Boldbrain Startup Challenge is an acceleration program for early-stage innovative startups, jointly organized by Fondazione Agire and the USI Startup Centre. The ten finalists receive cash prizes and additional benefits. In addition incorporated startups can apply for an "innovative startup" certification, granting tax advantages. Thanks to the main partners Swiss Economic Forum and MassChallenge Switzerland, participants gain access to a strong entrepreneurial network, investor events, and media visibility, enhancing their opportunities for growth and market success.

Projects that pass the initial selection phase benefit from a free three-month coaching program led by experienced mentors. This support helps participants refine their business idea, develop a solid business plan, and improve their pitching skills for different audiences. Additionally, the program offers thematic workshops covering key aspects of startup creation, providing entrepreneurs with essential knowledge and practical tools to successfully launch and grow their business.

Boldbrain Startup Challenge
c/o Fondazione Agire
Via Cantonale 18
6928 Manno
Tel. +41 91 610 27 10
www.boldbrain.ch

The CF EST-SUD cooperativa di fideiussione per PMI enables easier access to bank credit for startups, SMEs, and professionals looking to expand, acquire business properties, or enter new markets. It provides guarantees (sureties) for businesses with solid prospects but insufficient collateral, helping them secure financing.

Before contacting CF EST-SUD, companies should assess their financial needs, review short-to-medium-term prospects, prepare financial statements, and consult their bank to determine if a CF EST-SUD guarantee could enhance their credit exposure. Ideally, banks should pre-approve the project before proceeding.

CF EST-SUD cooperativa di fideiussione per PMI
Falkensteinstrasse 54
9006 St. Gallen
Tel. + 41 71 242 00 60
info(at)cfsud.ch
cfsud.ch

The Enti regionali di sviluppo (ERS) provide information on available real estate and land within their respective areas to support the expansion of existing businesses or the establishment of new activities.

With fundings from the Fondi di promovimento regionale (FPR), supported by cantonal and municipal contributions, the ERS support micro-projects and self-entrepreneurship initiatives. Additionally, through the platform progettiamo.ch, businesses can access further funding opportunities via crowdfunding.

The ERS serve as a first point of contact between businesses and public authorities, facilitating connections with municipal, cantonal, and federal institutions.

The Fondazione Agire, as the cantonal innovation agency, serves as the primary entry point to the regional innovation system. It provides, either directly or through recognized partners, consulting and support services—both individually and in groups—for the development of innovation projects, business digitalization, and the creation of high-tech startups.

At Tecnopolo Ticino, Agire provides dedicated spaces for startups, highly innovative companies, and businesses that collaborate on or offer services related to innovation.

Fondazione Agire
Via Cantonale 18
6928 Manno
Tel. +41 91 610 27 10
info(at)agire.ch
www.agire.ch

Fondounimpresa provides support through the assignment of a personal consultant to individuals who own a business or are planning to start one. The coaching service assists aspiring entrepreneurs with feasibility studies, identifying critical points, and offering tools to address potential challenges. For those who already run their own business, consulting services focus on answering specific questions that may arise during daily operations, helping to optimize business management and problem-solving strategies.

Fondounimpresa offers training modules for self-entrepreneurs focused on key areas of business management and strategy, including business planning, accounting, marketing, and legal basics for freelancers. These courses aim to equip entrepreneurs with the essential skills needed to effectively manage and grow their businesses.

Fondounimpresa
Ala Munda 35
6528 Camorino
Tel. +41 91 814 16 71
fondounimpresa(at)edu.ti.ch
www.fondounimpresa.ti.ch

Innosuisse is the Swiss Innovation Agency, supporting SMEs through innovation vouchers to invest in science-based projects. It funds research and development initiatives by covering external costs related to university research centers or co-financing business expenses for startups with high innovation potential.

Innosuisse’s innovation mentors provide consulting to SMEs across Switzerland, guiding them in the development of science-based innovation projects. They help identify funding opportunities and connect businesses with accredited research partners from universities and research centers. For startups with high innovation potential, Innosuisse offers specialized coaching programs. Additionally, through National Thematic Networks (RTNs) and support for events and collaboration platforms, Innosuisse promotes knowledge and technology transfer, strengthening ties between the business and scientific communities.

Innosuisse offers courses for aspiring entrepreneurs and startups, including the "Business Concept" program, which provides practical skills for launching a business, and "Business Growth", designed to support scaling operations. These programs help startups refine their value propositions and build professional networks, equipping them with the tools needed to succeed in competitive markets.

