Transitional measure for «Horizon Europe»: Innosuisse launches the «Swiss Accelerator» for start-ups and SMEs
Bern, 01.04.2022 - Swiss start-ups and SMEs currently have no access to the European Innovation Council’s (EIC) «Accelerator» funding programme. With the «Swiss Accelerator», Innosuisse introduces a competitive funding offer as a transitional measure. Start-ups and SMEs with no more than 250 full-time employees can apply for direct financial support for innovation projects with significant innovation potential. This is intended to accelerate the growth of highly innovative Swiss companies.
Switzerland is currently considered a non-associated third country in terms of the EU’s Horizon Europe framework programme. With the «Swiss Accelerator», the Swiss Innovation Agency – Innosuisse is implementing a transitional measure. The Federal Council has put the legal basis into force on 15 April, thus creating the necessary conditions.
Direct financial support as with the European «EIC Accelerator Grants»
Based on the new provisions in the Federal Act on the Promotion of Research and Innovation (RIPA), Swiss start-ups and SMEs can apply for direct financial support as part of the «Swiss Accelerator» funding programme. Innosuisse supports individual projects of companies. No projects by consortia or university research groups can be supported. The aim of the projects is to develop novel products and services with rapid and efficient commercialisation.
The funding from Innosuisse amounts to a maximum of 70 percent of the project costs. The company bears 30 percent of the costs itself. Per application, Innosuisse funding amounts to a maximum of 2.5 million Swiss francs, typically spread over two years. Start-ups and SMEs go through a competitive three-stage application process. In a first step, short applications can be submitted until 10 May 2022.
Address for enquiries
Communication Innosuisse
Eliane Kersten and Lukas Krienbuehl
Co-Heads of Communication
+41 58 481 84 73
media@innosuisse.ch
Publisher
Innosuisse – Swiss Innovation Promotion Agency
https://www.innosuisse.ch
