Swisscom Startup Challenge

The Swisscom StartUp Challenge is the unique opportunity for Swiss tech startups to pitch their products and
services in front of a jury of experts, so they can try to win their own Acceleration Programme in Silicon Valley. The programme is aimed in particular at startups with international growth potential.

The 11th Swisscom StartUp Challenge is seeking high-tech startups that specialize in various areas, including: industry, robotics, space, fintech, agtech, edtech, smart cities and clean tech. These startups actively contribute to social issues, such as climate protection, education, and location attractiveness. Swisscom supports the finalists and winners during the growth phase by networking with investors, mentors, and companies in Switzerland and Silicon Valley.

Out of the ten finalists, the three best startups will win an Accelerator Programme geared to their specific needs in the Swisscom Outpost in Silicon Valley.

What's in it for the 3 winners?

Acceleration Programme in Swisscom Outpost in Silicon Valley with experts from Swisscom and access to the Swisscom eco system (the dates will be clarified during an individual meeting with the start-up)
Mentoring from Swisscom experts and partners in Switzerland and Silicon Valley
Development of marketing and sales skills
Individual pitch training and coaching from our partner Venturelab
Sharing of experience with top entrepreneurs and venture capitalists
Building a network of potential customers and business partners
Consideration given to a business partnership with Swisscom as well as investment from Swisscom Ventures
Participation in the NOAH Zurich 2023 Conference for the online voting winner

Applicant Requirements

A solution that is based strongly on technology (deep tech) in areas such as: industry, robotics, space, fintech, agtech, edtech, smart cities and clean tech.
The team must be able to present the prototype or the product in a functional way during the Acceleration Programme.
It must be possible to use the deep tech solution in Switzerland and it must have international growth potential
An ambitious and visionary start-up team (founded in the last five years)

What can you expect from the Acceleration Programme?

Individual Acceleration Programme in Swisscom Outpost Silicon Valley
The Acceleration Programme is individually tailored to your specific needs and objectives.
Access to Swisscom Services
Access to applications and existing Swisscom services and infrastructure in Switzerland, also in areas close to the customers.
Access to expert knowledge
Support and mentoring by Swisscom experts and partners
New cooperation and financing opportunities
Building a network of potential customers and business partners. Consideration given to an investment from Swisscom Ventures. Possibility of a pilot project with Swisscom.

Next Milestones:
Application Deadline: 11 June 2023
Pitch Training: 29 August 2023 (remote option)
Announcement of the 10 finalists: 4 September 2023
Pitch/Jury Session: 21 September 2023
Acceleration Programme: Dates arranged individually with the 3 winners

PLEASE NOTE: Startups that have already participated or have already received funding from Swisscom Ventures are not eligible. Only complete applications will be considered.

For further information, please visit: swisscom.ch/startupchallenge
Follow the previous Swisscom Startup Challenges on social media using the hashtag #StartUpChallenge on twitter and LinkedIn.

Application phase is closed

Applications for the Swisscom Startup Challenge are now closed. Subscribe to our newsletter to receive the latest updates and to discover even more events.

SWISSCOM STARTUP CHALLENGE WINNERS 2022

“The Startup Challenge has brought us a decisive step forward on our growth path. We gained privileged insights into the strategic development at Swisscom and other companies and were able to draw important conclusions for our own business. Thanks to the Challenge, we have become a Swisscom Platinum Business Partner and are working closely with the Swisscom subsidiary Cablex to scale our solution. And on top of that, the whole process was a lot of fun, thanks to the “Challenge” team.
Jürgen Biefang, Head of Marketing and Sales and Beni Huber, Business Development
Manager, ECCO2 Solutions AG, Swisscom StartUp Challenge Winner 2022

media section

Application phase is closed

Applications for the Swisscom Startup Challenge are now closed. Subscribe to our newsletter to receive the latest updates and to discover even more events.

PAST SWISSCOM STARTUP CHALLENGE EVENTS

Each year, Venturelab organizes the Swisscom Startup Challenge Events. The 10 most innovative and promising Swiss startups are selected by a jury of investors and startup experts. Discover the Swiss National Swiss Startup Challenge Team of the past years and read all about their events: