News & Media
Stay informed about Crosstown H2R's latest developments, industry recognition, and progress in advancing hydrogen combustion technology for industrial decarbonisation.
In the Media
Tech.eu: "Crosstown raises $3M to boost Europe's clean and independent energy future"
Zurich-based Crosstown has raised an additional $3 million in seed funding to scale its proprietary H2R® Burner technology, which enables existing gas turbines to run on 100 % renewable fuels like hydrogen without requiring costly full-system replacements.
Jul 05, 2025
Tech.eu
In the Media
Tech Funding News: "With CHF 3M boost, Crosstown to power the shift from fossil fuels to clean hydrogen"
Zurich‑based deep‑tech startup Crosstown has secured CHF 3 million (approximately $3 million) in seed funding to accelerate commercial deployment of its patented H2R® Burner technology.
Jul 05, 2025
Tech Funding News
In the Media
Deutsche‑Startups: "Crosstown H2R gets 3 million"
Crosstown H2R secures USD 3 million to scale its H2R® Burner, making gas turbines run on renewable fuels with flexible, zero‑carbon capability.
Jul 05, 2025
Deutsche‑Startups
In the Media
EU‑Startups: “Swiss ClimateTech startup Crosstown raises €3.2 million to run gas turbines on renewable fuels”
Crosstown secures €3.2 million to speed up deployment of its H2R® Burner, turning legacy gas turbines into zero‑carbon powerhouses.
Jul 05, 2025
EU‑Startups
In the Media
IT Boltwise: "Swiss startup Crosstown drives decarbonization of gas turbines"
Swiss ClimateTech firm Crosstown H2R AG has secured €2.5 million in seed funding to ramp up its H2R® Burner technology.
Jul 05, 2025
IT Boltwise
In the Media
Startupper.gr: "ClimateTech startup Crosstown raises €2.5 million"
ClimateTech startup Crosstown has raised €2.5 million in funding to support the commercial rollout of its H2R® Burner technology.
Jul 05, 2025
Startupper.gr
In the Media
Swisspreneur: "S. Manoj Harasgama: From Corporate to ClimateTech Entrepreneur"
In the new episode of Swisspreneur Podcast, Crosstown H2R CEO Manoj Harasgama shares his journey to becoming a startup founder in the climate technology sector.
Apr 05, 2024
Swisspreneur
In the Media
NZZ am Sonntag: “Startup founder Manoj Harasgama gives tips for better failure"
In an article, published on NZZ am Sonntag, Crosstown H2R CEO Manoj Harasgama shares insights on the importance of embracing failure in entrepreneurship.
Apr 01, 2024
NZZ am Sonntag
In the Media
Energy Business Weekly: "Crosstown H2R Forms Crucial Partnerships with Sulzer and Fortum"
Energy Business Weekly spotlights Crosstown H2R's recent collaborations with Sulzer and Fortum.
Mar 29, 2024
Energy Business Weekly
In the Media
House of Winterthur: "Crosstown H2R Forges Partnership with Sulzer and Fortum"
Winterthur.com highlights Crosstown H2R's strategic collaboration with Sulzer and Fortum, aiming to revolutionize energy production.
Mar 29, 2024
House of Winterthur
In the Media
Sustainability Today: Crosstown H2R Enters into Partnership with Sulzer and Fortum
Sustainability Today reports that Crosstown H2R has recently announced strategic partnerships with Sulzer and Fortum.
Mar 28, 2024
Sustainability Today
In the Media
SwissTrade: "Crosstown H2R's Strategic Partnerships with Sulzer and Fortum"
SwissTrade reports on Crosstown H2R's significant strides in forging partnerships with industry leaders Sulzer and Fortum.
Mar 28, 2024
SwissTrade
In the Media
Sustainability Today: “Crosstown H2R enters into partnership with Sulzer and Fortum”
Sustainability Today brings exciting news of Crosstown H2R's recent collaboration with Sulzer Fortum in the endeavor to launch its zero-emission burner.
Mar 28, 2024Sustainability Today
In the Media
Tech Funding News: "Crosstown H2R Raises €2M for Hydrogen-Powered Zero-CO2 Burner"
Tech Funding News highlights the significant funding achievement of Crosstown H2R, a Swiss climate tech startup.
Mar 23, 2024Tech Funding News
In the Media
EU-Startups: "Swiss climate tech Crosstown H2R raises over €2 million to eliminate CO2 emissions from gas turbines"
EU-Startups recently spotlighted our significant funding achievement, as we secured over €2 million in subsidies and grants.
Mar 22, 2024EU-Startups
In the Media
Startupticker.ch: "Crosstown and partners pioneer zero-carbon energy production"
Startupticker.ch recently showcased our strides in zero-carbon energy production, highlighting our partnerships with Sulzer and Fortum.
Mar 21, 2024
Startupticker.ch
In the Media
tech.eu: "Crosstown H2R comes out of stealth with its pioneering gas turbine decarbonisation"
On March 18, 2024, tech.eu highlighted our innovative decarbonisation technology, marking a significant milestone as we transition gas turbines to hydrogen and other low-/zero-carbon fuels, aiming for a sustainable future.
Mar 20, 2024tech.eu
In the Media
Startbase News: "Crosstown H2R's Milestone Featured in Startbase News"
Startbase News spotlights Crosstown H2R's recent achievement in securing over €2 million for the development of CO2-free gas turbines.
Mar 20, 2024
Startbase News
In the Media
Inside: "Crosstown H2R Emerges from Stealth"
Inside covers the exciting emergence of Swiss climate tech startup Crosstown H2R from stealth mode, revealing its €2 million funding boost
Mar 19, 2024
Inside
In the Media
Silicon Canals: "Swiss-based Crosstown H2R exits stealth mode with €2M funding, aims to eliminate CO2 emissions from gas turbines"
In March 2024, Silicon Canals spotlighted Crosstown H2R as we announced exiting stealth mode with a significant €2M in funding.
Mar 19, 2024
Silicon Canals
In the Media
Deutsche Startups: "Crosstown H2R Raises €2 Million in Funding Round"
Deutsche Startups reports on Crosstown H2R's successful fundraising round, with €2 million raised from investors and the SFOE.
Mar 18, 2024Deutsche Startups
In the Media
Founders Today: "Crosstown H2R Secures €2M Funding to Decarbonize Gas Turbines"
Founders Today brings attention to Crosstown H2R's significant milestone as the Swiss-based climate tech startup emerges from stealth mode with €2 million in funding.
Mar 18, 2024
Founders Today
Press Release
Fortum and Crosstown H2R: New partnership to help reduce greenhouse gases in the power sector
Fortum Turbine and Generator Services and Crosstown H2R have initiated a collaboration that will help gas turbine operators reduce their greenhouse gas emissions.
Jan 25, 2024
Fortum
Press Release
Sulzer and Crosstown H2R Redefine the Future of Energy with Advanced Hydrogen Combustion Technology
Sulzer, a leading independent service provider (ISP) and Crosstown H2R Ltd, an innovation-focused Swiss technology firm, have joined forces to develop the next generation of hydrogen combustion systems to solve today’s global energy challenges.
