The Innosuisse start-up training programme helps you develop your business idea, set up your company and implement a strategy for growth. Our four training modules are led by experienced entrepreneurs and held all over Switzerland.
Do you have an innovative vision that’s just waiting to become reality? Are you in the process of founding a company? Do you have an innovative and forward-looking business idea that you just can’t get out of your head? Do you want to make headway with your company?
Then the Innosuisse start-up training is just the thing for you.
You can choose from four separate training and development modules that will help you establish or develop your entrepreneurial skills. with some 120 trainers boasting plenty of practical experience at your disposal. The four separate modules allow you to start at exactly the right place for your company.
The Innosuisse start-up training programme helps you develop your business idea, set up your company and implement a strategy for growth. The training modules are led by experienced entrepreneurs and held all over Switzerland.
Do you have an innovative vision that’s just waiting to become reality? Are you in the process of founding a company? Do you have an innovative and forward-looking business idea that you just can’t get out of your head? Do you want to make headway with your company?
Then the Innosuisse start-up training is just the thing for you.
You can choose from different training and development modules that will help you establish or develop your entrepreneurial skills. The four separate modules allow you to start at exactly the right place for your company.
Successful role models are the best motivation for anyone wanting to take the plunge into self-employment. At our «Business Ideas» motivational events, you will meet interesting high-profile entrepreneurs and be inspired by their success stories.
Who can take part?
Members of higher education institutions: Students, doctoral students, members of staff, post-doctoral students, professors at universities and universities of applied sciences (including research institutions)
Contents
Following this, we will invite you to a networking drinks reception.
Duration
Two hours in the afternoon or evening
Town/city
Held at various higher education institutions across Switzerland
Cost
The events are free of charge.
So you’ve got an innovative business idea and intend to set up a knowledge- or technology-based company? In the «Business Concept» module, you will learn how to think and act like an entrepreneur and acquire both the theoretical and practical expertise to set up and run your own company.
Who can take part?
Members of higher education institutions: Students, doctoral students, post-doctoral students, professors at universities and universities of applied sciences (including research institutions), people with experience in research and development within companies. Max. 25 participants per course.
Contents
Duration
Semester course: 14 evenings of four hours, from 5.15 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Town/city
Held at 15 higher education institutions in Switzerland
Kosten
The courses are free of charge.
Current courses / provider
They are held by three different consortia.
Join our Alumni Events and get to know academics, innovators, coaches and startups from the other Innosuisse cohorts. Stay tuned and learn from inspiring entrepreneurs with all different sources of backrounds and stories.
Female Founders: the key to a strong startup ecosystem!
The secret to a strong startup ecosystem is diversity. Diversity of backgrounds, ideas, and approaches driven by successful entrepreneurs, who inspire and give back to the community. Join our female founders events and learn from inspiring women with all different sources of backrounds and stories.
Successful role models are the best motivation for anyone wanting to take the plunge into self-employment. At our «Business Ideas» motivational events, you will meet interesting high-profile entrepreneurs and be inspired by their success stories.
Who can take part?
Members of higher education institutions: Students, doctoral students, members of staff, post-doctoral students, professors at universities and universities of applied sciences (including research institutions)
Contents
Following this, we will invite you to a networking drinks reception.
Duration
Two hours in the afternoon or evening
Town/city
Held at various higher education institutions across Switzerland
Cost
The events are free of charge.
So you’ve got an innovative business idea and intend to set up a knowledge- or technology-based company? In the «Business Concept» module, you will learn how to think and act like an entrepreneur and acquire both the theoretical and practical expertise to set up and run your own company.
Who can take part?
Members of higher education institutions: Students, doctoral students, post-doctoral students, professors at universities and universities of applied sciences (including research institutions), people with experience in research and development within companies. Max. 25 participants per course.
Contents
Duration
Semester course: 14 evenings of four hours, from 5.15 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Town/city
Held at 15 higher education institutions in Switzerland
Kosten
The courses are free of charge.
Current courses / provider
They are held by three different consortia.
Have a business idea but unsure how to adapt it to succeed in the real world? In the «Business Validation» module, you’ll learn how to pivot your idea effectively, build resilience, and refine your concept through expert guidance and learning how to get insightful user feedback. Gain the tools and mindset needed to tackle challenges and align your startup with market needs.
Who can take part?
Aspiring entrepreneurs with a business idea or startup. Priority is given to participants of Module 2.1 training, though alumni from other training modules and other interested (aspiring) entrepreneurs are also welcome to join. Places in this course are limited.
Contents
Duration
2 evenings of four hours, from 5.15 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Town/city
Held at 15 higher education institutions in Switzerland
Kosten
The courses are free of charge.
Current courses / provider
They are held by five different consortia.
Join our Alumni Events and get to know academics, innovators, coaches and startups from the other Innosuisse cohorts. Stay tuned and learn from inspiring entrepreneurs with all different sources of backrounds and stories.
Diversity: the key to a strong startup ecosystem!
The secret to a strong startup ecosystem is diversity. Diversity of backgrounds, ideas, and approaches driven by successful entrepreneurs, who inspire and give back to the community.
The «Increasing Diversity» module highlights the importance of diverse perspectives in entrepreneurship. Through targeted events and inspiring success stories, this module aims to attract and empower underrepresented groups in the start-up ecosystem, encouraging the formation of heterogeneous teams that drive innovation and success.
