Innosuisse

Innosuisse helps leverage innovation by supporting science-based innovation projects carried out by companies working with public research institutes.

It supports SMEs in the process of securing incentives, by helping them to find research institutes and prepare applications for incentives, and reviewing applications that are rejected.

It supports businesses within the scope of international cooperation as well as startups which are looking to expand abroad.

SERVICES

FINANCING OF R&D PROJECTS

- Innosuisse covers the research institute’s salary and, under certain conditions, material costs as well as a contribution to overheads. The company provides at least the same amount of funding and thus bears the costs for its project itself.

- Innovation cheque: Innosuisse provides SMEs with easy access into the world of science-based innovation funding. The innovation cheque gives access to up to CHF 15,000 worth of R&D services from a public research institute. Innosuisse funds preliminary studies, such as concept developments, preparatory work for innovation projects or analyses of technology transfer potential.

COACHING AND ADVICE ON STARTING A BUSINESS

Startup training (four modules)
This program helps entrepreneurs develop their business idea, set up their company and implement a strategy for growth. The four training modules are led by experienced entrepreneurs and held all over Switzerland.

Startup coaching (three levels)
• Initial coaching
Analyzing the feasibility of the business concept, determining whether it can be launched on the market, and then developing it (maximum of CHF 5,000)
• Core coaching
Evaluating the profitability of the business concept, strategy development, structuring the organization and market entry. Providing legal advice for intellectual property rights protection, contracts and tax (maximum of CHF 50,000).
• Scale-up coaching
Implementing the company’s growth strategy, helping secure financing, networking and setting up an organizational structure and evolution process (starting from 2018, maximum of CHF 75,000)

Internationalization camps
• The “Market Validation Camp”, held in the USA, Brazil, China, India and the UK, helps companies to launch their international expansion and test business products or models
• The “Market Entry Camp” is aimed at the top hi-tech startups. As part of the Startup Coaching program, this camp helps companies to find clients, institutes, investors and qualified employees.

SUPPORT FOR R&D PROJECTS

• Qualified networking between companies and public research institutes to provide easier access for companies to the technology developed by the latter

• Mentoring while developing an innovation project with a public
research institute, with three levels of support (basic support,
institute support and application support)

CRITERIA : For SMEs (fewer than 250 full-time equivalents) with a head office in
Switzerland (having a Swiss company ID number).

SUPPORT FOR EXPORT AND INTERNATIONAL EXPANSION

• Internationalization camps for startups (see section above)

• Contact established with international research networks (ERASynBio, M-ERA.NET and WoodWisdom-Net+)

• Support for developing cooperation in Europe and beyond, carrying out innovation and research projects and penetrating new markets by means of the Enterprise Europe Network (een.ec.europa.eu)

GOOD TO KNOW

As part of the Energy Encouragement Program, an additional CHF 19 million are available between now and 2020 for innovation projects in the energy sector.

CRITERIA

The creative aspect and scientific importance of the innovation, the market potential and its contribution to promoting sustainable development. The projects need to have a link to one of the following sectors: ICT, life sciences, engineering, energy and the environment, social sciences and business management.