Dec 01, 2023
Sulzer
Leadership Insights
Follow our leadership team on LinkedIn for the latest insights, industry perspectives, and company updates.
🌍 On Friday I was delighted to be invited to showcase Crosstown H2R's pioneering TRL7 burner technology decarbonising gas turbines at Verbier Summit! 🚀 It was an honour to join thought leaders and innovators like Vincent Bieri, Katka Letzing and Michael Mathres in discussing sustainable energy solutions. 🔥💡
👥 Engaging with sustainability pioneers at Verbier Summit was truly inspiring. Thanks to speakers like Gwen Jettain, Karl Khalil, Nicolas Weber and Leila Toplic for fostering discussions on the energy transition. 🙌
From panels to innovations, Verbier Summit highlighted collective action for climate. Presenting Crosstown H2R's tech to this crowd was a unique opportunity for our young startup! ⚡🔧
Let's drive a sustainable energy revolution together Jörgen Sandström, Cyrill Glockner, Michael Gloor, Joanna Kolomanska, Tanja Markotic, Megan Hunold, Sylvain Vaquer Omer Ben Moshe, Julian Osborne and everyone else!
#CrosstownH2R #ClimateTech #VerbierSummit #SustainabilityRevolution
P.S.: Looking forward to discussing further with anyone this week at START Global's START Summit this week
👥 Engaging with sustainability pioneers at Verbier Summit was truly inspiring. Thanks to speakers like Gwen Jettain, Karl Khalil, Nicolas Weber and Leila Toplic for fostering discussions on the energy transition. 🙌
From panels to innovations, Verbier Summit highlighted collective action for climate. Presenting Crosstown H2R's tech to this crowd was a unique opportunity for our young startup! ⚡🔧
Let's drive a sustainable energy revolution together Jörgen Sandström, Cyrill Glockner, Michael Gloor, Joanna Kolomanska, Tanja Markotic, Megan Hunold, Sylvain Vaquer Omer Ben Moshe, Julian Osborne and everyone else!
#CrosstownH2R #ClimateTech #VerbierSummit #SustainabilityRevolution
P.S.: Looking forward to discussing further with anyone this week at START Global's START Summit this week
Read more
S. Manoj Harasgama
March 20, 2024
Switzerland’s homerun entrepreneurs, want to mentor you to become the next Swiss Unicorn.
Only 10 more days to go: Let me nominate you!
🚀 The program:
Project Switzerland connects the most promising Swiss Scale-ups with the best Role Models of Switzerland, Unicorn Founders and Serial Entrepreneurs (Samuel Mueller, Bettina Hein, Olivier Gaudin & co.) who have successfully done it before.
🦄 Why I said yes to being a mentor:
* My start up funeral with Unleash12, why did it happen?
↳ Signed rockstar celebs like Ronaldo - Attention junkies
↳ Lesson: Shiny clients ≠ Scalable clients - Biz model fail
* F*ck up to success while building JOIN.com:
↳ Built one feature for months - 98% of users didn’t need it
↳ Lesson: Understand core value - Today 100k B2B clients globally
* The brutal DeepTech awakening with Crosstown H2R:
↳ ALL-IN to build NetZero - Misjudged Trumps denial of climate change
↳ Lesson: Remember it’s a marathon - USD 3.75m Seed despite headwinds
The journey to the top of the Matterhorn is tough on your own, but chances of success are higher by working with those who have climbed to the top before.
📍The criteria you need to hit (3 out of 4) so I can nominate you:
* ARR: CHF 2–10m
* Team Size: >15 employees
* Market Potential: >CHF 200m in annual revenue
* Financing: At least CHF 2m raised from investors, angels, etc.
👉 Hit me up via PM if you want me to nominate your start-up.
While other startup ecosystems are in decline, Switzerland is climbing to the top.
In terms of VC investment, we are already in the top 4 of Europe. In terms of VC invest per capita no.1!
Now we are building the rest of the support system beyond investment. To match our collective ambition.
The only question remains: will you climb with us?
P.S. Do you know any scale-ups that are serious about taking the next step? tag them in the comments.
Only 10 more days to go: Let me nominate you!
🚀 The program:
Project Switzerland connects the most promising Swiss Scale-ups with the best Role Models of Switzerland, Unicorn Founders and Serial Entrepreneurs (Samuel Mueller, Bettina Hein, Olivier Gaudin & co.) who have successfully done it before.
🦄 Why I said yes to being a mentor:
* My start up funeral with Unleash12, why did it happen?
↳ Signed rockstar celebs like Ronaldo - Attention junkies
↳ Lesson: Shiny clients ≠ Scalable clients - Biz model fail
* F*ck up to success while building JOIN.com:
↳ Built one feature for months - 98% of users didn’t need it
↳ Lesson: Understand core value - Today 100k B2B clients globally
* The brutal DeepTech awakening with Crosstown H2R:
↳ ALL-IN to build NetZero - Misjudged Trumps denial of climate change
↳ Lesson: Remember it’s a marathon - USD 3.75m Seed despite headwinds
The journey to the top of the Matterhorn is tough on your own, but chances of success are higher by working with those who have climbed to the top before.
📍The criteria you need to hit (3 out of 4) so I can nominate you:
* ARR: CHF 2–10m
* Team Size: >15 employees
* Market Potential: >CHF 200m in annual revenue
* Financing: At least CHF 2m raised from investors, angels, etc.
👉 Hit me up via PM if you want me to nominate your start-up.
While other startup ecosystems are in decline, Switzerland is climbing to the top.
In terms of VC investment, we are already in the top 4 of Europe. In terms of VC invest per capita no.1!
Now we are building the rest of the support system beyond investment. To match our collective ambition.
The only question remains: will you climb with us?
P.S. Do you know any scale-ups that are serious about taking the next step? tag them in the comments.
Read more
S. Manoj Harasgama
4 days ago
Brushing shoulders with the crème-de-la-crème.
Our CTO on stage at ETH Zürich with global industry heavyweights: Dr. Khawar Syed you rocked it!
GPPS 2026 in Zurich was calling this month & I got to be a cheerleader.
Because our CTO was invited on a panel by the Global Power and Propulsion Society to give his perspective on Turbomachinery for decarbonisation.
Sitting right next to him?
Christer Björkqvist (Founder & MD, ETN Global) a leading network bringing together the global Gas Turbine community
Federico Bonzani (CTO, Ansaldo Energia) one of the major players in the gas turbine sector globally
Vince Sidwell (Director Advanced Concepts, Pratt & Whitney) a major gas producer of aviation gas turbines
Chris Johnston (COO, Power Systems Mfg., LLC, a Hanwha company.) as part of Hanwha Group and an innovative player in the gas turbine sector
The rockstars of gas turbines & we, Crosstown H2R, are sitting right among them.
💡 Some key takeaways for me from their conversation:
→ The event is key to bringing industrial professionals, academic & policy makers into the same room
→ Energy security & affordability dominate the strategy at present, everything else is secondary.
→ Aviation & power generation gas turbines are facing high demand, which puts stress on global supply chains.
