The innovation program for start-ups
Over 50 commercial collaborations were established last year despite the challenges posed by Covid-19. Accelerating digital processes is more of a priority than ever for businesses in 2020 and key to this is a focus on digitally-enabled measures such as scaled remote working capabilities, securing data, automating supply chains and remote health solutions. "Although we weren't able to meet live, we completed a very successful program with a record number of commercial collaborations between companies and scale-ups," explains co-founder and CEO Katka Letzing. "We added a record number of global partners for 2021, working across all industry sectors."
Benefit from strategic advice
Kickstart invites global scale-ups from the various sectors to Switzerland. They receive first-class access to the Swiss ecosystem as well as direct sales opportunities within the business units at Kickstart's leading institutional partners. The focus is not on early-stage startups, but on more mature startups that are already positioned to work with large companies (e.g. existing product, experience working with B2B customers). The multi-week program - from September to November - encourages technological innovation and collaboration on specific opportunities. Over the course of three months, the scale-ups receive support through access to a large network of advisors and experts who have themselves successfully started, scaled, and often sold a company. During the program, each Kickstart scale-up is also assigned a mentor who consults with them regularly and shares access to their personal network and market knowledge. Kickstart also offers scale-ups free office space at Kraftwerk, one of the largest innovation spaces in Zurich, as well as at other Impact Hub locations.
Applicants meet renowned Swiss partners such as PostFinance, AXA, Coop, Migros, Swisscom, the furniture, Sanitas, the City of Zurich, Credit Suisse and other organizations. In addition to building partnerships, Kickstart also provides access to a diversified network of investors who execute funding rounds.
The application period runs until 17 May. More info and the registration link here.
Source: Kickstart; dhe innovation platform is a spin-off of the Impact Hub Zurich and was founded in 2015 by digitalswitzerland was launched.
