SDGXCHANGE is a practical and transformational strategy tool that helps organisations move beyond traditional sustainability reporting or risk management. It enables them to harness the power of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to create outside-in business opportunities – new growth pathways that deliver value for business, society, and the planet alike.
$12 trillion. That’s the business potential linked to achieving the SDGs. Another $10 trillion sits in nature-based solutions. Since 2017, SDGXCHANGE has helped companies turn that opportunity into a strategic advantage.
Why SDGXCHANGE?
In a world of rapid change and escalating global challenges, sustainability is no longer an obligation — it is a strategic opportunity. SDGXCHANGE equips organisations with the mindset, tools, and processes needed to shift from an inside-out perspective (focused on internal compliance) to an outside-in perspective (focused on solving real societal and environmental challenges that also create business value).
By using SDGXCHANGE, organisations can:
- Clarify how the SDGs translate into locally relevant strategic priorities.
- Identify new business opportunities aligned with societal needs.
- Co-innovate with internal and external stakeholders.
- Prototype and test solutions that create net positive impact.
- Share learnings and scale success across ecosystems and industries.
SDGXCHANGE transforms sustainability from a reporting requirement into a strategic growth driver that boosts innovation, fosters resilience, and strengthens stakeholder trust.
The GRIPS Process
At the core of SDGXCHANGE is the GRIPS methodology — a structured five-phase process designed to turn ambition into action, developed and refined together with Katrin Muff from The Institute for Business Sustainability as well as pioneering partners since 2017. The GRIPS approach goes beyond typical SDG frameworks: it doesn’t just build knowledge, it delivers hands-on support through every phase.
Get Started
Assess organisational readiness and current sustainability status.
Reframe
Reinterpret the SDGs as strategic business opportunities via a double materiality assessment.
Ideate
Engage key stakeholders in co-creating innovative outside-in opportunities.
Prototype
Develop and test new solutions that build viable business models.
Share & Scale
Assess impact, refine solutions, and scale success stories.
Our Impact – Selected Cases
It all started in 2017 with four pioneering companies: ewz, Georg Fischer, Losinger Marazzi and Swisscom. Together, we developed and refined the GRIPS process. Since then, SDGXCHANGE has helped organisations across Switzerland and, through our partnership with FUNDES, across Latin America.
Our work included:
- Ideation workshops with leaders like Blattmann and IKEA
- Webinars & workshops with companies like Holcim in El Salvador
- Partnership with FUNDES extending SDGXCHANGE across Latin America
- Design sprints with ZKB in the wood, mobility and food industries
Voices from the SME Design Sprint
Case Highlight: IKEA Switzerland
Through SDGXCHANGE, IKEA Switzerland discovered a new business model: instead of selling office furniture, they now lease it. This reduces waste, supports circularity, and opens new revenue streams — while reinforcing IKEA’s sustainability commitments.
Get Started Today
Whether you’re just beginning your sustainability journey or looking to accelerate strategic innovation, SDGXCHANGE provides the framework, tools and support you need to move from intention to measurable, lasting impact.
Get started with two self-assessment surveys:
ASSESS your organization’s
readiness for change
FIND OUT how your organization
classifies in the Business Sustainability Typology
Interested to find out more?
If so, I would be happy to assist you.
Katharina Reblitz
Senior Consultant
katharina.reblitz@engageability.ch
Our SDGXCHANGE Partner: The IBS
The Institute for Business Sustainability (The IBS), founded by Katrin Muff and Thomas Dyllick, is an independent, forward-thinking research and education center and a long-standing partner in the development and advancement of the SDGXCHANGE approach.
Find out more about The IBS.