→ High potential for collaboration between aviation & power generation in pursuit of low emission and enhanced performance.
→ Currently huge uncertainty in the sector, so flexibility is key.
💭 Khawars main point:
Our technology addresses fuel flexibility & operability with low emissions. Given the high demand & associated supply chain challenges, life extension of existing assets is key in enabling demand to be met in a timely manner.
💭 My 2 cents:
With our fast deployable & clean turbine solutions, we can support data centers that need reliable on-premises energy. Crosstown’s solutions, together with its partners is destined to deliver the energy appetite of the AI revolution. So we don’t have to decide between AI progress & hitting our climate goals.
Kudos to Khawar for nailing it on stage.
I love it when I see our world-class team in action outside the office.
It ensures me that we are on the right track.
Yes, the environment is uncertain, but what we do have control over, we are nailing.
Sitting among giants as the new kid on the block is proof of that.
P.S. Which events will you be heading next? Would love to meet you in person, to talk about gas turbines, growth & espresso martinis.
Our CTO on stage at ETH Zürich with global industry heavyweights: Dr. Khawar Syed you rocked it!
GPPS 2026 in Zurich was calling this month & I got to be a cheerleader.
Because our CTO was invited on a panel by the Global Power and Propulsion Society to give his perspective on Turbomachinery for decarbonisation.
Sitting right next to him?
Christer Björkqvist (Founder & MD, ETN Global) a leading network bringing together the global Gas Turbine community
Federico Bonzani (CTO, Ansaldo Energia) one of the major players in the gas turbine sector globally
Vince Sidwell (Director Advanced Concepts, Pratt & Whitney) a major gas producer of aviation gas turbines
Chris Johnston (COO, Power Systems Mfg., LLC, a Hanwha company.) as part of Hanwha Group and an innovative player in the gas turbine sector
The rockstars of gas turbines & we, Crosstown H2R, are sitting right among them.
💡 Some key takeaways for me from their conversation:
→ The event is key to bringing industrial professionals, academic & policy makers into the same room
→ Energy security & affordability dominate the strategy at present, everything else is secondary.
→ Aviation & power generation gas turbines are facing high demand, which puts stress on global supply chains.
→ High potential for collaboration between aviation & power generation in pursuit of low emission and enhanced performance.
→ Currently huge uncertainty in the sector, so flexibility is key.
💭 Khawars main point:
Our technology addresses fuel flexibility & operability with low emissions. Given the high demand & associated supply chain challenges, life extension of existing assets is key in enabling demand to be met in a timely manner.
💭 My 2 cents:
With our fast deployable & clean turbine solutions, we can support data centers that need reliable on-premises energy. Crosstown’s solutions, together with its partners is destined to deliver the energy appetite of the AI revolution. So we don’t have to decide between AI progress & hitting our climate goals.
Kudos to Khawar for nailing it on stage.
I love it when I see our world-class team in action outside the office.
It ensures me that we are on the right track.
Yes, the environment is uncertain, but what we do have control over, we are nailing.
Sitting among giants as the new kid on the block is proof of that.
P.S. Which events will you be heading next? Would love to meet you in person, to talk about gas turbines, growth & espresso martinis.
Read more
S. Manoj Harasgama
January 30
Pinch me, please. I am 1 of only 20 role models who will help scale the next Global Market Leaders from Switzerland 🇨🇭
Scaling a company is a lonely, high-stakes journey.
I learned this the hard way in building Treatwell, JOIN and Crosstown.
While Switzerland is world champion in innovation, true scaling expertise is often hard to find and even harder to access.
I'm privileged to be part of Project Switzerland, a national mission to bridge this "growth gap". We've formed a world-class task force of Unicorn Founders and Serial Entrepreneurs who are committed to giving back to the ecosystem that helped us grow.
I wish such support had been available when I hit dead ends while scaling. It would have saved me money, energy, and sanity.
So for me, this is about more than just advice; this is truly personal and about honest, eye-level experience sharing. Supporting others to give them a head start. We want to help the next breed of Swiss founders avoid the costly mistakes that often derail international expansion and catapult them to becoming the global benchmarks⭐️
Do you know a high-potential Swiss scale-up? Investors, board members and startup ecosystem: help us find the companies ready for the next level. Nominations are open until 15th February 2026.
👇 Details on how to nominate and the full list of Role Models are in the comments!
Project Switzerland is initiated by Deep Tech Nation Switzerland and supported by a powerful coalition of partners: HSG START Accelerator, Swiss Startup Association, SICTIC, startup days, FONGIT, and Follow the Gradient.
Scaling a company is a lonely, high-stakes journey.
I learned this the hard way in building Treatwell, JOIN and Crosstown.
While Switzerland is world champion in innovation, true scaling expertise is often hard to find and even harder to access.
I'm privileged to be part of Project Switzerland, a national mission to bridge this "growth gap". We've formed a world-class task force of Unicorn Founders and Serial Entrepreneurs who are committed to giving back to the ecosystem that helped us grow.
I wish such support had been available when I hit dead ends while scaling. It would have saved me money, energy, and sanity.
So for me, this is about more than just advice; this is truly personal and about honest, eye-level experience sharing. Supporting others to give them a head start. We want to help the next breed of Swiss founders avoid the costly mistakes that often derail international expansion and catapult them to becoming the global benchmarks⭐️
Do you know a high-potential Swiss scale-up? Investors, board members and startup ecosystem: help us find the companies ready for the next level. Nominations are open until 15th February 2026.
👇 Details on how to nominate and the full list of Role Models are in the comments!
Project Switzerland is initiated by Deep Tech Nation Switzerland and supported by a powerful coalition of partners: HSG START Accelerator, Swiss Startup Association, SICTIC, startup days, FONGIT, and Follow the Gradient.
Read more
S. Manoj Harasgama
January 15
Switzerland’s ClimateTech elite all gathered in a…
Power Plant, to trailblaze a path to accelerate the energy transition.
STARTUP CAMPUS Switzerland invited for the Energy & Environment Innovation Day 2025.
At Kraftwerk.
A former power plant in downtown Zurich.
The perfect place for us at Crosstown H2R & for hosting this event.
It was buzzing & the entire community was energised.
With ideas & people from CERN, ETH Zürich, Empa, ABB, University of St.Gallen, Climeworks and more.
Startup Campus Switzerland had gathered all shakers & makers in the Swiss ClimateTech scene with:
- 20+ VCs
- 50+ Startups
- 200+ ClimateTech aficionados
…all at the Kraftwerk to debate how to unlock the energy transition.