Innosuisse supports startups in their internationalization journey by facilitating access to global markets through trade fairs, technology missions, and partnerships with international innovation programs. This helps startups expand their network, explore new business opportunities, and establish connections with key stakeholders worldwide.

Innosuisse - Swiss Innovation Agency
Einsteinstrasse 2
3003 Bern
Tel. +41 58 462 24 40
info(at)innosuisse.ch
www.innosuisse.ch

The Servizio aziende URC supports companies in recruiting and selecting personnel, from job posting to hiring, while advising on employment incentives.
Key services:

• Publishing job listings on a national database (~200,000 profiles available);
• Rapid candidate selection (within 24 hours) or in-depth screening (max. 10 days);
• Assisting employers in interview organization and execution;
• Providing internship opportunities and hiring incentives to facilitate workforce integration.

Servizio aziende URC
Casella Postale 2750
Piazza G. Buffi 6
6500 Bellinzona
Tel. +41 91 814 52 41
servizioaziende(at)ti.ch
www.ti.ch/servizioaziende-urc

The Switzerland Innovation Park Ticino | Site of Park Zurich offers offices and spaces designed to foster collaboration between businesses, universities and research centers. Within its competence centers, companies have access to advanced laboratories and co-working areas, facilitating technological development and synergy across multidisciplinary projects. Each center focuses on strategic sectors, providing cutting-edge infrastructure for research and innovation.

Through its competence centers, Switzerland Innovation Park Ticino provides comprehensive support services for businesses. Leveraging strong connections with experts, universities, and industry organizations, companies gain access to specialized expertise, workshops, and seminars. The park aims to foster technology transfer, drive innovation adoption, and attract new enterprises, strengthening its dynamic business and research community.

To support companies in their global growth, Switzerland Innovation Park Ticino facilitates connections with investor networks and strategic partners both nationally and internationally. Being part of this innovation ecosystem provides visibility on a broader scale, thanks to its integration with the Switzerland Innovation network. Companies also gain access to networking opportunities and collaborative projects, helping them expand into international markets and scale globally through a renowned innovation platform.

Switzerland Innovation Park Ticino | Site of Park Zurich
Via Peri 21b
6900 Lugano
Tel. +41 91 210 31 31
ticino(at)switzerland-innovation.com
innovationticino.com

At Tecnopolo Ticino innovative startups find an ideal environment equipped with all the tools and services needed for growth. Managed by Fondazione Agire, the 3,000 m² hub provides workspace and infrastructure for startups, high-tech companies, and innovation service providers. It fosters a dynamic and collaborative ecosystem, facilitating exchanges between entrepreneurs, service providers, and investors, making it a prime location for scaling up innovation-driven businesses.

Tecnopolo Ticino
c/o Fondazione AGIRE
Via Cantonale 18
6928 Manno
Tel. +41 91 610 2710
info(at)agire.ch
www.agire.ch

The Ufficio delle misure attive, supports individuals starting a self-employment activity, whether employed or unemployed, through the Legge sul rilancio dell'occupazione e sul sostegno ai disoccupati. Assistance includes:

• Financial aid covering mandatory social security contributions (AVS, AI, IPG) for up to 24 months.
• Technical support from a designated expert during the first year.
• Guarantees covering up to 20% of potential losses for selected projects.
• Reimbursement for training course costs.

Ufficio delle misure attive
Piazza Governo 7
6500 Bellinzona
Tel. +41 91 814 48 11
dfe-uma(at)ti.ch
www.ti.ch/sezione-lavoro

The Ufficio per lo sviluppo economico provides information on available real estate and land to support both existing business expansions and new company establishments in the region.

Through the Legge per l’innovazione economica, it provides non-repayable grants to support innovation projects. Funding covers specialized consulting, certifications, technical documentation and market studies, as well as participation in applied research projects supported by Innosuisse or other European and international programs. Additionally, it supports investments in new product development, process innovation, and entry into emerging sectors or new markets, fostering business growth and technological advancement.

In collaboration with Switzerland Global Enterprise (SGE) and the Greater Zurich Area (GZA), it promotes, through targeted economic promotion activities, the features and benefits of Ticino abroad such as the numerous investment opportunities in the region, in order to attract high-value business settlements..

It offers free assistance to foreign companies by providing:

• Advice on government incentives and other financial support opportunities for investment projects
• Information on labor market regulations and employment conditions
• Support in finding industrial land or facilities
• Coordination of contacts with cantonal, municipal, and federal authorities

Additionally, it provides non-repayable grants to SMEs and other trade associations that participate in national and international trade fairs or that launch internationalization projects in collaboration with Switzerland Global Enterprise. 