Are you about to set up your own company or have you recently started a new business? In the «Business Creation» training module, you will receive specific answers to your questions about your project and company. This module will also help you to firm up your plans and consolidate your knowledge.
Who can take part?
People who have the firm intention of founding a start-up within the next six to twelve months (12-18 months for those in the MedTech/BioTech cluster). The basis of the company is a technological, academic or business model-oriented innovation. In addition, there should already be a team that dedicates a substantial amount of its time (at least 30%) to the project. Number of participants: Min. 10, max. 17.
Sector-specific courses
Specialist trainers with lots of practical experience and Innosuisse n.start-up coaches provide start-ups with one-on-one support throughout the course. Module 3 Business Creation is offered as a sector-specific course for the following four clusters.
Are you about to set up your own company or have you recently started a new business? In the «Business Creation» training module, you will receive specific answers to your questions about your project and company. This module will also help you to firm up your plans and consolidate your knowledge.
Content (varies depending on cluster)
Duration
Five-day intensive course spread over several weeks, including three hours of one-on-one coaching.
Town/city
Held in Zurich, Schlieren (Zurich), Lausanne and Bern; Biotechnology/MedTech cluster in Lugano and Basel.
Kosten
CHF 300.-.
Current courses / provider
The courses are run by Venturelab Ltd. and the Zurich University of Applied Sciences ZHAW (cluster 4 Social Entrepreneurship).
Do you want to set your newly found company on course for growth? In the «Business Growth» training module, you will analyse the barriers, opportunities and markets in your sector and learn about the processes and structures that will help you to grow your company.
Who can take part?
Young entrepreneurs who have already founded their start-up. You have been able to secure initial funding and you have just started to launch your product or intend to within the next six to twelve months (12-24 months for the MedTech/BioTech cluster). The basis of the company is a technological, academic or business model-oriented innovation. You have a balanced start-up team. Min. 7, max. 12.
Sector-specific courses
You get basic practical training and will be able to plan, establish and manage your own company in the decisive phase of launching your product on the market. Specialist trainers with lots of practical experience and Innosuisse start-up coaches provide you with one-on-one support throughout the course. Module 4 – Business Growth – is only offered as a sector-specific course to four different clusters.
Content (varies depending on cluster)
Duration
Five-day intensive course spread over several weeks, including three hours of one-on-one coaching.
Town/city
Held in Schlieren (Zurich), Lausanne and Bern; Biotechnology/MedTech cluster in Lugano and Basel.
Cost
CHF 300.-.
Current courses / provider
The courses are run by Venturelab Ltd. and the Zurich University of Applied Sciences ZHAW (cluster 4 Social Entrepreneurship).
So you’re curious about entrepreneurship and want to explore the possibilities? In the «Get the Spirit» module, you’ll gain insight into the world of start-ups, learn from founder stories, and get introduced to essential tools to kick-start your entrepreneurial journey. This online module is flexible and accessible, designed to inspire and prepare you for the path ahead.
Who can take part?
Anyone interested in entrepreneurship, including students, researchers, professionals, and alumni from various fields. Unlimited participants can access this free, online module at any time.
Content
Duration
Self-paced (online material available anytime).
Town/city
Online (accessible globally).
Kosten
Free of charge for all participants.
Current courses / provider
Link to provider will follow
Are you about to set up your own company or have you recently started a new business? In the «Business Creation» training module, you will receive specific answers to your questions about your project and company. This module will also help you to firm up your plans and consolidate your knowledge.
Who can take part?
People who have the firm intention of founding a start-up within the next six to twelve months (12-18 months for those in the MedTech/BioTech cluster). The basis of the company is a technological, academic or business model-oriented innovation. In addition, there should already be a team that dedicates a substantial amount of its time (at least 30%) to the project. Number of participants: Min. 12, max. 15.
Sector-specific courses
Specialist trainers with lots of practical experience and Innosuisse n.start-up coaches provide start-ups with one-on-one support throughout the course. Module 3 Business Creation is offered as a sector-specific course for the following four clusters.
Are you about to set up your own company or have you recently started a new business? In the «Business Creation» training module, you will receive specific answers to your questions about your project and company. This module will also help you to firm up your plans and consolidate your knowledge.
Content (varies depending on cluster)
Duration
Five-day course including one-on-one coaching.
Town/city
Held in Zurich, Schlieren (Zurich), Lausanne and Bern; Biotechnology/MedTech cluster in Lugano and Basel.
Costs
Free of Charge
Current courses / provider
The courses are run by Venturelab Ltd. and the Zurich University of Applied Sciences ZHAW (cluster 4 Social Entrepreneurship).
Are you about to found your start-up and facing specific challenges? In the «Workshop Series» module, you’ll receive tailored support from expert coaches and connect with fellow entrepreneurs tackling similar hurdles. This module focuses on your individual needs, offering a deep dive into specialized topics to strengthen your start-up’s foundation and boost its chances of success.
Who can take part?
Entrepreneurs with a scientific or technological business idea who intend to found their company within the next 12 months or have already started their journey. Limited to 12–15 participants per workshop.
Content
Duration
Workshops are scheduled based on demand; session lengths and frequency vary.
Town/city
Held in innovation hubs, universities, or online for accessibility.
Cost
Free of charge for participants.
Current courses / provider
Providers will be disclosed here