I was in the limelight on mainstage for the panel discussion to debate “Energy Startups – Challenges, Trends & Perspectives” together with:
Jennifer McCloskey - Investment Director for Climate at Swisscom Ventures
Andreas Uthmann - CEO/CPO at enshift AG
Christina Held - Climate Investments at Emerald Technology Ventures
Matthias Filser - CEO atSTARTUP CAMPUS Switzerland and
Anna Stando - Moderator keeping us panelists all on point
My key takeaways:
🌪️Political & Financial headwinds:
↳ Since “America First” is back, global regulatory tailwinds supporting ClimateTech evaporated
↳ Startups count themselves lucky to raise capital with decreased VC appetite for future-oriented areas
🤖The world is focusing on AI & short-term profits:
↳ AI is getting the attention & irrationally (?) fast funding with exponential valuations
↳ However even Google’s Chief Exec Sundar Pichai is sceptical whether this is a bubble
🥷🏽ClimateTech is competing against AI for investments:
↳ Growth benchmarks to raise capital due to AI hype are significantly more demanding according to Jennifer McCloskey
↳ ClimateTech plays on a longer timescale & needs patient capital, so by design only the best ClimateTechs are getting funded today
🥇In Switzerland talent, capital & stamina are already here:
↳ With ETH Zürich, EPFL, IMD, University of St.Gallen, Switzerland is home to Europe's leading talent factories
↳ Switzerland ranks 1st in Europe for DeepTech VC investment per capita and 3rd globally
Whilst the world is distracted with so many other things the opportunity to claim the position as the global leader in ClimateTech is up for grabs.
All Switzerland & Europe must do is be bold & double down on the future of the world.
By investing into this community to trailblaze a path to the future.
P.S.: Which event will you attend next? Would love to meet you face to face.
Power Plant, to trailblaze a path to accelerate the energy transition.
STARTUP CAMPUS Switzerland invited for the Energy & Environment Innovation Day 2025.
At Kraftwerk.
A former power plant in downtown Zurich.
The perfect place for us at Crosstown H2R & for hosting this event.
It was buzzing & the entire community was energised.
With ideas & people from CERN, ETH Zürich, Empa, ABB, University of St.Gallen, Climeworks and more.
Startup Campus Switzerland had gathered all shakers & makers in the Swiss ClimateTech scene with:
- 20+ VCs
- 50+ Startups
- 200+ ClimateTech aficionados
…all at the Kraftwerk to debate how to unlock the energy transition.
I was in the limelight on mainstage for the panel discussion to debate “Energy Startups – Challenges, Trends & Perspectives” together with:
Jennifer McCloskey - Investment Director for Climate at Swisscom Ventures
Andreas Uthmann - CEO/CPO at enshift AG
Christina Held - Climate Investments at Emerald Technology Ventures
Matthias Filser - CEO atSTARTUP CAMPUS Switzerland and
Anna Stando - Moderator keeping us panelists all on point
My key takeaways:
🌪️Political & Financial headwinds:
↳ Since “America First” is back, global regulatory tailwinds supporting ClimateTech evaporated
↳ Startups count themselves lucky to raise capital with decreased VC appetite for future-oriented areas
🤖The world is focusing on AI & short-term profits:
↳ AI is getting the attention & irrationally (?) fast funding with exponential valuations
↳ However even Google’s Chief Exec Sundar Pichai is sceptical whether this is a bubble
🥷🏽ClimateTech is competing against AI for investments:
↳ Growth benchmarks to raise capital due to AI hype are significantly more demanding according to Jennifer McCloskey
↳ ClimateTech plays on a longer timescale & needs patient capital, so by design only the best ClimateTechs are getting funded today
🥇In Switzerland talent, capital & stamina are already here:
↳ With ETH Zürich, EPFL, IMD, University of St.Gallen, Switzerland is home to Europe's leading talent factories
↳ Switzerland ranks 1st in Europe for DeepTech VC investment per capita and 3rd globally
Whilst the world is distracted with so many other things the opportunity to claim the position as the global leader in ClimateTech is up for grabs.
All Switzerland & Europe must do is be bold & double down on the future of the world.
By investing into this community to trailblaze a path to the future.
P.S.: Which event will you attend next? Would love to meet you face to face.
Read more
S. Manoj Harasgama
November 19, 2025
LIVE from Brussels! We’re on stage at the premier gas turbine events in the sector.
We’re brushing shoulders with the experts at the International Gas Turbine Conference (IGTC) & European Micro Gas Turbine Forum (EMGTF) in Brussels.
2 of the most prestigious turbine events, hosted by the world-renowned ETN.
🎤 Paul Young and Franklin Genin have been invited to present Crosstown’s patented technology.
They will showcase how our team is pushing the boundaries of cleaner, low-emission, reliable turbine technology.
Thanks to Christer Björkqvist Viktorija Charbagi Antonio Escamilla, PhD & Giuseppe Tilocca ⭐️
Our team is ALL-IN.
Our stand is buzzing.
We are ready to showcase our solution on stage.
First Feedback in:
✅ The team’s credibility is recognised
✅ Our scalable Burner Tech is on point
✅ Our Multi-fuel flex reduces operator risk
And yes.
Rumours have it, we don’t just make Swiss Quality burners, but might serve some Swiss treats at the end of the day:
Ricola vs. Shots (Appenzeller) both at the end of the day 🍬 vs.🍸?
Pretty sure it’s a first for both at this event.
If you’re around, come say hi.
If not, get the sneak peek to our keynote here:
👉 https://lnkd.in/djztcxBx
Our burner technology has the superior key technology and cost-competitiveness the operators are looking for.
Let’s increase collaboration.
Let’s re-write the industry’s playbook.
Let’s prove open-innovation will re-invigorate the gas-turbine sector AND demonstrate together we can achieve radical growth and increase the size of the market for all players.
P.S.: If you want to know how I injured my throat, these events are wild on every level…
#ETN #Growth Crosstown H2R
We’re brushing shoulders with the experts at the International Gas Turbine Conference (IGTC) & European Micro Gas Turbine Forum (EMGTF) in Brussels.
2 of the most prestigious turbine events, hosted by the world-renowned ETN.
🎤 Paul Young and Franklin Genin have been invited to present Crosstown’s patented technology.
They will showcase how our team is pushing the boundaries of cleaner, low-emission, reliable turbine technology.
Thanks to Christer Björkqvist Viktorija Charbagi Antonio Escamilla, PhD & Giuseppe Tilocca ⭐️
Our team is ALL-IN.
Our stand is buzzing.
We are ready to showcase our solution on stage.
First Feedback in:
✅ The team’s credibility is recognised
✅ Our scalable Burner Tech is on point
✅ Our Multi-fuel flex reduces operator risk
And yes.
Rumours have it, we don’t just make Swiss Quality burners, but might serve some Swiss treats at the end of the day:
Ricola vs. Shots (Appenzeller) both at the end of the day 🍬 vs.🍸?
Pretty sure it’s a first for both at this event.
If you’re around, come say hi.
If not, get the sneak peek to our keynote here:
👉 https://lnkd.in/djztcxBx
Our burner technology has the superior key technology and cost-competitiveness the operators are looking for.
Let’s increase collaboration.
Let’s re-write the industry’s playbook.
Let’s prove open-innovation will re-invigorate the gas-turbine sector AND demonstrate together we can achieve radical growth and increase the size of the market for all players.
P.S.: If you want to know how I injured my throat, these events are wild on every level…
#ETN #Growth Crosstown H2R
Read more
S. Manoj Harasgama
October 16, 2025
☠️ Last week I fell into a deep hole of exhaustion.
I woke up 17 hours later...
