Programme Overview
Innosuisse is Switzerland's federal innovation agency, operating under the Federal Council to promote science-based innovation across the Swiss economy. It runs both grant funding instruments — the Startup Innovation Projects (SIP) and the Swiss Accelerator — as well as coaching programmes that pair startups with experienced mentors. Together these instruments cover Swiss companies from pre-market R&D preparation through to global scaling.
Both grant tracks provide non-dilutive funding: SIP co-funds the R&D that prepares a science-based startup for first market entry, while the Swiss Accelerator provides the larger capital injection needed to take an established, scalable product to international growth.
Who Can Apply?
The lead applicant must be a Swiss-incorporated company (incorporation_required: yes; eligible_countries: CH). SIP targets pre-seed and seed startups not yet in market with their product or service — the company must be science-based with high innovation potential, and 30% co-financing of direct project costs is required.
The Swiss Accelerator targets seed, early, and growth-stage SMEs and startups already established in the market with a scalable product or service, demonstrating high growth potential and innovation beyond incremental improvement. An entrepreneurial team is required.
What Does It Fund?
SIP funds science-based R&D projects preparing Swiss startups for first market entry — novel products, services, or processes with significant innovation potential across all sectors (deep tech, biotech, medtech, cleantech, ICT, materials, energy). Pure research, R&D services, and consulting services are out of scope.
The Swiss Accelerator funds market-creating innovation with significant growth and job-creation potential for established Swiss SMEs ready to scale globally.
Funding Amount & Rates
SIP: CHF 50,000–500,000 per project, covering up to 70% of direct project costs (the remaining 30% must be co-financed by the applicant).
Swiss Accelerator: CHF 500,000–2,500,000 with milestone-based disbursement (50% at start, 30% mid-project, 20% on completion). Applications are evaluated by 3 independent experts using criteria aligned with the EIC Accelerator.
Deadlines & Timeline
Application deadline: SIP is rolling with 4 council meetings per year — submit your application 9 weeks before the next council meeting (Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter). The Swiss Accelerator deadline varies per call.
Processing time: varies by track and cohort; check the official call page for the current cycle.
Pros & Cons
Advantages
- Equity-free grant — no equity taken in the company
- Specific science-based focus with strong sector coverage
- Swiss Accelerator evaluated by 3 independent experts, EIC-style
- Swiss Accelerator milestone-based 50/30/20 disbursement reduces risk
Limitations
- Switzerland-only eligibility — Swiss incorporation required
- SIP requires 30% co-financing of direct project costs
- Science-based threshold excludes pure services and consulting
- Application complexity is heavy for both tracks