Ufficio per lo sviluppo economico
Viale S. Franscini 17
6501 Bellinzona
Tel. +41 91 814 35 41
dfe-use(at)ti.ch
www.ti.ch/sviluppo-economico

Adding value to innovative industrial startups in the region, fostering both their quantitative and qualitative growth, and instilling in their founders an awareness of entrepreneurship’s economic and ethical-social role—these are the goals behind AITI Up!, launched by the Associazione industrie ticinesi (AITI) on April 9, 2014.

The initiative is based on mentorship: senior members support startups with advice and experience, while junior members contribute fresh innovation, helping established companies renew themselves through new technologies and organizational agility.

AITI Up!
c/o Associazione industrie ticinesi
Corso Elvezia 16, C.P. 1038
6901 Lugano
Tel. +41 91 911 84 84
sites.google.com/aiti.ch/aitiup/

The Associazione Bancaria Ticinese (ABT) safeguards the image and interests of the Ticino financial center, facilitates collaboration among its members, and coordinates activities of common interest. It actively participates in legislative and regulatory processes, engaging with authorities to address key financial sector issues and ensure the competitiveness of the Ticino banking industry.

ABT promotes banking and financial sector education through the Fondazione Centro Studi Villa Negroni (CSVN), offering professional training and continuous development programs to enhance industry expertise.

Associazione Bancaria Ticinese
Via Morosini 1, Villa Negroni
6943 Vezia
Tel. +41 91 966 21 09
info(at)abti.ch
www.abti.ch

The Associazione Industrie Ticinesi (AITI) is the leading association for the industrial and business services sector in Ticino. It represents the region within economiesuisse, the Swiss Business Federation, and the Swiss Employers' Association. AITI is actively connected to the national and international business network, fostering relationships with counterpart organizations abroad to strengthen the industrial landscape and promote economic growth.

Through the Fondazione Terzo Millennio and targeted initiatives, AITI provides consulting and services for human resource management and the development of industrial education programs. Additionally, through its subsidiary AITI Servizi SA, the association offers specialized services, including insurance brokerage (both personal and technical lines) and recruitment and personnel selection, supporting businesses in optimizing their workforce and risk management strategies.

Associazione Industrie Ticinesi
Corso Elvezia 16, C.P. 1038
6901 Lugano
Tel. +41 91 911 84 84
info(at)aiti.ch
www.aiti.ch

Companies with a small workforce or those highly specialized and unable to provide full vocational training can join the Associazione della rete di aziende formatrici del Canton Ticino. By collaborating, they pool their resources to jointly offer apprenticeship positions, ensuring comprehensive training opportunities for young professionals.

Associazione della rete di aziende formatrici del Canton Ticino
Via Vallone 27
6500 Bellinzona
Tel. +41 91 821 01 01
araf(at)sicticino.ch
www.araf.ch

BancaStato provides comprehensive consulting services to SMEs, identifying their needs and offering tailored financial solutions. Its products include working capital loans, which temporarily strengthen liquidity, investment loans for purchasing machinery, equipment, and real estate, and documentary credits, designed for businesses engaged in international trade, facilitating secure import and export transactions.

BancaStato
Viale H. Guisan 5
6500 Bellinzona
Tel. +41 91 803 71 11
contatto(at)bancastato.ch
www.bancastato.ch

CASE BioMed is an autonomous unit within the Faculty of Biomedical Sciences at the Università della Svizzera italiana. It contributes to the scientific and practical training of researchers and medical professionals working in the biomedical industry. CASE BioMed offers various programs aimed at fostering public-private synergies, transforming both theoretical and applied research findings into new products, services, and innovative job opportunities in the biomedical sector.

CASE BioMed
c/o Università della Svizzera italiana, Facoltà di scienze biomediche
Via Buffi 13
6900 Lugano
Tel. +41 58 666 42 68
Heidrun.Flaadt(at)usi.ch
www.biomed.usi.ch/it/studiare/center-advanced-studies-entrepreneurship-in-biomedicine

The Camera di commercio, dell’industria, dell’artigianato e dei servizi del cantone Ticino (Cc-Ti) offers a comprehensive training program for entrepreneurs, managers, and employees. Covering key areas such as export, human resources, labor law, communication, sales, organization, and legal matters, the Cc-Ti provides both short courses and long-term training programs to support business management and professional development in Ticino.

