• ABB has committed CHF 20 million in private funding to support Switzerland’s 2038 Winter Olympics bid as a “flag bearer,” helping secure the project’s financial stability

• The bid’s innovative approach features a decentralized format with event locations spread across Switzerland’s diverse regions

ABB has stepped forward as a key financial backer in Switzerland’s 2038 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games bid, joining fellow corporate partners On and Sunrise in the “flag bearer” initiative. The company will contribute CHF 20 million to a collective guarantee fund designed to cover potential post-event financial shortfalls.

Switzerland currently holds a “privileged dialogue” status with the International Olympic Committee (IOC), allowing until December 2027 to refine its 2038 Winter Games proposal. If successful, Switzerland would pioneer a nationwide hosting model, replacing traditional single-city bids with a distributed format spanning all four national language regions. The plan emphasizes private-sector financing supplemented by public contributions.

Peter Voser, Chairman of ABB, stated: “The Switzerland 2038 initiative embodies a decentralized, sustainable Olympic vision perfectly aligned with ABB’s Swiss heritage and commitment to innovation. Our financial commitment demonstrates confidence in Switzerland’s capacity to deliver forward-looking Games that showcase the nation’s technological expertise and natural landscapes. Supporting this transformative project reinforces our belief in Switzerland’s ability to redefine winter sports’ global showcase.”

Frédéric Favre, CEO of Switzerland 2038, remarked: “ABB’s support underscores strong corporate confidence in our decentralized Games model. With their sustainability-driven innovation legacy, ABB strengthens our hybrid funding framework that blends private investment with public collaboration. Their guarantee, alongside other flag bearers, provides critical financial assurance to develop a cost-efficient, environmentally conscious bid that highlights Switzerland’s world-class excellence.”

Switzerland 2038

On November 29, 2023, the IOC initiated a “privileged dialogue” phase with Switzerland regarding the 2038 Winter Games, granting until 2027 for project development and requirement fulfillment. This exclusive window may progress to a Targeted Dialogue phase contingent on achieved milestones.

Established to oversee Switzerland’s 2038 Olympic bid, the Switzerland 2038 organization includes national winter sports federations like SWISSCURLING and Swiss Ski as board members. The association is co-chaired by Lenka Kölliker (SWISSCURLING President) and Ruth Wipfli Steinegger (Swiss Olympic Vice President), with Frédéric Favre – former Valais cantonal council member – managing daily operations.

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