A Path to 2030, together we can beat unconscious bias

    Biennal Conference & Award – March 17, 2026

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    BFBI 2026 Biennal Conference & Award Zurich, Switzerland

    On March 17, 2026, the BFBI Biennal Conference & Award will bring together leaders, founders, investors, policy-makers, and change-makers focused on understanding and overcoming bias in decision-making, while advancing equity, trust, and opportunity toward 2030.

    Through masterclasses, expert talks, panels, and awards, the event combines insight, dialogue, and community-building to drive systemic change—particularly in funding, education, and support for inclusive entrepreneurship.

    We invite you to join us for a day

    of dialogue, collaboration, and ideation focused on addressing bias in decision-making and advancing gender equity, inclusion, and trust—driving greater social cohesion across the Swiss entrepreneurial and investment ecosystem.

    About the Conference

    The BFBI Biennal Conference & Award is designed to empower decision-makers and entrepreneurs to drive systemic change by addressing unconscious bias, in particular, those of gender, and improving decision-making processes.

    The BFBI Biennal Conference & Award 2026 serves as the launchpad for the FE+MALE Think Tank Roadmap 2026–2030. This Roadmap drives systemic change across Switzerland’s entrepreneurial ecosystem through three initiatives calling the ecosystem to action. The progress and impact of these initiatives will be monitored through milestone biennials in 2028 and 2030, uniting leaders from government, business, academia, and policy-making to advance gender equity and inclusive entrepreneurship.

    Pathway to 2030

    • 2026 – Build → Equity & Growth Foundations
    • 2028 – Scale → Education + Entrepreneurship Ecosystem
    • 2030 – Impact → National Transformation: 14% increase in gender-diverse entrepreneurship

    United to the Path...

    Through an inspiring mix of keynotes, panels, mini-masterclasses, and an Award, participants will:

    Explore the ways unconscious bias manifests in decision-making.

    Vote on three "call-to-action" initiatives.

    Learn from best-practice examples and real-world success stories.

    Build cross-sector connections that foster lasting impact.

    Celebrate and honor champions of gender equality in Switzerland.
    Why It Matters

    Despite significant progress, unconscious bias continues to be a major barrier to female entrepreneurship and inclusive innovation. These biases profoundly influence decision-making, investment patterns, and behavioral finance, limiting opportunities for equitable growth.

    The Biennal Conference & Award provides a national platform to:

    • Raise awareness of how unconscious biases and perspectives shape funding, business, and innovation.
    • Bring together changemakers from across sectors to collaborate.
    • Celebrate innovators and leaders who are paving the way toward gender balance.
    • Inspire systemic transformation through bold dialogue, recognition, and action.

    We combat bias – systematically.

    Our Vision: The FE+MALE Think Tank aims for a 14% increase by 2030 – a lasting impact, not just momentum.

    Roadmap to 2026

    The Path to 2030: Our Collaborative Process

    Building on the foundation of four thematic workshops held prior to the Biennial Conference, we have identified the critical gaps, challenges, and opportunities facing the ecosystem today.

    Insights from these sessions have informed the Roadmap 2026, a framework that provides the "initial seeds" for our collective work. During the conference, we invite you to:

    Prioritize Impact: Participate in the selection process to identify the three most impactful initiatives—across Legal, Education, and Network—to be carried forward through 2028.

    Formalize the Intent: These selected initiatives will be captured in a One-Page Memorandum, serving as three clear statements of intent that will guide our collective action and partnerships.

    This collaborative approach ensures that the path toward 2030 is driven by the very community it serves.

    The Program of the Day

    Why Your Participation Matters

    By joining the BFBI 2026 Biennal Conference & Award, you are helping move the needle toward a more inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystem and unlocking overlooked entrepreneurial potential. We invite you to contribute your experience to a collective effort aimed at real, measurable progress.

    Vote on Key Initiatives: Help us identify and select the three most impactful and feasible projects (across Legal, Education, and Networking) to prioritize in the 2030 Roadmap.

    Masterclass Insights: Gain fresh perspectives on biased decision-making and strategic leadership that you can bring back to your team to improve your organization’s operations.

    Exchange Best Practices: Learn from the Award winners and guest speakers. See what is actually working in other organizations and identify replicable solutions for your own.

    Build Meaningful Connections: Spend the day with individuals from business, government, and NGOs who are dedicated to bridging the funding and wealth gaps.

    Contribute to Systemic Change: Your involvement supports the growth of female entrepreneurship and ensures the continuity of this initiative through 2030.

    Get your tickets here

    investors

    Individual Ticket: The Change-Maker Pass
    Price: CHF 140

    Ideal for founders, investors, researchers, and individual leaders.

