"Winterthur has done a lot of things right when it comes to start-ups"

At the beginning of June, Stève Mérillat from Winterthur took over the management of Technopark Winterthur. In this interview, he tells us what appeals to him about the job and where he sees challenges.

What excites you about your new role as Managing Director of Technopark Winterthur?
Stève Mérillat: I am looking forward to supporting start-ups and innovative companies and being able to offer them an optimal environment at Technopark. What I find particularly exciting is the thematic breadth of the companies located in the Technopark and the very varied work with the team, the startups, the shareholders and all other partners of the Technopark.

Stève Mérillat was previously Managing Director of Composites United Switzerland.

Where do you see potential challenges?
In a rapidly changing environment, Technopark must also constantly evolve and flexibly adapt its strategy. Currently, the declining willingness to invest in start-ups and the simultaneous price and interest rate increases are certainly a major challenge.

You are following in the footsteps of Thomas Schumann. What strategy will you use to tackle the new position?
As I only took on my role a few days ago, I am currently concentrating on getting to know the team and the many partners at Technopark and benefiting as much as possible from Thomas Schumann's experience and learning about the tasks at Technopark during the one-month induction period with him.

To what extent do you think that your experience as Managing Director of Composites United will be useful for your new position at Technopark?
My role at Composites United had a lot in common with that at Technopark in many areas. Both organizations are about supporting companies so that they can continue to develop and implement innovative ideas. I will be able to put my experience with innovation projects, networking events and collaboration between many different players to good use again. The topic of real estate management is new to me, but I can rely on the very competent team and external partners.

How do you see Winterthur as a startup city compared to the international environment?
Winterthur has done a lot of things right in terms of startups in the past and is therefore very well positioned. However, as the world is moving fast, we have to keep up with it and hopefully we can continue to develop into an internationally renowned startup city.

What else do you think is needed for this?
Startups also need an attractive environment outside of the Technopark. That's why, in addition to the Technopark, politicians, associations and location promotion are also required to remain a good location for established companies and the ZHAW and to convince other innovative companies to come to our city. Equally important is the quality of life, as many of the startup founders are also residents of Winterthur and are looking for an optimal living and working environment.

Finally; you have lived in Winterthur for a long time, where is your favorite place?
There are several: Steinberggasse because of its combination of vibrant life and historic old town. Secondly, Frohbergpark for its relaxing atmosphere and the many forests around the city for sporting activities.

Interview: Linda Stratacò, June 2023