Over the weekend I was able to recover.
After weeks of exhausting long days and super short nights constructing and finally delivering my very own first full MBA course...
“Hypergrowth in Startups: How to foster the traits of an entrepreneur obsessed with radical growth”.
Bloomberg Businessweek’s #1 school in Entrepreneurship (ESADE) had personally called me to create a brand new course on Growth.
Thank you for your trust: Professors Dr. Jan Brinckmann, Davide Rovera and special guest Dr. Philipp Engelhardt
The goal was simple, but not easy: to distil 15 years of scars and wins across my ventures and deliver more than boring theory.
One week before kick-off ESADE called: oversubscribed.
No pressure.
Expectations sky-high...
Showing up half-baked was never an option. I really wanted to deliver.
So the weeks of intense preparation were painful:
• First the skeleton to lay a foundation for deep content
• Then chapters to design the perfect storyline
• 200+ slides crafted one by one to create maximum suspense
• Delivered in-person in one single marathon week
All as a “side-hustle” while building my VC-backed venture Crosstown.
Day & Night.
🚀 But you know what? The sleepless nights paid off.
Watching some of the brightest entrepreneurial minds in Europe wrestle with the same trade-offs every founder faces:
⚡ Data vs. intuition
⚡ Speed vs. excellence
⚡ Ambition vs. resilience
My exhaustion after that was real. But so was the reward.
Synthesising these lessons reminded me that growth isn’t just a business objective.
It is in fact the combo: mindset x methodology.
A combination very few truly master.
But now 50+ entrpreneurship students have my exact playbook/blueprint to be stay of the game.
P.S. Would you like to see some of the reflections I had for the course on here?
#Growth #Success #Failure #Startups
Cases: Treatwell, JOIN, Groupon, Crosstown H2R
I woke up 17 hours later...
Over the weekend I was able to recover.
After weeks of exhausting long days and super short nights constructing and finally delivering my very own first full MBA course...
“Hypergrowth in Startups: How to foster the traits of an entrepreneur obsessed with radical growth”.
Bloomberg Businessweek’s #1 school in Entrepreneurship (ESADE) had personally called me to create a brand new course on Growth.
Thank you for your trust: Professors Dr. Jan Brinckmann, Davide Rovera and special guest Dr. Philipp Engelhardt
The goal was simple, but not easy: to distil 15 years of scars and wins across my ventures and deliver more than boring theory.
One week before kick-off ESADE called: oversubscribed.
No pressure.
Expectations sky-high...
Showing up half-baked was never an option. I really wanted to deliver.
So the weeks of intense preparation were painful:
• First the skeleton to lay a foundation for deep content
• Then chapters to design the perfect storyline
• 200+ slides crafted one by one to create maximum suspense
• Delivered in-person in one single marathon week
All as a “side-hustle” while building my VC-backed venture Crosstown.
Day & Night.
🚀 But you know what? The sleepless nights paid off.
Watching some of the brightest entrepreneurial minds in Europe wrestle with the same trade-offs every founder faces:
⚡ Data vs. intuition
⚡ Speed vs. excellence
⚡ Ambition vs. resilience
My exhaustion after that was real. But so was the reward.
Synthesising these lessons reminded me that growth isn’t just a business objective.
It is in fact the combo: mindset x methodology.
A combination very few truly master.
But now 50+ entrpreneurship students have my exact playbook/blueprint to be stay of the game.
P.S. Would you like to see some of the reflections I had for the course on here?
#Growth #Success #Failure #Startups
Cases: Treatwell, JOIN, Groupon, Crosstown H2R
Read more
S. Manoj Harasgama
September 29, 2025
Casually dialled into my Masterclass at after lunch...
💥 BOOM. 500 eyeballs staring at me. Surprise!
Not the cosy, intimate session I’d expected…
More like spotlight on centre stage.
I’ll admit, I was stunned for a second.
Let’s rewind…
Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman’s and his Misk Foundation asked me to deliver a Masterclass on Growth Principles.
The audience?
Semi-finalists & coordinators of the Entrepreneurship World Cup (EWC)
One of the biggest startup competitions on the planet!
- 20,000 competitors across 150 countries
- Down to 250 semi-finalists Today
- With 100 finalists heading to Riyadh
- Massive $1.5M prize pool. No strings attached.
--> When Saudi goes big… it really goes big.
As an early-stage ClimateTech founder, I wasn’t sure at first.
Middle East wasn’t top of our radar.
But the more I thought about it…
This was a stage full of innovators, future-oriented leaders and trailblazers
A chance to potentially gain meaningful relationships in the region
...and perhaps rally interest in Crosstown H2R's ZeroCarbon tech for Middle East Oil & Gas...
Let’s do it! I went ALL-IN.
Backed by ESADE’s Entrepreneurship All-Stars Dr. Jan Brinckmann & Davide Rovera
🎯 What then happened next?
- 1x Growth Masterclass by me
- 250+ growth-stage founders engaged for 60minutes
- 96 contact requests
- 53 LinkedIn messages
- 1 invite to Riyadh? (pending)
--> Not bad for a “surprise gig”
Big respect to Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman’s foundation for bringing together such a diverse group of international founders.
Shoutout to Ahmed Alshareef Faisal Madani, Carlos A. Iñiguez and the teams at MonshaatSA and BibanGlobal for making it happen and thanks to Md. Mubir Mahmud Chowdhury, Ashwini Oke, Clark Yuan, Keeghan Patrick, Pedro Resende, Pavan Konanur, Ahmed Al Mashhadi, Abdullah Sahab and all other rockstar founders for the high-intensity banter!
With 25+ ClimateTech startups still alive in the semis, I’m rooting for a green winner🌱
🤞 Finger’s crossed for a personal invite to Riyadh too…
Question: What are your experiences in building (Climate-) Tech in the Middle East?
#Growth #MasterClass #NetZero
💥 BOOM. 500 eyeballs staring at me. Surprise!
Not the cosy, intimate session I’d expected…
More like spotlight on centre stage.
I’ll admit, I was stunned for a second.
Let’s rewind…
Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman’s and his Misk Foundation asked me to deliver a Masterclass on Growth Principles.
The audience?
Semi-finalists & coordinators of the Entrepreneurship World Cup (EWC)
One of the biggest startup competitions on the planet!
- 20,000 competitors across 150 countries
- Down to 250 semi-finalists Today
- With 100 finalists heading to Riyadh
- Massive $1.5M prize pool. No strings attached.
--> When Saudi goes big… it really goes big.
As an early-stage ClimateTech founder, I wasn’t sure at first.
Middle East wasn’t top of our radar.
But the more I thought about it…
This was a stage full of innovators, future-oriented leaders and trailblazers
A chance to potentially gain meaningful relationships in the region
...and perhaps rally interest in Crosstown H2R's ZeroCarbon tech for Middle East Oil & Gas...
Let’s do it! I went ALL-IN.
Backed by ESADE’s Entrepreneurship All-Stars Dr. Jan Brinckmann & Davide Rovera
🎯 What then happened next?
