Success Without the Egg
How Innovation Is Transforming Tradition

The Biber is a classic of Swiss baking tradition. But even in traditional food production, innovation and sustainability are essential for successful entrepreneurship. Since 2013, siblings Claudio, Petra, and Silvan Leibacher have focused on using plant-based and climate-friendly ingredients wherever possible in their bakery business. From a prototype for a natural egg substitute, an entirely new company emerged: the Zurich-based foodtech company EggField (Field Food AG). With targeted support from the Ahead team, the protection of this product innovation was optimally prepared.

Plant-Based Progress for a Traditional Product

Since 2010, Leibacher Biber-Manufaktur has been producing high-quality, handmade baked goods with long shelf life—most notably, the now well-known Leibacher Biber. As demand for climate-friendly and sustainable products increased, so too did the scrutiny of animal-based, CO₂-intensive ingredients like eggs. The key question: How can taste and quality be preserved using natural, minimally processed ingredients—without relying on eggs?

The solution was an innovative egg substitute made from legumes—developed in collaboration with food technologist David Ebneter, who was working with Prof. Dr. Tilo Hühn at ZHAW Wädenswil at the time. Together, they created the first prototypes of an egg alternative using cooking water from legumes (aquafaba) for the white Biber pastries. With great success. Other producers quickly took notice of the Leibacher-developed alternative. In 2022, Silvan Leibacher and David Ebneter founded a new company dedicated exclusively to the production and marketing of natural egg substitutes in Switzerland and abroad.

“Some customers wanted more plant-based options. At the same time, it’s rarely feasible in food production to run separate processes for specific needs. Every detail matters in producing Biber or gingerbread—taste and appearance, but also dough behavior during production. That’s complex. Thanks to EggField, we now work completely egg-free across our entire product range—not just for specialty items. Customers love our Amaretti, for example, which are made not with egg whites but with EggField’s aquafaba. Plus, they stay fresh longer than with traditional egg.”
— Claudio Leibacher, Co-CEO and Head of Production, Leibacher Biber-Manufaktur

Intellectual Property Protection as a Growth Catalyst

Product development was technically and sensorially demanding—but equally important was the strategic protection of the innovation process. This is where the support of the Ahead program (formerly KMU und Innovation) came into play: it connected the team with the innovation experts at Swiss Food Research, who provided targeted guidance throughout the project.

The support included a structured analysis of protection options, actionable IP strategy recommendations, and clarification of legal and organizational questions in the innovation process.

Expertise That Delivers

What was particularly appreciated: the hands-on nature of the guidance. No lengthy reports—just focused support tailored to the needs of a growing company.

“The exchange with the Ahead innovation experts was straightforward, solution-oriented, and gave us exactly the clarity we needed during this crucial phase.”
— Silvan Leibacher, Founder & CEO, EggField

Lesson Learned: Innovation Needs Substance—And Protection

By developing a high-quality, plant-based egg alternative, EggField not only addressed consumer trends but also strategically positioned itself for the future. The Ahead support program helped lay the foundation.

“Without this focused support, we might have missed key aspects of IP protection until it was too late. This way, we were able to act professionally from the very beginning.”
— Silvan Leibacher, Founder & CEO, EggField

About Silvan Leibacher

Silvan Leibacher is a Swiss entrepreneur with a passion for sustainable food innovation. He is co-founder of the Leibacher Biber-Manufaktur, which handcrafts traditional Swiss Biber pastries, and of EggField, a company developing plant-based egg alternatives for the food industry. His mission: to make the food industry more environmentally friendly—without compromising on quality.

Further Information

Leibacher Biber-Manufaktur products are available in selected specialty stores.

For more information, visit:
www.biber-manufaktur.ch
www.eggfield.com

DrM. Dr. Müller AG is known for highly specialized filtration and mixing technologies.
A family-owned business for over 40 years, the company based in Männedorf develops innovative solutions for the life sciences and industrial sectors. Through the Ahead program (formerly KMU and Innovation), DrM not only found new partners but also gained access to concrete funding projects – with remarkable success.

From Idea to Project – With the Right Support

Since its founding in 1982 by Dr. Hans Müller, DrM, Dr. Müller AG has built a global reputation as a specialist in solid-liquid separation and in the development of unique vibrating mixing systems. More than 400 patents are credited to the company’s founder. Today, his grandson Patrick Müller leads the company in its third generation. But even a long-standing SME with its own R&D department can reach its limits at times.

