Academia-Industry Training India 2024: Strengthening Swiss-Indian innovation ties

25.11.2024 10:00, Rita Longobardi

The Academia-Industry Training (AIT) India program is designed to help young researchers and founders of science-based Swiss startups identify the commercial potential of their innovations while developing key entrepreneurial skills. The program - organized by Venturelab and supported by Leading House South Asia and Iran at ZHAW Zurich University of Applied Sciences and Swissnex India - includes a week-long trip to India in November and a follow-up session in Switzerland in February 2025, facilitating exchanges between two dynamic innovation ecosystems.

In support of Swiss entrepreneurs' aspirations, the Swiss State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation (SERI) has entrusted the execution of the AIT program to the Leading House in South Asia and Iran at ZHAW. This collaborative initiative is strengthened by partnerships with Venturelab and Swissnex India, the prominent business Embassy of Switzerland in India, recognized for its focus on building business networks with the highest professional standards.

Discovering opportunities in Bengaluru
From November 18th to 22nd, 2024, ten Swiss researchers and startup founders selected for the Academia-Industry Training India (AIT) 2024/25 began their enveloping experience in Bengaluru, a hub of India's technology and entrepreneurial growth. The program kicked off with sessions by Atal Innovation Mission and Swiss Business Hub, offering insights into the Indian market, followed by a "go to market for India" workshop that focused on market access and intellectual property. Participants visited the Bengaluru S&T Cluster (BeST) and ecosystem hubs like the Foundation for Science Innovation and Development, deepening their understanding of India's growing innovation landscape.

"I learned and saw India up close thanks to the AIT India program. India is a huge market with big opportunities. I got to experience the support presented for Indian startups and startups that want to expand to India," highlighted Timur Ashirov, CEO of Separatic. "Every startup looking for opportunities in Asia should apply for this program."





The highlight of the program was attending the Bengaluru Tech Summit, one of Asia's largest technology events, where the entrepreneurs experienced India's evolving tech scene and had the opportunity to pitch their innovations.



"AIT was truly a full immersion into India and its incredible startup ecosystem. For a young startup like SaisiR, pitching at the Bengaluru Tech Summit was unbeatable. The program's mix of workshops and visits, like the Mazumdar Shaw Medical Foundation, introduced me to experienced innovators in stroke rehabilitation. Sharing this journey with fellow sciencepreneurs from Switzerland and India was a highlight, building connections I believe will last," added Claudia Bigoni, founder of SaisiR.

One of the key stops was C-CAMP (Centre for Cellular and Molecular Platforms), a major innovation hub in Bengaluru that drives advanced research and technology development. The startups also visited leading startups like Log9 Materials, where they explored advancements in applied science and innovation. Corporate visits included major players like Titan and Systematics, alongside healthcare institutions such as the Mazumdar Shaw Medical Foundation and Birla Fertility & IVF.


                         

A new perspective for Swiss innovators
The program included visits to NIMHANS, a top medical research institute, and meetings with startups such as Segritech and Carelon UST, where participants learned how innovation intersects with business across diverse industries. As the week concluded, participants reflected on their experiences and how they could leverage India's market to scale their innovations.



The beginning of a global journey
In February 2025, the program will continue with a return visit to Switzerland, where Indian startups will explore the Swiss startup ecosystem, refining their strategies and sharing their learnings. Through its strong focus on Swiss-Indian collaboration, the AIT India program provides emerging entrepreneurs with the tools to expand their innovations and networks on an international scale.

The Academia-Industry Training (AIT) India is organized by Venturelab and supported by Leading House South Asia and Iran at ZHAW Zurich University of Applied Sciences and Swissnex India.
                                                                                        
A call to future explorers
Stay updated on the next AIT.

Learn more about the 10 Swiss startups and entrepreneurs who participated in AIT India 2024: