Highlights from the Sword Startup Challenge 2025

20.06.2025 15:00, Rita Longobardi

The Sword Challenge 2025 wrapped up in June after a six-month program designed to help startups develop solutions relevant to the public sector. Five finalists received targeted support to shape their business cases and pitches, with Deeplink.ai selected as the overall winner.

Organised by Sword Group in collaboration with Venturelab, the Sword Startup Challenge connects early-stage ventures with Sword's Swiss and international IT experts. Sword Group is a global provider of technology services, supporting corporate clients through the development, maintenance, and management of IT systems. Headquartered in Luxembourg and listed on Euronext, the group has a strong presence in Switzerland, where it works closely with both the private and public sectors.

The Sword Startup Challenge began in January with an open call, attracting 78 applications. After a review phase in March, five startups were selected in April: Algomia, Deeplink.ai, Mikujy, ShareID, and Virtuosis. These finalists were invited to join a 12-week acceleration program focused on product development, business case refinement, and preparation for a final pitch to the jury.

During the program, Sword's partners held several 1-on-1 meetings with the finalists to provide personalised guidance. On May 22nd, Venturelab's Managing Partner Jordi Montserrat led a dedicated Final Pitch Day preparation session, sharpening the teams' presentation skills ahead of the Final Jury Day in Lausanne on May 28th.



Each team presented its project, outlining how their technology could meet specific needs in the public sector. At the final event in June, Deeplink.ai, led by Jérôme Berthier, was named the winner. The startup delivers AI-powered tools and secure remote access platforms for SMEs—solutions that are increasingly relevant for public service providers with growing digital infrastructure needs.

Deeplink.ai will receive 500 hours of consulting and development services from Sword's teams, along with a 12-month commercial follow-up that includes support in connecting with potential customers and partners.



"The Sword Challenge helped us clarify how our technology applies to public sector needs," commented the winner Jérôme Berthier. "The expert feedback and hands-on support from Sword's teams strengthened our product and sharpened our business strategy."

The challenge offered the startups technical and strategic support and a direct opportunity to engage with industry professionals and test their ideas in a concrete public sector context.