The Toni Piëch Foundation, established in 2022 and based in Zug, Switzerland, operates as an independent grant-making organization focused on climate action, energy transition, and sustainable urban development. Founded by entrepreneur Toni Piëch, who established the electric vehicle manufacturer Piëch Automotive, the foundation maintains operational independence from his business ventures while drawing on his heritage in innovation and engineering.
With an initial budget of CHF 5 million allocated for operations and grants, the foundation provides seed funding ranging from CHF 10,000 to 100,000 annually. It accepts grant applications exclusively by invitation and prioritizes projects addressing immediate urban energy needs. The foundation funds scientific research, entrepreneurial initiatives, and policy work demonstrating concrete solutions with high-impact potential.
A notable ongoing project involves collaboration with ETH Zürich to develop an urban energy modelling tool. This software aims to help cities understand their transformation requirements based on climate targets and optimize energy efficiency while increasing renewable energy adoption. The foundation emphasizes communication and storytelling as integral components of its funded projects, believing that visualizing positive futures is essential for driving societal transformation.
In 2022, the foundation prioritized clean construction, recognizing the building sector as a major greenhouse gas emitter. It advocates for transitioning from carbon-intensive materials like cement and steel toward regenerative, carbon-absorbing alternatives. The foundation operates independently while collaborating with relevant platforms to accelerate progress toward sustainable cities, renewable energy systems, and improved urban living standards.