In Virtuo Laboratories SA, based in Switzerland, is dedicated to fostering an inclusive, innovative, and safe working environment. As a startup, we recognize that diversity drives creative breakthroughs in our innovation projects. We strictly adhere to the Swiss Federal Act on Gender Equality (GEg) and ensure equal opportunities regardless of gender, background, or identity.
2. Core Pillars & Implementation Measures
Pillar 1: Public Engagement & Accountability
This policy is publicly endorsed by executive management and accessible via our corporate channels. Due to
our lean team size, we review these objectives annually during strategic board meetings. This policy is
approved by the Company’s Board and published on the company website, hence it is accessible to all
employees, advisors and the public at large.
Pillar 2: Fair & Unbiased Recruitment
We design all technical job descriptions using gender-neutral language. For our research and development
vacancies, candidates are evaluated solely on technical merits, capability, and potential.
Pillar 3: Work-Life Balance & Flexible Culture
We actively support hybrid work options, flexible working hours, and part-time arrangements to accommodate
family and personal responsibilities, ensuring that caretaking duties do not hinder professional
contribution.
Pillar 4: Gender-Neutral Compensation
We practice equal pay for equal work. To prevent structural discrepancies as we scale, we utilize the best
practices to manage salary structures transparently.
Pillar 5: Zero Tolerance for Harassment
We maintain a strict zero-tolerance policy toward any form of discrimination or sexual harassment. Team
members have direct, confidential access to executive management, and external advisory boards if
required, to report any workplace concerns safely. All formal or informal grievances are acknowledged
within three working days. Investigations are conducted promptly and confidentially by impartial
management or external advisors, ensuring fair hearings and protective interim measures for all parties
involved.
Pillar 6: Continuous Training & Unconscious Bias Awareness
We commit to building an inclusive workplace culture through targeted, regular education.
Onboarding: Every new team member completes a dedicated module on workplace inclusion, anti-harassment, and code of conduct within their first 30 days.
Annual Briefing: The entire team participates in a yearly, 1-hour interactive briefing focused on recognizing and mitigating unconscious bias in product development, research, and daily collaboration.
Leadership Training: Management periodically reviews best practices for unbiased performance evaluation and inclusive team leadership.
Pillar 7: Proportional Metrics & Data Tracking
Due to our small team size, we track diversity using clear, direct metrics updated annually on a rolling
basis. We monitor:
Gender Balance: The percentage of women/underrepresented genders across the total team, management roles, and external scientific advisory boards.
Recruitment Funnel: The proportion of diverse applicants reaching the final interview stages for open innovation/technical roles.
Pay Equity Verification: Annual internal review of basic salary distributions to ensure zero gender-based pay gaps, using principles aligned with the Swiss federal frameworks.
3. Dedicated Oversight
Responsibility for monitoring and updating these standards sits directly with the executive management team. Sertac Yeltekin, as COO and Founder, covers the role of Gender Equality Coordinator, with a mandate until January 2029, to implement this plan.
Signed:
Gianvito Grasso
President of the Board of Managers, CEO and Founder