The 1959 establishment of Kontron marked the beginning of a prolific career in high-tech entrepreneurship for Branco Weiss. After migrating to Switzerland during the second world war, he graduated from the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in 1951, eventually becoming a foundational figure in the development of the computer and semiconductor industries within the Swiss market.
Founding Enterprises
Weiss specialized in early high-tech ventures that prioritized electronic components. He established Kontron in 1959, which later moved to the ownership of Hoffmann-La Roche in 1974. Following this, he launched Esec, a company focused on semiconductor equipment that was acquired by BE Semiconductor Industries N.V. in 2009. Beyond building individual companies, he served as the founding president of the Swiss Venture Capital Association to facilitate industry development.
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Between 1985 and 1994, Weiss shared his expertise on technological strategies and corporate management through lectures at ETH Zurich. His commitment to the academic community included membership in the Swiss Academy of Engineering Science and the Swiss Engineers and Architects Society. He also contributed to the strategic planning and accreditation processes for the Central European University.
Philanthropic Legacy
Weiss directed significant capital toward educational infrastructure and research, including a 23 million Swiss franc donation to the ETH Science City project. In 1990, he established the Branco Weiss Institute in Israel to support primary and secondary education. His most enduring contribution remains the Society in Science fellowship, which he endowed with 20 million Swiss francs in 2010 and an additional 100 million Swiss francs in his will to support postdoctoral research projects globally.
Fast facts
- Born: 23 April 1929, Zagreb
- Died: 31 October 2010, Zollikon
- Education: ETH Zurich
- Professional Field: Entrepreneurship
- Citizenship: Switzerland
- Notable Venture: Kontron, founded 1959
- Fellowship Endowment: 100 million Swiss francs (bequest)
- Honorary Doctorates: ETH Zurich, University of Basel, EPFL, Tel Aviv University
Questions readers ask
What is the Branco Weiss Fellowship?
It is a research program founded in 2002 that supports postdoctoral scholars working on projects that affect society.
Which major corporations acquired his companies?
Hoffmann-La Roche acquired Kontron in 1974, and BE Semiconductor Industries N.V. acquired Esec in 2009.
Achievements
- Educated at ETH Zurich