- 1x Growth Masterclass by me
- 250+ growth-stage founders engaged for 60minutes
- 96 contact requests
- 53 LinkedIn messages
- 1 invite to Riyadh? (pending)
--> Not bad for a “surprise gig”
Big respect to Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman’s foundation for bringing together such a diverse group of international founders.
Shoutout to Ahmed Alshareef Faisal Madani, Carlos A. Iñiguez and the teams at MonshaatSA and BibanGlobal for making it happen and thanks to Md. Mubir Mahmud Chowdhury, Ashwini Oke, Clark Yuan, Keeghan Patrick, Pedro Resende, Pavan Konanur, Ahmed Al Mashhadi, Abdullah Sahab and all other rockstar founders for the high-intensity banter!
With 25+ ClimateTech startups still alive in the semis, I’m rooting for a green winner🌱
🤞 Finger’s crossed for a personal invite to Riyadh too…
Question: What are your experiences in building (Climate-) Tech in the Middle East?
#Growth #MasterClass #NetZero
Read more
S. Manoj Harasgama
September 15, 2025
BIG News 3/3: Swiss Federal Office of Energy supports us to make Europe's energy system more resilient
Disruptive innovation needs energy. A lot of it.
Yet in our current geopolitical climate, borders close, conflicts rise, tariffs are raised, or entire resource flows are stopped.
The past 5 years have shown how vulnerable and delicate our European energy system is. We are still addicted to dirty fossil fuels.
Crosstown H2R is driving the change and we are proud to announce that the Swiss Government believes in our mission and joins us on our journey.
Not only to decarbonise our energy grid.
But to create a robust, resilient and sovereign energy system from the heart of Europe, that enables our clients to produce electricity with renewable energy, locally.
Stopping the excessive dependence on fossil fuels from abroad.
70% of Switzerland’s energy still comes from non-renewable sources.
Most of it is oil, gas and nuclear.
And nearly all of it’s imported. Which means Switzerland depends heavily on other countries to keep the lights on.
The story looks similar for many European countries.
Together, we are changing that story.
The Swiss Federal Office of Energy (SFoE) support us by:
↳ Massive and continuous funding of expensive gas turbine test facilities
↳ Enabling the objective verficiation of our tech at highest pressures and temperatures
↳ Opening their network to engage in European funded energy programmes
It's a massive challenge to make Europe's energy system more resilient & sovereign.
But we are up for the challenge.
Disruptive innovation needs energy. A lot of it.
Yet in our current geopolitical climate, borders close, conflicts rise, tariffs are raised, or entire resource flows are stopped.
The past 5 years have shown how vulnerable and delicate our European energy system is. We are still addicted to dirty fossil fuels.
Crosstown H2R is driving the change and we are proud to announce that the Swiss Government believes in our mission and joins us on our journey.
Not only to decarbonise our energy grid.
But to create a robust, resilient and sovereign energy system from the heart of Europe, that enables our clients to produce electricity with renewable energy, locally.
Stopping the excessive dependence on fossil fuels from abroad.
70% of Switzerland’s energy still comes from non-renewable sources.
Most of it is oil, gas and nuclear.
And nearly all of it’s imported. Which means Switzerland depends heavily on other countries to keep the lights on.
The story looks similar for many European countries.
Together, we are changing that story.
The Swiss Federal Office of Energy (SFoE) support us by:
↳ Massive and continuous funding of expensive gas turbine test facilities
↳ Enabling the objective verficiation of our tech at highest pressures and temperatures
↳ Opening their network to engage in European funded energy programmes
It's a massive challenge to make Europe's energy system more resilient & sovereign.
But we are up for the challenge.
Read more
S. Manoj Harasgama
July 14, 2025
🌍 On Friday I was delighted to be invited to showcase Crosstown H2R's pioneering TRL7 burner technology decarbonising gas turbines at Verbier Summit! 🚀 It was an honour to join thought leaders and innovators like Vincent Bieri, Katka Letzing and Michael Mathres in discussing sustainable energy solutions. 🔥💡
👥 Engaging with sustainability pioneers at Verbier Summit was truly inspiring. Thanks to speakers like Gwen Jettain, Karl Khalil, Nicolas Weber and Leila Toplic for fostering discussions on the energy transition. 🙌
From panels to innovations, Verbier Summit highlighted collective action for climate. Presenting Crosstown H2R's tech to this crowd was a unique opportunity for our young startup! ⚡🔧
Let's drive a sustainable energy revolution together Jörgen Sandström, Cyrill Glockner, Michael Gloor, Joanna Kolomanska, Tanja Markotic, Megan Hunold, Sylvain Vaquer Omer Ben Moshe, Julian Osborne and everyone else!
#CrosstownH2R #ClimateTech #VerbierSummit #SustainabilityRevolution
P.S.: Looking forward to discussing further with anyone this week at START Global's START Summit this week
👥 Engaging with sustainability pioneers at Verbier Summit was truly inspiring. Thanks to speakers like Gwen Jettain, Karl Khalil, Nicolas Weber and Leila Toplic for fostering discussions on the energy transition. 🙌
From panels to innovations, Verbier Summit highlighted collective action for climate. Presenting Crosstown H2R's tech to this crowd was a unique opportunity for our young startup! ⚡🔧
Let's drive a sustainable energy revolution together Jörgen Sandström, Cyrill Glockner, Michael Gloor, Joanna Kolomanska, Tanja Markotic, Megan Hunold, Sylvain Vaquer Omer Ben Moshe, Julian Osborne and everyone else!
#CrosstownH2R #ClimateTech #VerbierSummit #SustainabilityRevolution
P.S.: Looking forward to discussing further with anyone this week at START Global's START Summit this week
Read more
S. Manoj Harasgama
March 20, 2024
Switzerland’s homerun entrepreneurs, want to mentor you to become the next Swiss Unicorn.
Only 10 more days to go: Let me nominate you!
🚀 The program:
Project Switzerland connects the most promising Swiss Scale-ups with the best Role Models of Switzerland, Unicorn Founders and Serial Entrepreneurs (Samuel Mueller, Bettina Hein, Olivier Gaudin & co.) who have successfully done it before.
🦄 Why I said yes to being a mentor:
* My start up funeral with Unleash12, why did it happen?
↳ Signed rockstar celebs like Ronaldo - Attention junkies
↳ Lesson: Shiny clients ≠ Scalable clients - Biz model fail
* F*ck up to success while building JOIN.com:
↳ Built one feature for months - 98% of users didn’t need it
↳ Lesson: Understand core value - Today 100k B2B clients globally
* The brutal DeepTech awakening with Crosstown H2R:
↳ ALL-IN to build NetZero - Misjudged Trumps denial of climate change
↳ Lesson: Remember it’s a marathon - USD 3.75m Seed despite headwinds
The journey to the top of the Matterhorn is tough on your own, but chances of success are higher by working with those who have climbed to the top before.
📍The criteria you need to hit (3 out of 4) so I can nominate you:
* ARR: CHF 2–10m
* Team Size: >15 employees
* Market Potential: >CHF 200m in annual revenue
* Financing: At least CHF 2m raised from investors, angels, etc.
