Riverkin founder Jessica Droujko named Female Innovator 2026

(CONNECT) The organization Ladies Drive honored female entrepreneurs from Switzerland for their innovative capabilities during the 9th Female Innovation Forum hosted by the Blue Cinema Abaton in Zurich. The founder and CEO of Swiss Ladies Drive, Sandra-Stella Triebl, addressed an audience of around 250 guests, emphasizing in her remarks the aspect of community in particular. The top prize of “Female Innovator of the Year” was awarded to Jessica Droujko, who founded Riverkin as a spin-off from the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich (ETH). Her Zurich-based firm develops smart sensors for monitoring flowing bodies of water. The technology makes a significant contribution to the early detection of and protection against natural hazards, as detailed in a statement.

The Recognition Award went to Swijin founder Claudia Glass. Swijin, which is based in Thalwil in the canton of Zurich, specializes in sports bras based around an innovative support system that was developed in collaboration with research partners. In the early stages of her venture, Claudia Glass participated in the Ladies Drive Founder Academy. As an award winner, she will now be supported by PR and brand specialist Tina Seiler of the Zurich-based agency Oppenheim & Partner.

Serial entrepreneur Lea Eggli was honored with the Impact Innovation Award, presented in conjunction with the Department of Economic Affairs of the canton of Zurich. The co-founder of the two Zurich-based project and financing platforms wemakeit and Oomnium has, according to the statement, demonstrated how companies and initiatives with a social impact can be established and further developed. The Design Innovation Award from USM was won by industrial designer Laure Gremion, who hails from Neuchâtel. Her product designs are said to combine functionality, materiality and innovative manufacturing techniques. ce/yvh