Pilot Day
Through curated matches and meetings, participants identify collaboration opportunities and move them toward pilots.
Lausanne, 24 April 2026
Hack Pilot Day compresses months of scouting into one day by bringing together Swiss based SMEs and international ClimateTech startups through curated matchmaking.
We surface relevant solutions from our international network so you can focus on the conversations that can
turn into concrete collaborations.
How It Works
SMEs select their preferred thematic track during the application. We use this track to curate and match relevant startups ahead of the event. On the day, you will also connect with the wider group of SMEs and startups within your track through pitches, meetings, and networking moments.
Some startups may be relevant across multiple tracks. In that case, they may be featured in more than one thematic group to ensure the best possible matches.
Industrial Efficiency
Improve industrial productivity, quality, and operational performance while reducing waste, energy use and carbon emissions.
Built Environment Performance
Deliver higher performing buildings and renovation or retrofitting projects with better energy efficiency and long-term performance, as well as lower carbon impact and lower operating costs.
Food Resilience
Strengthen food systems from primary production to processing and supply chains through better traceability, food safety and compliance, and improved production reliability.
What to expect
- Keynotes and guest speakers
- Case studies of successful SME and startup pilots
- Targeted startup pitches by thematic group
- Curated one to one matchmaking meetings
- Deep dive sessions to shape pilot opportunities,
including scope, KPIs, and next steps - Networking lunch with other SMEs, startups, and ecosystem partners
Speakers
Keynotes and guest speakers will be announced soon.
The Process
1
Register and select your preferred thematic track
2
We curate your matches before the event
3
Receive your matches one week before the event
4
Meet your curated matches on site in Lausanne
5
Follow up on your pilot leads after the event
Participation Criteria
SMEs
To participate as an SME, you should:
* Be familiar with your key operational and sustainability challenges
* Be ready to invest your team’s time and financial resources to explore a potential pilot with a startup
* Have a relevant decision maker attending the event in Lausanne on April 24, 2026
Participation does not commit you to a pilot or collaboration. The goal is to ensure high-quality meetings with real potential outcomes.
Startups
To participate as a startup, you should:
* Have a ClimateTech solution that is ready to be tested or deployed with an SME partner, ideally TRL 6+
* Share clear application cases and the type of SME partner you are looking for
* Be available to attend the event in Lausanne on April 24, 2026
* Hack reserves the right to reimburse tickets if a company does not meet the participation criteria, to ensure the quality and relevance of the event.
Pricing
SME Ticket
CHF 300
* Price Per Company
* Includes 1 attendee
* Add additional attendees upon request.
Startup Ticket
CHF 150
* Price Per Startup
* Includes 1 attendee
* Add additional attendees upon request.
FAQ
Who is this for?
What does curated matchmaking mean?
Is this event only for Vaud based companies
Practical Details
Apply to join Hack Pilot Day
