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Our Vision

AVINA is an independent Swiss foundation focused on nurturing humans and the planet in a circular and balanced manner. As a platform for pioneering minds and forward thinking ideas, we intend to bring about sustainable change to the food system.

More information about AVINA's vision can be found here

Our values

Today’s food system dramatically impairs our and our planet’s health. This is bound to change. Change is driven by a combination of people, ideas and concepts which will be embodied in novel circular rather than familiar linear processes. We want to be a prime mover by facilitating opportunities to pioneers who fascinate us with their unconventional but promising mindsets. AVINA seeks, supports and accompanies people who are dedicated to their project to develop new forms of human nutrition. We consider it our strength to provide agile support where this is difficult to obtain. Ideas we support routinely go against established mainstream.
AVINA is proud to stand out by being a family funded independent Swiss foundation. Our decisionmaking is fast, simple and straightforward. Our assessment of a project primarily depends on the person’s ability to make it happen. We invite those with whom we work to become part of a broader and growing movement. In this spirit we conduct our business in distinctly personal way based on mutual confidence
AVINA was created in 1994 by Dr. Stephan Schmidheiny, successful business entrepreneur and founder and honorary chair of the World Business Council on Sustainable Development. As a pioneer, he continued his family legacy in his own progressive way and inspired numerous people and institutions with his visionary work. Earlier on the foundation had its emphasis on funding and supporting social, cultural and educational projects. In the recent past as we learned more about the complex issues around producing and consuming food, we decided to make nutrition with its effect on the planet and our health our main focus.

Annual Reports

Report 2020


The document highlights key performance indicators for the fiscal year and provides insights into the progress and results of four selected project partners of AVINA Stiftung

Who we are

Dr. Viktoria Schmidheiny

Chair of the board
After my training as a dual specialist at the University Hospital of Vienna, I ran a practice for oral surgery. As a mother of two children and as a doctor, I always focus on the human being as a unity of body, mind and soul.

Marcel Nauer

Member of the board
The concept of sustainable development has shaped my career in business for years. As a member of the foundation board I am fascinated by the debate on the future of the nutrition system, and as a triathlete by the aspect of healthy food.

Amadeus Zschunke

Member of the board
As a specialist in seeds, I have a strong connection to the questions the food system faces and am concerned with how agriculture can become sustainable to meet the needs of all people today and in the future without overexploitation.

Stephan Zacke

Managing director
Having already gained a lot of experience in management consulting, I am now able to accompany the AVINA Stiftung in the implementation of its new strategy, identify new projects and support and advise ongoing partnerships.

Laurenz Werner

Research & development
My training as a chef and patissier, nutrition coach and personal trainer allows me to shed light on trends, project applications and novel products from a culinary and health point of view and to examine their practical applicability.

Gina Wiestner

Program Manager
Having studied food science with a focus on nutrition and health, I have developed a deep understanding of healthy eating. It helps me to recognize connections, set priorities and maintain an overview.