AIT India 2024 kick-off drives Swiss startups' Indian market exploration

27.09.2024 16:30, Rita Longobardi

On September 26th and 27th, ten promising Sciencepreneurs selected for the Academia-Industry Training India (AIT) 2024 kicked off their journey with events in Lausanne. These startups are ready to explore new market opportunities in India, looking to sharpen their entrepreneurial skills and expand their international presence. The program - organized by Venturelab and supported by Leading House South Asia and Iran at ZHAW Zurich University of Applied Sciences and Swissnex India - is tailored for young researchers and founders of Swiss science-based startups, offering them a chance to discover the potential of their applied research in the Indian market.

On September 26th and 27th, the AIT India program (Academia-Industry Training India 2024) celebrated the launch of its latest initiative in Lausanne, bringing together ten promising Swiss startups selected by a jury, set to explore the Indian market. The program is designed to assist young researchers and founding members of science-based Swiss startups in identifying the commercial potential of their innovations and developing their entrepreneurial skills.

The kick-off events served as an introduction to the program's objectives and an opportunity for participants to meet and network with fellow Sciencepreneurs. Startups will head to India for a one-week entrepreneurship camp in November, with a follow-up camp back in Switzerland in February 2025.

The first day of the AIT India kick-off featured business development insights from Jordi Montserrat, Managing Partner at Venturelab. Following this, startups presented their projects during the Pitchfest at Gotham. The day wrapped up with a lively networking session, providing attendees with opportunities to expand their professional connections within the industry.



On Friday, the event continued with a visit to Biopôle, where participants explored its support for life science companies, including a tour of the campus and StartLab. They also visited SoHHytec to learn about its technology, team-building efforts, and how its participation in the 2016 AIT program contributed to its growth. Additionally, a "Founders and Team Building" workshop led by Jordi Montserrat provided expert guidance on team dynamics and collaboration strategies.



As part of the program, CHF 10,000 in funding will be awarded to the two most promising projects during the camp in Switzerland at the program's conclusion. This financial support aims to accelerate the growth and international expansion of these ventures.

The AIT India program 2024-2025 is dedicated to helping scientists transition their applied research into viable market solutions and discovering their full entrepreneurial potential. Through this initiative, Swiss startups are set to gain valuable insights and opportunities in the Indian market, paving the way for future global innovations.

A call to future explorers
Stay up to date with the next AIT and seize the opportunity to expand your horizons.

About the Academia-Industry Training program:
The Academia-Industry Training (AIT) India program is an innovation-based instrument of the Leading House South Asia and Iran at ZHAW Zurich University of Applied Sciences. It supports scientists in transforming their applied research into market application and discovering their entrepreneurial potential. By connecting scientists from top institutions in Switzerland and India, the program promotes an international network. It enables access to one of the most promising markets and intellectual capital in applied research. Venturelab and Swissnex India are partners and program organizers for the Indian and Swiss camps.

By connecting scientists from top institutions in Switzerland and India, the program promotes an international network. It enables access to one of the most promising markets and intellectual capital in applied research.

Learn more about the 10 Indian startups and entrepreneurs who participate in AIT India 2024

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