On May 9, a StartPeak event was held at Technopark Graubünden, focusing on the many support instruments offered by Innosuisse that start-ups can benefit from. Three outstanding speakers shared everything participants need to know when collaborating with Innosuisse.
💡 Innosuisse – The supporter of Swiss start-ups 💡
Innosuisse is the Swiss Innovation Agency. It provides a wide range of programs and supports start-ups in their innovation projects with funding, coaching sessions, and mentoring programs. The spectrum covers training, coaching, and internationalization opportunities as well as participation in international trade fairs.
Christoph gave detailed insights into Innosuisse’s many support instruments. There are offers for different stages of start-up development, and it is even possible to submit innovation projects before a company has been officially founded. He emphasized that when applying for funding, it is important to provide all required information. While this may sound demanding, the content is essentially the same information you will need to prepare for investors, customers, etc. anyway – so the effort pays off twice.
Maria encouraged start-ups to definitely give it a try and submit an application. If it doesn’t work out the first time, she recommended asking for feedback and applying again – often it works the second time. She also highlighted the value of the coaching and mentoring programs, which can significantly advance start-ups. With a wide variety of coaching formats, there’s something suitable for every start-up.
Stat Peel AG, founded in 2013, develops solutions to monitor air pollution caused by hazardous substances in order to prevent contamination and mitigate risks. Rudolf also benefited from Innosuisse’s programs. His start-up had to apply twice, succeeding only the second time, but he is glad they took the step and recommends others to do the same. He also advised working with a partner familiar with Innosuisse – in his case, it was CSEM.
«With its support programs, Innosuisse provides fantastic assistance to start-ups and is a real added value.»
«Start-ups should definitely take the step and submit an application. The effort is absolutely worth it – and the required information will be useful for investors, customers, etc. anyway.»
«Don’t give up if your start-up doesn’t get funding on the first attempt. Ask Innosuisse for feedback and reapply. Chances are good it will work the next time.»
«If anything is unclear, or if you need additional information, ask Innosuisse, Technopark, or other start-up support organizations. They’ll be happy to help.»
