On September 18, 2025, the scenic Dolder Grand in Zurich transformed into a hub of celebration as the prestigious Bold Woman Award by Veuve Clicquot marked its 40th presentation. This milestone ceremony honored two remarkable women whose innovative prowess and commitment have left indelible marks on their industries.
Under the eloquent guidance of renowned presenter Sven Epiney, the award ceremony unfolded in a trilingual tapestry of English, French, and German. With stirring sincerity, Brune Faillot, the International Communication Director of Veuve Clicquot, articulated the essence of the awards: “Bold is not just an award – it is a movement. Visibility creates opportunities. Inspired women drive change, and when young women see bold entrepreneurs, they say to themselves: I can achieve that too.”
Maurice Lebet, Managing Director of Moët Hennessy Schweiz & Österreich, echoed this sentiment, stressing that Switzerland still faces a long road to true gender equality.
As the awards concluded, attendees indulged in a gourmet flying dinner paired with the effervescence of Veuve Clicquot champagne. DJane Shirin Dörig added a contemporary flair with her spirited music, transforming the ballroom into a vibrant celebration of female empowerment.
This year, the coveted Bold Woman Award went to Evelyne Pflugi, co-founder and CEO of The Singularity Group. Since its inception in 2017, her investment firm has sought to reshape industries by providing access to companies leveraging cutting-edge technology. Pflugi’s vision also birthed the Singularity Index, boasting the first benchmark dedicated to applied innovation.
The Bold Future Award 2025 was awarded to Margaux Peltier, the dynamic CEO and co-founder of start-up Enerdrape. Peltier’s company is pioneering the development of geothermal panels that can seamlessly be integrated into existing infrastructure, such as parking garages, thereby reimagining urban energy generation. A civil engineering graduate from the EPFL, Peltier’s accolades include recognition in the Forum der 100 and a spot on the Forbes 30 Under 30 list.
Other nominees were saluted for their entrepreneurial spirit, including:
Isabel Bischof from Cohaga AG, who is innovating in data research; Mara Catherine Harvey of Marty’s Smart Way GmbH, focused on financial education for children; Leonie Bode from Ayun AG, developing concepts for longevity clinics; and Selen Ercan Jenny with Layered GmbH, exploring robotic construction methods.
The jury for the Bold Woman Award featured an esteemed group comprising Marc P. Bernegger, entrepreneur and innovator; Silvia Binggeli, editor-in-chief of Schweizer Illustrierte; Kévin Germanier, fashion designer; Madeleine von Holzen, editor-in-chief of Le Temps; and Raquel Marquard, entrepreneur. The panel for the Bold Future Award comprised former winners, including Babette Keller Liechti, Barbara Lax, Bea Petri, Fanny Queloz, and Monika Walser—a gathering of remarkable women who themselves once basked in the glory of the award.
Rooted in the pioneering spirit of Madame Clicquot, who broke barriers as one of the first female entrepreneurs to successfully manage a champagne house, the Bold Woman Award embodies the traits of innovation, courage, and a sense of responsibility. Since its inception in 1972 and subsequent establishment in Switzerland in 1985, the award has evolved through the years, with the introduction of the Bold Future Award in 2014 to nurture young female entrepreneurs.
Founded in 1772, Veuve Clicquot has made significant inroads in Switzerland since its first shipment in 1773. With a guiding ethos of “Only one quality – the finest,” it stands as the world’s second-largest champagne house, celebrated for its classics like Brut, Rosé, and the prestigious cuvée La Grande Dame.
What is the significance of the Bold Woman Award?
The Bold Woman Award recognizes and celebrates women who have made significant contributions to their fields, highlighting the importance of female visibility and empowerment in entrepreneurship.
Who were the main awardees this year?
Evelyne Pflugi received the Bold Woman Award for her innovative work in investment through The Singularity Group, while Margaux Peltier was honored with the Bold Future Award for her groundbreaking developments in geothermal energy with Enerdrape.
How does Veuve Clicquot support female entrepreneurs?
Veuve Clicquot supports female entrepreneurs through initiatives like the Bold Woman Award, which has been presented for 40 years, and the Bold Future Award, established to empower young women leaders starting their journeys.
