VE
venture

venture

Awards up to CHF 150,000 in cash prizes to early-stage Swiss startups and nonprofits, no equity taken.

OpenventureSwitzerland

The initial application takes about one evening online, covering the team, the idea, and why it matters, with no full business case required until a later stage. From that pool, the Top 200 are invited to build a full business case, drawing on a Playbook and one-on-one sessions with experts. Sixty semifinalists then pitch live to a jury, and the top 18 move on to a live final where they pitch for

Open to early-stage, Swiss-based startups and nonprofits with an innovative idea that is ready to launch, or has only recently launched, in one of six verticals: Business & Finance, Consumer Solutions, Industrials & Engineering, Pharma & Biotech, Medtech & Healthcare, and Social & Environmental Impact.

CycleiHow often this grant runs - e.g. annually, on a rolling basis, or a one-off call.No fixed schedule
Next deadlineiThe next date applications are due. Rolling means you can apply any time.30 Nov 2026
Decision timeiTypical time from the deadline to the funder's decision.-
Project durationiHow long the funded work is expected to run.-
Award typeiThe form of funding - grant, equity, loan, tax credit, etc.Prize
Match fundingiThe share of project costs you must cover yourself. 0% = fully funded.-
Funding pooliThe total budget available across all awards in this round.-

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