Bern hosted the annual Prix Suisse gala, an event celebrating Swiss achievement and innovation. This year, entrepreneur Willy Michel was honored for his lifetime contributions to medical technology. The evening also featured an address by human rights lawyer Amal Clooney, who spoke about global conflicts and justice.
Key Takeaways
- Willy Michel received the Prix Suisse for his work in medical technology, founding Disetronic and Ypsomed.
- Amal Clooney discussed her work on war crimes and human rights during the gala.
- Federal Councillor Albert Rösti lauded Michel and commented on economic policies.
- The event brought together Swiss political and economic leaders.
Amal Clooney Addresses Human Rights
Human rights lawyer Amal Clooney opened the gala with a powerful speech. She spoke about her experiences with international justice, including the Milošević trial in The Hague. Her address also highlighted the plight of a persecuted Filipino journalist and the severity of war crimes in Sudan.
Clooney, 47, shared stories of immense courage, such as a Yazidi woman testifying against an ISIS perpetrator. The audience, comprising around 400 Swiss political and economic leaders, listened intently. Federal Councillor Albert Rösti, former Federal Councillor Ruth Metzler, and National Council President Maja Riniker were among the attendees.
"But you are actually here to enjoy a gala dinner," Amal Clooney remarked, acknowledging the stark contrast between her stories and the festive atmosphere. She then offered a lighthearted comment on how she copes with the gravity of her work: "My husband founded a tequila company."
She emphasized that her true resilience comes from her relationships, particularly with her children and husband, actor George Clooney. Clooney suggested inviting her husband next year to demonstrate her point, which was met with enthusiastic applause. Her 30-minute appearance concluded with her departure from the stage.
Interesting Fact
Amal Clooney is a British-Lebanese barrister specializing in international law and human rights. She has represented clients in high-profile cases before the International Criminal Court and the European Court of Human Rights.
Willy Michel Honored with Prix Suisse
Following Clooney's address, the focus shifted to the Prix Suisse award presentation. Willy Michel, a distinguished entrepreneur from Burgdorf, received the honor for his lifelong dedication to medical technology. Michel founded two significant companies, Disetronic and Ypsomed, both pioneers in their field.
His ambition began with a vision to develop the smallest and most reliable insulin pump. Over several decades, this idea evolved into two major corporations. Ypsomed, for instance, reported a turnover of approximately 750 million Swiss Francs in the 2024/25 business year.
Federal Councillor Albert Rösti delivered the laudatory speech, praising Michel's entrepreneurial spirit and philanthropic efforts. Rösti also used the platform to advocate against excessive regulation, linking it to an upcoming public vote on the Juso inheritance tax initiative.
Background on Prix Suisse
The Prix Suisse is funded by the 'Initiative Schweiz' foundation. This foundation, established with the assets of the last patron of the Pfister furniture house, now supports innovative projects and ideas across Switzerland. Since 2021, it has awarded the Prix Suisse to notable Swiss personalities, including entrepreneur Peter Spuhler and skier Marco Odermatt.
Michel's Vision and Future Plans
Michel, 78, expressed humility about his achievements, stating that the successes portrayed in the award video were "somewhat exaggerated." He described entrepreneurship as an inherent part of his character. In 2025, he repurchased Ypsomed's diabetes division, demonstrating his ongoing commitment to the industry.
When asked about his plans for the coming years, Michel initially spoke of scaling back and pursuing personal interests like travel and reading. However, he then launched into a detailed list of future projects, revealing his continued drive. He also injected a political note, stating his support for a moderate inheritance tax but threatening to emigrate to Italy if the Juso initiative passes.
- Michel's Entrepreneurial Journey:
- Founded Disetronic and Ypsomed.
- Focused on innovative medical devices like insulin pumps.
- Ypsomed generated 750 million CHF in 2024/25.
- Repurchased Ypsomed's diabetes division in 2025.
The evening underscored Switzerland's commitment to recognizing both humanitarian efforts and economic innovation. The blend of serious global issues and local entrepreneurial success made for a thought-provoking gala.
The event concluded with discussions among the distinguished guests, reflecting on the diverse contributions to Swiss society and global welfare.