👉 Hit me up via PM if you want me to nominate your start-up.
While other startup ecosystems are in decline, Switzerland is climbing to the top.
In terms of VC investment, we are already in the top 4 of Europe. In terms of VC invest per capita no.1!
Now we are building the rest of the support system beyond investment. To match our collective ambition.
The only question remains: will you climb with us?
P.S. Do you know any scale-ups that are serious about taking the next step? tag them in the comments.
Only 10 more days to go: Let me nominate you!
🚀 The program:
Project Switzerland connects the most promising Swiss Scale-ups with the best Role Models of Switzerland, Unicorn Founders and Serial Entrepreneurs (Samuel Mueller, Bettina Hein, Olivier Gaudin & co.) who have successfully done it before.
🦄 Why I said yes to being a mentor:
* My start up funeral with Unleash12, why did it happen?
↳ Signed rockstar celebs like Ronaldo - Attention junkies
↳ Lesson: Shiny clients ≠ Scalable clients - Biz model fail
* F*ck up to success while building JOIN.com:
↳ Built one feature for months - 98% of users didn’t need it
↳ Lesson: Understand core value - Today 100k B2B clients globally
* The brutal DeepTech awakening with Crosstown H2R:
↳ ALL-IN to build NetZero - Misjudged Trumps denial of climate change
↳ Lesson: Remember it’s a marathon - USD 3.75m Seed despite headwinds
The journey to the top of the Matterhorn is tough on your own, but chances of success are higher by working with those who have climbed to the top before.
📍The criteria you need to hit (3 out of 4) so I can nominate you:
* ARR: CHF 2–10m
* Team Size: >15 employees
* Market Potential: >CHF 200m in annual revenue
* Financing: At least CHF 2m raised from investors, angels, etc.
👉 Hit me up via PM if you want me to nominate your start-up.
While other startup ecosystems are in decline, Switzerland is climbing to the top.
In terms of VC investment, we are already in the top 4 of Europe. In terms of VC invest per capita no.1!
Now we are building the rest of the support system beyond investment. To match our collective ambition.
The only question remains: will you climb with us?
P.S. Do you know any scale-ups that are serious about taking the next step? tag them in the comments.
Read more
S. Manoj Harasgama
4 days ago
Brushing shoulders with the crème-de-la-crème.
Our CTO on stage at ETH Zürich with global industry heavyweights: Dr. Khawar Syed you rocked it!
GPPS 2026 in Zurich was calling this month & I got to be a cheerleader.
Because our CTO was invited on a panel by the Global Power and Propulsion Society to give his perspective on Turbomachinery for decarbonisation.
Sitting right next to him?
Christer Björkqvist (Founder & MD, ETN Global) a leading network bringing together the global Gas Turbine community
Federico Bonzani (CTO, Ansaldo Energia) one of the major players in the gas turbine sector globally
Vince Sidwell (Director Advanced Concepts, Pratt & Whitney) a major gas producer of aviation gas turbines
Chris Johnston (COO, Power Systems Mfg., LLC, a Hanwha company.) as part of Hanwha Group and an innovative player in the gas turbine sector
The rockstars of gas turbines & we, Crosstown H2R, are sitting right among them.
💡 Some key takeaways for me from their conversation:
→ The event is key to bringing industrial professionals, academic & policy makers into the same room
→ Energy security & affordability dominate the strategy at present, everything else is secondary.
→ Aviation & power generation gas turbines are facing high demand, which puts stress on global supply chains.
→ High potential for collaboration between aviation & power generation in pursuit of low emission and enhanced performance.
→ Currently huge uncertainty in the sector, so flexibility is key.
💭 Khawars main point:
Our technology addresses fuel flexibility & operability with low emissions. Given the high demand & associated supply chain challenges, life extension of existing assets is key in enabling demand to be met in a timely manner.
💭 My 2 cents:
With our fast deployable & clean turbine solutions, we can support data centers that need reliable on-premises energy. Crosstown’s solutions, together with its partners is destined to deliver the energy appetite of the AI revolution. So we don’t have to decide between AI progress & hitting our climate goals.
Kudos to Khawar for nailing it on stage.
I love it when I see our world-class team in action outside the office.
It ensures me that we are on the right track.
Yes, the environment is uncertain, but what we do have control over, we are nailing.
Sitting among giants as the new kid on the block is proof of that.
P.S. Which events will you be heading next? Would love to meet you in person, to talk about gas turbines, growth & espresso martinis.
Our CTO on stage at ETH Zürich with global industry heavyweights: Dr. Khawar Syed you rocked it!
GPPS 2026 in Zurich was calling this month & I got to be a cheerleader.
Because our CTO was invited on a panel by the Global Power and Propulsion Society to give his perspective on Turbomachinery for decarbonisation.
Sitting right next to him?
Christer Björkqvist (Founder & MD, ETN Global) a leading network bringing together the global Gas Turbine community
Federico Bonzani (CTO, Ansaldo Energia) one of the major players in the gas turbine sector globally
Vince Sidwell (Director Advanced Concepts, Pratt & Whitney) a major gas producer of aviation gas turbines
Chris Johnston (COO, Power Systems Mfg., LLC, a Hanwha company.) as part of Hanwha Group and an innovative player in the gas turbine sector
The rockstars of gas turbines & we, Crosstown H2R, are sitting right among them.
💡 Some key takeaways for me from their conversation:
→ The event is key to bringing industrial professionals, academic & policy makers into the same room
→ Energy security & affordability dominate the strategy at present, everything else is secondary.
→ Aviation & power generation gas turbines are facing high demand, which puts stress on global supply chains.
→ High potential for collaboration between aviation & power generation in pursuit of low emission and enhanced performance.
→ Currently huge uncertainty in the sector, so flexibility is key.
💭 Khawars main point:
Our technology addresses fuel flexibility & operability with low emissions. Given the high demand & associated supply chain challenges, life extension of existing assets is key in enabling demand to be met in a timely manner.
💭 My 2 cents:
With our fast deployable & clean turbine solutions, we can support data centers that need reliable on-premises energy. Crosstown’s solutions, together with its partners is destined to deliver the energy appetite of the AI revolution. So we don’t have to decide between AI progress & hitting our climate goals.
Kudos to Khawar for nailing it on stage.
I love it when I see our world-class team in action outside the office.
It ensures me that we are on the right track.
Yes, the environment is uncertain, but what we do have control over, we are nailing.
Sitting among giants as the new kid on the block is proof of that.
P.S. Which events will you be heading next? Would love to meet you in person, to talk about gas turbines, growth & espresso martinis.
Read more
S. Manoj Harasgama
January 30
Pinch me, please. I am 1 of only 20 role models who will help scale the next Global Market Leaders from Switzerland 🇨🇭
Scaling a company is a lonely, high-stakes journey.
I learned this the hard way in building Treatwell, JOIN and Crosstown.
While Switzerland is world champion in innovation, true scaling expertise is often hard to find and even harder to access.
I'm privileged to be part of Project Switzerland, a national mission to bridge this "growth gap". We've formed a world-class task force of Unicorn Founders and Serial Entrepreneurs who are committed to giving back to the ecosystem that helped us grow.
