Entry requirements
Are you entitled to take part in the >>venture>> competition? Let's quickly go through the requirements and key dates/deadlines below.
1. Innovative Idea
The first thing you need to know is that if you’re going to succeed in this competition, your idea needs to be innovative. If you have that, then it's definitely worth your while to participate.
2. Swiss residency
Each startup must have a minimum of one team member who is a Swiss resident (and over 18 years of age). We accept all types of residency permits.
The startup can be active in Switzerland or abroad, but it must be headquartered in Switzerland or the team must intend to move to Switzerland or open a branch here.
3. Early-stage status
If you’re registered with the Commercial Registry (and you don’t need to be to participate), it must be after January 1, 2024.
​
Research-intensive startups registered as early as January 1, 2022 may be granted an exception, after careful review, provided at least 2 out of the 4 items below are documented in their submission​:
-
Patents​
-
Research grants​
-
Being part of a university research group, research consortium, etc.​
-
Peer reviewed publications​​​​​
4. Startup plan document
Submit a systematically structured startup plan in PDF format of 10-20 pages (including appendices) before the competition deadline. The document must be in English.
We encourage you to use what you already have and to check out our Playbook and evaluation criteria to make sure it contains the relevant information you will be evaluated on.​​​​
Previous >>venture>> participants
If you are a previous >>venture>> participant, and did not win, you may re-enter the competition with the same startup plan.
​
If you are a previous >>venture>> participant and you won a prize, you are not allowed to re-enter the competition with the same startup plan.
​
If you participated before and want to enter the competition with a different startup plan, you are welcome to participate as many times as you like. You may also submit more than one startup plan per competition.
Competition Timeline
Stay ahead of the curve! This timeline covers everything from the initial application window to the final award ceremony. Crucial reminder: Once you advance past the first round, all subsequent stages are in-person events. Ensure you are available for these dates, as live attendance is required to progress.