One such case was the development of a single-use cross-flow filter for perfusion. Previous filter designs were only suitable for a single purpose, and internal testing yielded no viable results. It became clear that external expertise was needed. But where to begin?

Ahead Opened the Door to Academic Expertise

This is where the Ahead program came into play. After a detailed analysis, the assigned innovation expert identified Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts (HSLU) as a suitable research partner and facilitated the connection.

“Without that impulse, we wouldn’t have tackled the project – we lacked the network and the strategic know-how to get it off the ground,”
says Dr. Tizian Bucher, R&D Manager at DrM.

In parallel, Ahead also connected the team with a mentor who supported the development of an Innosuisse project and enabled a thorough patent analysis. The result: the project was approved in 2025 with funding of around CHF 750,000.

Further Innovations with Innosuisse Vouchers and AI

And that wasn’t the end of it. Ahead also supported other ideas – such as further developing the drive technology of DrM’s proprietary FUNDAMIX® mixer. What started as a vague concept involving new frequencies and amplitudes became a concrete innovation thanks to collaboration with FHNW University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland and their FEMM experts – supported by a successful Innosuisse Innovation Cheque.

Even a project that ultimately wasn’t pursued led to valuable insights. As Dr. Bucher explains:

“Thanks to discussions with another industry expert introduced by Ahead, we were able to define our strategic approach to using machine learning for filter fabric inspection much more clearly.”

Conclusion: A Program That Opens New Paths for SMEs

The collaboration with Ahead was more than just helpful – it was a true catalyst for innovation.

“Working with the innovation experts connected through Ahead didn’t just provide inspiration – it was also highly effective. I truly hope this program will be expanded so that even more SMEs can benefit from this expertise.”
— Dr. Tizian Bucher, R&D Manager at DrM

About Dr. Tizian Bucher

Dr. Tizian Bucher is Head of Research & Development at DrM, Dr. Müller AG, a globally active specialist in filtration and mixing technologies based in Männedorf, Switzerland. He plays a key role in driving the company’s innovation efforts in biotechnology and industrial applications. Dr. Bucher holds a Ph.D. from Columbia University and brings deep expertise in single-use technologies and process optimization. He is a regular speaker at international scientific and industry conferences.

More information: https://drmgroup.com/

 

Innovative Career Guidance with a Long Tradition in the Zurich Unterland

The S&B Institute is a well-established family business based in the Zurich Unterland region that has been supporting people in their personal development for over 40 years. As one of the pioneers of holistic career, study, and life coaching in Switzerland, it offers not only individual guidance but also learning materials for schools and coaching sessions. Ahead (formerly KMU and Innovation) supported the SME on its path toward digitalizing its services.

Focus on Development and Innovation

In 1979, the S&B Institute developed the “Wegweiser zur Berufswahl” (Career Choice Guide), followed in 1996 by the first trilingual career information CD-ROM “Berufswahlschau,” and later career portfolios supporting individuals from initial career choice through to mid-life career changes at 50+. In early 2020, the company faced the challenge of modernizing its educational resources and advisory processes. However, it lacked the expertise, resources, and key partnerships in the education sector to carry out this transformation.

New Impulses for Switzerland’s First Digital Career Choice Tool

Contact with Ahead brought crucial momentum: it enabled the development of an Innosuisse project and facilitated participation in the Informatiktage (IT Days), where the S&B Institute presented its digital career guidance tool “Profolio” to a wide audience from Switzerland and Liechtenstein. Feedback received boosted visibility and provided valuable input for further development.

“Our presence at the Informatiktage, arranged by Ahead, significantly increased our visibility and provided important impulses for the continued development of Profolio.”

Expanding Services and Network

Building on this experience, the Institute developed courses on using artificial intelligence in the application process and creating professional CVs on iPads. These new offerings strengthen the career guidance community and enable the organization of “Profolio Impulstagen” (Profolio Inspiration Days) with career coaches from all over Switzerland. The S&B Institute is also actively involved in the Future Lab Zurich Community, contributing its expertise in early-stage career guidance.

Future-Oriented Projects to Promote Equal Opportunities

Another Innosuisse project is in the pipeline, aiming to improve equal opportunities in the career choice process with the help of artificial intelligence. Profolio supports young people and their parents in taking their first step into a self-determined professional future with confidence and joy. A version tailored for working professionals is scheduled for release in summer 2025.

“With Profolio, we are committed every day to supporting young people in Switzerland on their path to a self-determined professional future.”