I wish such support had been available when I hit dead ends while scaling. It would have saved me money, energy, and sanity.
So for me, this is about more than just advice; this is truly personal and about honest, eye-level experience sharing. Supporting others to give them a head start. We want to help the next breed of Swiss founders avoid the costly mistakes that often derail international expansion and catapult them to becoming the global benchmarks⭐️
Do you know a high-potential Swiss scale-up? Investors, board members and startup ecosystem: help us find the companies ready for the next level. Nominations are open until 15th February 2026.
👇 Details on how to nominate and the full list of Role Models are in the comments!
Project Switzerland is initiated by Deep Tech Nation Switzerland and supported by a powerful coalition of partners: HSG START Accelerator, Swiss Startup Association, SICTIC, startup days, FONGIT, and Follow the Gradient.
Scaling a company is a lonely, high-stakes journey.
I learned this the hard way in building Treatwell, JOIN and Crosstown.
While Switzerland is world champion in innovation, true scaling expertise is often hard to find and even harder to access.
I'm privileged to be part of Project Switzerland, a national mission to bridge this "growth gap". We've formed a world-class task force of Unicorn Founders and Serial Entrepreneurs who are committed to giving back to the ecosystem that helped us grow.
I wish such support had been available when I hit dead ends while scaling. It would have saved me money, energy, and sanity.
So for me, this is about more than just advice; this is truly personal and about honest, eye-level experience sharing. Supporting others to give them a head start. We want to help the next breed of Swiss founders avoid the costly mistakes that often derail international expansion and catapult them to becoming the global benchmarks⭐️
Do you know a high-potential Swiss scale-up? Investors, board members and startup ecosystem: help us find the companies ready for the next level. Nominations are open until 15th February 2026.
👇 Details on how to nominate and the full list of Role Models are in the comments!
Project Switzerland is initiated by Deep Tech Nation Switzerland and supported by a powerful coalition of partners: HSG START Accelerator, Swiss Startup Association, SICTIC, startup days, FONGIT, and Follow the Gradient.
Read more
S. Manoj Harasgama
January 15
Switzerland’s ClimateTech elite all gathered in a…
Power Plant, to trailblaze a path to accelerate the energy transition.
STARTUP CAMPUS Switzerland invited for the Energy & Environment Innovation Day 2025.
At Kraftwerk.
A former power plant in downtown Zurich.
The perfect place for us at Crosstown H2R & for hosting this event.
It was buzzing & the entire community was energised.
With ideas & people from CERN, ETH Zürich, Empa, ABB, University of St.Gallen, Climeworks and more.
Startup Campus Switzerland had gathered all shakers & makers in the Swiss ClimateTech scene with:
- 20+ VCs
- 50+ Startups
- 200+ ClimateTech aficionados
…all at the Kraftwerk to debate how to unlock the energy transition.
I was in the limelight on mainstage for the panel discussion to debate “Energy Startups – Challenges, Trends & Perspectives” together with:
Jennifer McCloskey - Investment Director for Climate at Swisscom Ventures
Andreas Uthmann - CEO/CPO at enshift AG
Christina Held - Climate Investments at Emerald Technology Ventures
Matthias Filser - CEO atSTARTUP CAMPUS Switzerland and
Anna Stando - Moderator keeping us panelists all on point
My key takeaways:
🌪️Political & Financial headwinds:
↳ Since “America First” is back, global regulatory tailwinds supporting ClimateTech evaporated
↳ Startups count themselves lucky to raise capital with decreased VC appetite for future-oriented areas
🤖The world is focusing on AI & short-term profits:
↳ AI is getting the attention & irrationally (?) fast funding with exponential valuations
↳ However even Google’s Chief Exec Sundar Pichai is sceptical whether this is a bubble
🥷🏽ClimateTech is competing against AI for investments:
↳ Growth benchmarks to raise capital due to AI hype are significantly more demanding according to Jennifer McCloskey
↳ ClimateTech plays on a longer timescale & needs patient capital, so by design only the best ClimateTechs are getting funded today
🥇In Switzerland talent, capital & stamina are already here:
↳ With ETH Zürich, EPFL, IMD, University of St.Gallen, Switzerland is home to Europe's leading talent factories
↳ Switzerland ranks 1st in Europe for DeepTech VC investment per capita and 3rd globally
Whilst the world is distracted with so many other things the opportunity to claim the position as the global leader in ClimateTech is up for grabs.
All Switzerland & Europe must do is be bold & double down on the future of the world.
By investing into this community to trailblaze a path to the future.
P.S.: Which event will you attend next? Would love to meet you face to face.
Power Plant, to trailblaze a path to accelerate the energy transition.
STARTUP CAMPUS Switzerland invited for the Energy & Environment Innovation Day 2025.
At Kraftwerk.
A former power plant in downtown Zurich.
The perfect place for us at Crosstown H2R & for hosting this event.
It was buzzing & the entire community was energised.
With ideas & people from CERN, ETH Zürich, Empa, ABB, University of St.Gallen, Climeworks and more.
Startup Campus Switzerland had gathered all shakers & makers in the Swiss ClimateTech scene with:
- 20+ VCs
- 50+ Startups
- 200+ ClimateTech aficionados
…all at the Kraftwerk to debate how to unlock the energy transition.
I was in the limelight on mainstage for the panel discussion to debate “Energy Startups – Challenges, Trends & Perspectives” together with:
Jennifer McCloskey - Investment Director for Climate at Swisscom Ventures
Andreas Uthmann - CEO/CPO at enshift AG
Christina Held - Climate Investments at Emerald Technology Ventures
Matthias Filser - CEO atSTARTUP CAMPUS Switzerland and
Anna Stando - Moderator keeping us panelists all on point
My key takeaways:
🌪️Political & Financial headwinds:
↳ Since “America First” is back, global regulatory tailwinds supporting ClimateTech evaporated
↳ Startups count themselves lucky to raise capital with decreased VC appetite for future-oriented areas
🤖The world is focusing on AI & short-term profits:
↳ AI is getting the attention & irrationally (?) fast funding with exponential valuations
↳ However even Google’s Chief Exec Sundar Pichai is sceptical whether this is a bubble
🥷🏽ClimateTech is competing against AI for investments:
↳ Growth benchmarks to raise capital due to AI hype are significantly more demanding according to Jennifer McCloskey
↳ ClimateTech plays on a longer timescale & needs patient capital, so by design only the best ClimateTechs are getting funded today
🥇In Switzerland talent, capital & stamina are already here:
↳ With ETH Zürich, EPFL, IMD, University of St.Gallen, Switzerland is home to Europe's leading talent factories
↳ Switzerland ranks 1st in Europe for DeepTech VC investment per capita and 3rd globally
Whilst the world is distracted with so many other things the opportunity to claim the position as the global leader in ClimateTech is up for grabs.
All Switzerland & Europe must do is be bold & double down on the future of the world.
By investing into this community to trailblaze a path to the future.
P.S.: Which event will you attend next? Would love to meet you face to face.
Read more
S. Manoj Harasgama
November 19, 2025