    • Masterclass Sessions: Access to morning sessions focused on practical knowledge and decision-making.

    • Roadmap Contribution: The opportunity to provide input and help refine the 2026–2030 Roadmap.

    • Voting Rights: Your vote to select the three most impactful initiatives for implementation through 2028.

    • High-Level Networking: Access to all midday panel discussions and the evening Award Ceremony.

    • Award Session Access: A seat at the recognition ceremony for best practices and innovation.

    • Full-Day Hospitality: All day catering, including coffee breaks, a networking lunch, and the evening apéro.

      See the agenda here

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    organisations

    Organization & Sponsorship: The Systemic Impact Partner

    Ideal for corporations, foundations, and government entities.

    • Includes everything in the Individual "Change-Maker" package, PLUS:

    • Deep-Dive Training on Unconscious Bias: Transform your internal culture with specialized training (online & in-person) included in your package to drive systemic change.

    • Brand Leadership: High-visibility logo placement on the Library (On Stage) screens and across all digital media platforms.

    • Strategic Seat: Option to join the Steering Committee to help influence the national roadmap toward 2030.

    • Institutional Alignment: Directly support and align your brand with UN Sustainable Development Goals 4, 5, and 8.

    • See the full Program PDF for detailed partnership tiers and training info.

      Ready to lead the change? Whether you have specific questions about our sponsorship packages or the Deep-Dive Training on Unconscious Bias, we invite you to get on board. Let’s discuss how your organization can help drive systemic equity in Switzerland’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.

    Contact us

    Steering Committee

    Katja Einesalo Follow me on LinkedIn

    Head of Impact and the Steering Committee at FE+MALE Think Tank

    Ryan Cameron Follow me on LinkedIn

    Cleanplay Co-founder

    Isabelle Gomez Follow me on LinkedIn

    Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) Agenda 2030

    Elsa Callini Follow me on LinkedIn

    Deputy Head, Senior Innovation & Startup Advisor University of Bern and Purple Tiare Founder

    Estie Alessandrini Follow me on LinkedIn

    Ekanovate Founder, Scientist, and Entrepreneur

    Agatha Marty Follow me on LinkedIn

    CEO at Fincredible | Board Member at Swiss Finance + Technology Association

    Dr. Karen Wendt Follow me on LinkedIn

    Founder SwissFinTechLadies, Angel Investor, Author

    Sarah-Lee Keller Follow me on LinkedIn

    Project Manager Biennal & Award and Founder Sarah-Lee & Friends

    Meet the Female Founders

    "By promoting gender-bias-free practices, we can create a more inclusive and diverse entrepreneurial ecosystem, which in turn leads to more innovative ideas and better business outcomes." Read more

    – Luiza Dobre
    Komed Health AG

    " I believe that the outcome of BFBI can potentially help many entrepreneurs, increase the chances of getting more funding, and with that, help the start-up move forward and create higher value." Read more

    – Yurena Seguí
    Duramon

    “BFBI can add a lot of value for female founders by creating a common ground where founders, regardless of gender could flourish and have access to equal capital conditions and funding opportunities.”  Read more

    – Myriam Lingg
    macu4

    “Pushing for gender bias-free in funding settings is the right thing to do because it could foster the creation of more innovative businesses, greater diversity, and new opportunities for the entire society.” Read more

    – Daniela Marino
    CUTISS

    Our Partners

    Our Location Partner

    Our Media Partners

    Our Network Partners

    Our Publishing Partner

    Location

    OIP

    Be part of the movement toward a more inclusive, innovative, and sustainable Switzerland.

    Where: Zurich, Switzerland Creating Futures, GDI Gottlieb Duttweiler Institute

    When: March 17, 2026

    Together, we beat gender unconscious bias.

    Where to find us

    Biennal Award Night 2026

    Apply for the FE+MALE Biennial Awards

    Deadline: February 2, 2026.

    We invite institutions, organizations, SMEs, startups, NGOs, and foundations with measurable and replicable solutions to join our initial application pool.

    Turning Equality into Strategy

    The FE+MALE Biennial Awards celebrate organizations that move beyond slogans to make equality a core part of their strategy. We honor those who drive measurable progress, embed inclusive decision-making into their core, and ensure that capital and opportunities reach the people shaping the future.

    Award Categories:

    • Modern Leadership & Culture

    • Inclusive Decision-Making & Value Chain

    • Catalyst Capital & Community Impact

    Recognition: On March 17, 2026, we celebrate our finalists and winners at the Biennial Conference Award Ceremony. Selected organizations gain high-level visibility through our Best Practices Guide, case studies, and partner ecosystem.

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