Start-up Innovation Projects: Innosuisse funding for Swiss Start-ups

It’s a grant, not a loan. The funding is non-repayable and non-dilutive, meaning start-ups do not have to return the money or give up equity.

The start-up retains full IP ownership of all results generated through the project, unless otherwise agreed with the academic partner. The research institution may only request rights for internal research use.

Innosuisse typically covers up to 70% of eligible costs. The start-up must contribute at least 30% (in cash or in-kind). This ensures shared commitment and accountability between partners.

Yes — international founders can apply before incorporation, but they must register their company in Switzerland before the project starts. Incorporation is mandatory for funding disbursement.

Yes. Every project must include at least one Swiss public research institution (such as ETH Zurich, EPFL, or a University of Applied Sciences). This partnership brings scientific credibility and access to state-of-the-art facilities.

Eligible: Personnel directly involved in R&D, equipment, materials, subcontracting (limited), travel, and indirect project costs.
Non-eligible: Marketing, sales, patent filing, or administrative overhead not related to R&D activities.

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, with results typically delivered within 6–8 weeks after submission. Applicants receive written feedback and, if successful, proceed to grant contracting.

After approval, the project team signs a grant agreement with Innosuisse. Reporting and milestone reviews are required during the project to ensure compliance. Evolution Europe can assist with ongoing technical and financial reporting.

Yes, but each project must have a distinct scope and justify its innovation potential. Parallel funding for identical activities is not allowed.

The programme has no fixed deadlines — applications can be submitted year-round. However, because proposal preparation and partner coordination take time, it’s best to begin at least 3 months in advance.

Innosuisse provides up to 70% of eligible project costs as a non-repayable, equity-free grant. The remaining 30% must be contributed by the start-up.

While official figures vary, recent data suggests a selective approval rate of around 10–15% of success rate for the Innosuisse Start-up Innovation Projects programme, depending on the quality of proposals and competition levels. You may have a look here at the published list of start-ups whose innovation projects have been approved.

Projects should typically be at TRL 3–6 — beyond basic research but not yet market-ready to apply to the Innosuisse Start-up Innovation Projects programme. In other words, you should have a working prototype or proof of concept and aim to validate or scale it toward market introduction.