Behind the Scenes of Our Pitch Day Training: Getting Ready for Round Two

2025 >>venture>> Finalists & Jurors at ETH's Dozentenfoyer terrace.

This past week, our 2025 Finalists took part in an important step in their >>venture>> journey: the Pitch Day Training. Held in a dynamic and collaborative atmosphere, the session was designed to sharpen their storytelling, tighten their business narratives, and elevate their confidence as they head into the second jury round.

Our expert coaches guided participants through the core elements of an impactful pitch—from crafting a compelling opening, to clearly defining their value proposition all through a storytelling lens. Startups received one-on-one feedback, practiced how to command a room, and learned how to tailor their message to a diverse jury of industry leaders, investors, and seasoned entrepreneurs.

Check out our photo gallery below for a behind-the-scenes look at the energy, focus, and teamwork that defined the day.

A huge thank you to ETH Zurich for hosting us, and to McKinsey & Company for their unwavering support in supporting >>venture>> finalists.

We’d also like to extend a special thanks to the speakers and jurors who generously gave their time on a Saturday to support and challenge the startups. Your dedication to nurturing early-stage innovation is what makes this community so impactful.

Next up: the real test. Startups will put their new skills into action next week as they pitch in front of the second jury panel. From there, our jury will select the three unranked winners who will move forward as this year’s most promising ventures.

We’re excited to see how far these founders have come—and even more excited to see who will rise to the top.

Stay tuned for the winner announcement next week!