More quality of life on the same space

Switzerland is grappling with the challenge of finding sustainable solutions to population growth and affordable housing. One thing is certain: Switzerland needs more housing. The debate is intense, and vacancy rates in major urban areas are at historic lows. The Migros Pioneer Fund's GDI survey already showed that the population is open to inward urban growth, provided that the quality of life in the residential environment improves. Following a national call for ideas, the Migros Pioneer Fund has selected two Swiss start-ups for funding to tackle this issue.

Paguro: Bringing movement into the housing market 
Paguro increases mobility within the housing market. The platform organises coordinated moving chains, enabling several households to successively move into homes that better suit their current needs. In this way, existing housing stock is used more efficiently and access to affordable rents in existing buildings is improved.

Aivala: Planning for quality of life from the start 
Aivala focuses on the planning of neighbourhoods and construction projects. The software makes factors such as biodiversity, heat reduction, noise protection and social interaction visible and measurable. This enables planning teams to actively consider quality of life at an early stage.

The mission behind 
With the ‘From 0 to 100’ initiative, the Migros Pioneer Fund addresses key future issues. Within the framework of a ‘mission’, it focuses its support on a socially relevant topic for a defined period of time. With the 'Building. Housing. Living.’ mission, the fund explores how Switzerland can respond to population growth without compromising quality of life, sustainability and social cohesion. A central element of the mission was a national call for ideas, from which concrete projects have emerged.

Our approach 
Since 2012, the Migros Pioneer Fund has complemented Migros’ social commitment with an entrepreneurial support approach. It provides seed funding to early-stage companies that tackle societal challenges with innovative business ideas and aim to drive positive change. The fund provides around CHF 15 million annually and is backed by companies of the Migros Group, including Denner, Migros Bank, Migrol, migrolino and Ex Libris. 

Learn more about our mission