Swiss honour for three companies

For the first time, Swiss Ambassador’s award has been conferred on companies. The latest edition of the award is now focused on dynamic synergies in the areas of business, research and development.

The three companies that have been bestowed with the 2016 edition of Swiss Ambassador’s award are Flisom AG (a company in which Tata Industries is a main shareholder), Jivani Vitality India Pvt Ltd and Rieter India Pvt Ltd.

Since 2010, Swiss Ambassador’s award had been recognising stalwarts of Indian industry who had contributed to the promotion of Indo-Swiss bilateral relations.

Flisom, based in Switzerland, has developed lightweight solar modules that are especially suitable for buildings, transportation (railways), portable power and space applications.

Jivana Vitality India has bagged the award for providing affordable drinking water in semi-urban India.

In the case of Rieter India, the award has been conferred for an effective implementation of the Swiss-Indian Vocational Education Training Initiative.

Swiss Ambassador Linus Von Catelmur said that the winners represent the ability of industry to come up with sustainable solutions to everyday challenges. These three enterprises excel in different domains –high tech, innovation with sustainable development solutions and investment in human capital through skilling.

“It is a proud moment for innovators and entrepreneurs from India as well as from Switzerland; together they have been able to script potentially game changing success stories," Castelmur said.

srivats.kr@thehindu.co.in