Join Kickstart as a startup
Each year, over 100 entrepreneurs representing 50 high-potential startups are selected to join our open innovation activities, working directly with our partner organizations on specific calls, pilots, and collaborative projects to scale their business and unlock real commercial opportunities.
Startups and Intrapreneurship teams
CHF Raised by Kickstarters
Deals (PoCs and commercial project)
Partner organisations involved
Our
experience
So far we have facilitated over 400 publicly announced commercial partnerships bringing added value to more than 100 organizations. Meanwhile we’ve supported more than 530 startups from over 80 countries in scaling. Our alumni have raised over CHF 3.1 billion.
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Case studies
PostFinance created a digital coaching program on the Cognician platform
PostFinance and Cognician’s PoC produced exciting results in helping learners reach predefined program learning outcomes. Agile collaboration was key in activating learners’ commitment and planning, to ensure they got maximum value from this blended learning solution. Read the case study here.
What we offer to startups
Zero equity taken from startups
Access to c-level executives & decision makers
Business mentoring & development
Access to regional & international innovation ecosystem
Access to partnership fund
Tangible outcomes & high potential partnerships
Connections to investors and industry buyers
Showcases, networking and community events
Media exposure
Access to experts and industry-specific advisors
How we work:
Activities and deadlines
Program overview and timeline
Before each selection round, the Kickstart team works closely with our partners to identify their challenges, priorities, and innovation needs, which directly shapes what solutions we scout for. This ensures a strong fit between startups and partners from the start, and increases the likelihood of a successful pilot or commercial project.
We run two selection rounds this year, with applications closing on 31 May and 25 July. If you're ready, don't wait for the next window.
MAY
Applications open
Scouting phase opens soon
JULY
Selection
Screening and evaluation of applicants done by an exclusive jury of Kickstart partners and experts. Includes Partner Safari networking event and Final Selection.
SEPTEMBER
Planning sprint
Includes the Opening Ceremony, Executive dinner in Zurich and a week of intense 1:1s and cross-vertical engagement.
SEPTEMBER
Collaboration sprint
Focus on the creation and securement of partnerships/PoCs between partners and startups, through Kickstart facilitation.
It also includes additional events such as the Investor Summit and Executive Dinners.
NOVEMBER
Closing ceremony
Announcement of PoCs/commercial projects confirmed and celebration of the end of the program.
We connect startups and partners through two complementary approaches.
The first is challenge-based: we work closely with our partners to identify their priorities, innovation needs, and specific challenges, then scout for the startups best positioned to address them. This ensures strong fit from day one and increases the likelihood of a successful pilot or commercial project.
The second is startup-driven: we welcome applications from startups looking to enter the Swiss market or accelerate their growth. Selected startups benefit from direct support from the Kickstart team, with access to our partner network and broader ecosystem.
Current application deadlines: 31 May and 25 July.
If you're ready, don't wait for the next window.
MAY 31
First Deadline
Scouting phase open. Screening and evaluation of applicants done by an exclusive jury of Kickstart partners and experts.
JULY 25
Second Deadline
Scouting phase open soon. Screening and evaluation of applicants done by an exclusive jury of Kickstart partners and experts.