Five SMEs Advance to the Finals of the 2026 Prix SVC Zurich Economic Region

The finalists for the tenth edition of the Prix SVC Zurich Economic Region have been announced. Five companies from the Zurich region have made the shortlist and will compete for the coveted award on Tuesday, November 24, 2026, at the Kongresshaus Zurich. Around 1,500 guests from the worlds of business, academia, politics, and culture are expected to attend. Eveline Kobler will host the awards ceremony.

The SVC, an independent, nonprofit association founded in 2001 to promote and support SMEs in Switzerland, is the organizer and initiator of the Prix SVC awards. With the Prix SVC Zurich Economic Region award, it honors exemplary companies that stand out for their innovative products and services, their corporate culture, the quality of their employees and management, and a proven track record of sustainable success. The selection is made exclusively by an independent jury of experts with strong regional ties.

Jury Chair Christopher Blaufelder, a partner at McKinsey & Company Switzerland, commented on the nominees: «With these five companies, the Zurich economic region impressively demonstrates how deeply entrepreneurial success is rooted in our region—from time-honored craftsmanship to innovative packaging solutions and the digitization of parking.» The nominees embody competitiveness and innovation and make a significant contribution to the strength of our business location. All five nominees are deserving winners. I am very much looking forward to the grand finale in November and to giving these outstanding SMEs the spotlight they deserve at the Kongresshaus Zürich.”

An Overview of the Five Finalists

Digitalparking, based in Schlieren, is an equity-financed Swiss family-owned company whose history dates back to 1956. With a market share of 85–90 %, it is considered the market leader and the only full-service provider of paid parking in Switzerland. Approximately 120 employees develop, manufacture, and market comprehensive solutions for on-street and off-street parking. More than 15,000 installations are in use throughout Switzerland, processing approximately 500,000 transactions daily.

Pawi Packaging Schweiz, based in Winterthur, was founded in 1960 and remains a family-owned business to this day. The packaging specialist develops and manufactures high-quality packaging solutions made of cardboard and paper and is one of the leading suppliers to the food, bakery, and confectionery industries, as well as the non-food sector. With facilities in Winterthur, Singen, and Warsaw, the group employs approximately 370 people. Pawi is considered the last remaining Swiss manufacturer of paper bags and relies on renewable energy sources.

PKZ Burger-Kehl, headquartered in Urdorf, is Switzerland’s oldest independent fashion house. Its history dates back to 1881; since 2015, the company has been led by CEO Manuela Beer, and the fifth generation is represented on the board of directors. With approximately 650 employees and 41 women’s and men’s stores, PKZ is one of the leading fashion companies in the Swiss retail sector and is clearly positioned in the premium segment.

Rolf Schlagenhauf, based in Meilen, was founded in 1934 and is now run by the third generation of the family. What began as a painting business has grown into a broad-based group of skilled trades: Approximately 310 employees work at several locations in the greater Zurich, Winterthur, Baden, and Zug areas. The company specializes in painting, plastering, and masonry work, as well as facade insulation and parquet and other flooring installations. It has received the Swiss Employer Award multiple times for its collaborative corporate culture, most recently in 2024.

Headquartered in Zurich and with roots in Eglisau, Vicollective has united the Swiss brands Vicafe and Vivi (formerly Vivi Kola) under one roof since January 2023. The company, which has approximately 200 employees, has been led by CEO Ramon Schalch since 2024 and is growing by 15–20 % annually. Vicafe currently operates 18 espresso bars in Zurich, Basel, and Eglisau, along with its own roastery and Coffee Academy. Vivi beverages are available at approximately 3,000 restaurants and cafes throughout Switzerland.

Background: Prix SVC Zurich Economic Region

The Prix SVC Zurich Economic Region has been awarded since 2006, and the 2026 edition will mark its tenth anniversary. The Organizing Committee President is Hannes Weibel, Head of Corporate & Real Estate Zurich at UBS Switzerland. The SVC is supported by Presenting Partner UBS, Gold Partners Emil Frey, Forvis Mazars, IWB, die Mobiliar, and Swisscom, as well as numerous other sponsors.

More information at: www.svc.swiss