WIPO GREEN Welcomes Mr. David Bandes  as Ambassador for Switzerland

As of January 2026, Mr. David Brandes has been appointed as WIPO GREEN Ambassador for Switzerland. His appointment reflects both his commitment to advancing sustainable innovation and his leadership within Switzerland’s dynamic ecosystem. Simultaneously, and in a role that complements his WIPO GREEN engagement, the Swiss Federal Institute of Intellectual Property (IPI) has selected him as an Intellectual Property and Sustainable Development Ambassador.

As co-founder and CEO of Planetary, a Swiss food-tech company, Mr. Brandes is at the forefront of producing low-emission mycoprotein through patented biomass fermentation technologies. His work centers on transforming agrifood systems by scaling sustainable alternative protein production while strategically leveraging intellectual property as a catalyst for climate-positive innovation.

An entrepreneur with deep expertise in technology commercialization, Mr. Brandes’ track record spans IP-based scale-up initiatives across multiple global markets, demonstrating a consistent ability to translate cutting-edge research into viable commercial solutions. His recognition as a 2025 WIPO Global Awards winner underscores his strategic use of patents and trademarks to advance environmentally sound technologies and drive real-world impact.

With extensive networks spanning agrifood innovation, biotechnology, sustainability investment and Swiss innovation platforms, Mr. Brandes is uniquely positioned to champion the acceleration of green technologies and advance WIPO GREEN's mission in Switzerland and beyond.

1. Tell us a little bit about yourself and why you think sustainable development is important?

Through its “triple bottom line”, the concept of sustainability ensures the preservation of environmental impact and social justice paired with a sound economical foundation. This moral compass of “doing well by doing good” has been a driving force throughout my academic, professional and entrepreneurial journey. Effective sustainable development can only last when accounting for the trifecta which requires deep passion for technical and scientific interdependencies, social systems and business fundamentals. As a result, I seek to learn, grow and contribute along those dimensions.

2. What unique role can Switzerland’s industry and innovation ecosystem play in advancing global climate and environmental goals?

At the heart of international dialogue and internationally recognized as a hub for scientific and diplomatic leadership, it is Switzerland’s role to maintain clear focus on planetary challenges at large in a world of ever-changing political interest. The Swiss industrial and innovation ecosystem has historically built a long-term independent spirit, and as such is well positioned to actively shape sustainability goals.

3. What are your top priorities during your term as a WIPO GREEN Ambassador?

WIPO conveys a sense of certainty, reliability and accountability where it matters most. As a WIPO GREEN Ambassador, I seek to carry those values and amplify them across my sphere of influence, specifically in the start-up world with a sustainability focus. I aim to act as a voice of confidence to start-up founders at the intersection of sustainability and deep-tech in a time where innovation agendas are frequently bent to serve a geopolitical agenda at the cost of sustainability objectives.

4. Why do you think innovators and industry leaders should use the WIPO GREEN platform?

The WIPO GREEN platform is publicly accessible and connects hundreds of leading innovators with thousands of listed technologies. Its resources and publications offer inspiration, showcase global clean technology use cases and make the innovators behind them accessible for questions and collaboration. An entry point is to download and study the WIPO GREEN Technology Books and to sign up for the WIPO GREEN newsletter!