“We thank the Ahead team for their practical and connected support and highly recommend the program to all SMEs wishing to drive their projects forward—regardless of industry or company size.”

Simon and Tanja Schmid,
Co-owners and second-generation management
S&B Institute for Career and Life Design AG, Bülach
www.profolio.ch | www.sbinstitut.ch

Simon Schmid – Innovator in Career and Life Coaching
Simon Schmid is owner and member of the management team at the S&B Institute for Career and Life Design AG in Bülach. With a diverse professional background—from training as an AV electronics technician and studying design at Zurich University of the Arts to completing a MAS in career, study, and life coaching—he brings a wide range of perspectives to his work.

Tanja Schmid – Leadership with a Focus on Finance, HR, and Mindfulness
Tanja Schmid is a member of the management team at the S&B Institute, responsible for finance and human resources. She holds a degree in business informatics with a specialization in IT from the University of Zurich and a commercial diploma. Additionally, she is a certified yoga teacher (YS/EYU) and qualified Shinrin-Yoku health trainer.

www.profolio.ch | www.sbinstitut.ch

 

 

 

 

 

Submitting a successful application for the Innosuisse Swiss Accelerator is no easy task. For macu4 AG, it was clear: the complex funding process required more than just a good business idea—it needed a strategically thought-out plan. With support from the Ahead program (formerly KMU and Innovation), macu4 found the right guidance—and more than just help with the application process.

From Vision to Viable Funding Application

macu4 develops innovative, affordable orthoprosthetic solutions that emphasize user empowerment over high-tech mimicry. Two modular systems serve different user groups—from people with forearm amputations to those in need of hand prosthetics. The company set out to apply for funding through the Innosuisse Swiss Accelerator to fuel its next growth phase.

But the application was a challenge: detailed financial planning, risk assessments, market strategies, and intellectual property protection all had to be presented convincingly—clearly structured and easy for outsiders to understand.

“Such an application takes more than good arguments—it requires solid, professionally prepared content that anyone can quickly grasp.”
Dr. Myriam Lingg, Co-founder and CEO of macu4

Strategic Support That Fosters Maturity

This is where the Ahead support program came into play. macu4 was matched with an innovation expert with strong SME experience. Together, they analyzed and refined the business and sales strategy—and documented it with precision.

“The innovation expert helped structure our activities so they were coherent, focused, and strategically sound. That support was invaluable. At the same time, the process significantly enhanced our company’s level of maturity.”
Dr. Myriam Lingg

Efficient and Pragmatic

The pragmatic approach of the mentor was especially appreciated. The exchange was focused and efficient—macu4 only had to provide what was truly necessary, allowing the team to stay focused on daily operations.

“The collaboration ran smoothly. The effort on our side was minimal, but the outcome was incredibly valuable. The Ahead expert knew exactly which questions to ask—and when—and always kept the bigger picture in mind.”
Dr. Myriam Lingg

More Than Application Support: A True Sparring Partner

The support from Ahead went far beyond simply filling out forms. The mentor encouraged macu4 to rethink challenges, draw from the experiences of other SMEs, and critically reflect on the company’s strategic direction.

“In the fast-paced world of young companies, external input is essential. The mentor’s experience and broad network were a real asset to us.”
Dr. Myriam Lingg

Conclusion: Driving Innovation with Targeted Support

Thanks to tailored guidance, macu4 was able to submit a compelling grant application—and refine its strategic direction in the process. The collaboration with Ahead was more than just helpful; it was a catalyst for the company’s next stage.

“If you truly want to live innovation, you need partners who understand how SMEs work—and how to navigate complex requirements together. That’s exactly what we found in this program.”
Dr. Myriam Lingg

About Dr. Myriam Lingg

Dr. Myriam Lingg is the co-founder and CEO of macu4 AG, a Zurich-based medtech startup developing modular, 3D-printed orthoprosthetics for forearm and hand use. With over 15 years of experience in the medical technology industry—including roles at Heraeus in Germany and Smith & Nephew in Mexico—she brings deep expertise in product management, sales, and marketing. She earned her Ph.D. in Epidemiology from the Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute.

macu4 aims to deliver affordable, user-friendly prosthetic solutions that improve daily life. Using 3D printing and a modular design approach, the company enables personalized adjustments and promotes user independence. Lingg emphasizes simplicity and user-centered design as key principles and strives to optimize existing pathways in prosthetic care.

 

https://macu4.com/