As Ticino’s export competence center, the Cc-Ti supports the internationalization of local businesses through consulting, training, international events, and trade missions, in collaboration with Switzerland Global Enterprise. The Dipartimento delle finanze e dell'economia (DFE) provides institutional support for these initiatives.

Additionally, the Swiss Arbitration Centre through its Ticino branch at Cc-Ti, offers international arbitration services for commercial disputes. With a network of 2,000+ legal experts and the trusted Swiss Rules, Switzerland is a key hub for arbitration worldwide.

Camera di commercio, dell’industria, dell’artigianato e dei servizi del Cantone Ticino
Corso Elvezia 16
6900 Lugano
Tel. +41 91 911 5111
info(at)cc-ti.ch
www.cc-ti.ch

The Città dei mestieri della Svizzera italiana provides free first-level consulting to companies interested in joining the vocational training system. It offers guidance on available programs, requirements for becoming a training company, and best practices for selecting and training personnel.

Città dei mestieri della Svizzera italiana
Viale Stazione 25
6501 Bellinzona
cittadeimestieri(at)ti.ch
www.cittadeimestieri.ti.ch

The Divisione della formazione professionale supports and advises companies interested in training apprentices or engaging in vocational education. Businesses that offer apprenticeship positions and train young professionals can receive the "training company" certification annually, which certifies their commitment to vocational education.

Divisione della formazione professionale
Via Vergiò 18
6932 Breganzona
Tel. +41 91 815 31 00
www4.ti.ch/decs/dfp/divisione

The regional offices of Euresearch provide SMEs and research centers intending to submit an application for partnership projects within the framework programs of the European Union with information on calls for proposals and the submission of project applications.

Euresearch
c/o Università della Svizzera italiana
Via Lambertenghi 10a
6904 Lugano
Tel: +41 58 666 47 15
lugano(at)euresearch.ch
www.euresearch.ch/en

Impact Hub Ticino is part of a global network of people and organizations driving the transition toward a responsible economy. It offers coworking spaces, programs, and events for freelancers, SMEs, startups, non-profits, and social enterprises. Focused on sustainability, social innovation, and the circular economy, Impact Hub fosters collaboration among local stakeholders while connecting them to the global network’s expertise to support projects development and impact-driven growth.

Impact Hub Ticino
Via Antonio Ciseri 3
6900 Lugano
Tel. +41 91 921 04 64
ticino(at)impacthub.net
ticino.impacthub.net

InnoPark Svizzera offers companies and start-ups the opportunity to develop business programs and ideas with the support of carefully selected qualified professionals. This includes the implementation of projects and business plans, the development of market-compliant solutions, and the execution of project-based work at both national and international levels.

InnoPark Svizzera SA
Via Cantonale 18
6928 Manno
Tel. +41 91 601 12 11
segreteria(at)innopark.ch
www.innopark.ch

Through the Estage initiative, the Canton of Ticino collects and publishes paid internship opportunities on the OltreconfiniTI platform, managed by the State Council’s Information and Communication Service. This program aims to attract university students from Ticino interested in gaining professional experience in the region during or between academic breaks, encouraging their return to Ticino for career development.

OltreconfiniTI
Piazza Governo 6
6501 Bellinzona
Tel. +41 91 814 30 27
oltreconfiniti(at)ti.ch
www.ti.ch/oltreconfiniti

The Polo di Sviluppo Economico (PSE) Biasca is an industrial area strategically located near the major rail and road networks in the Bellinzona region. It offers easy access via a dedicated highway exit and public transport connections. A real-time interactive map helps to identify the available land and properties, while an Area Manager facilitates business contacts and setups.

PSE Biasca
c/o Ente regionale per lo sviluppo Bellinzonese e Valli
Via Parallela 3
6710 Biasca
Tel. +41 91 873 00 30
info(at)ers-bv.ch
www.psebiasca.ch

The Polo di Sviluppo Economico (PSE) Pian Faloppia is an industrial area located in Balerna (Mendrisiotto and Basso Ceresio region), strategically positioned near the major rail and road networks and just a few kilometers from the Italian border. It offers dedicated road connections and access to public transportation. A real-time interactive map allows businesses to identify the available land and properties, while an Area Manager facilitates business networking and site development.

PSE Pian Faloppia
c/o Ente regionale per lo sviluppo del Mendrisiotto e Basso Ceresio
P.za Col. C. Bernasconi 1
6830 Chiasso
Tel. +41 58 122 48 14
info(at)ers-mb.ch
psepianfaloppia.ch

progettiamo.ch is a public initiative promoted by the Enti regionali per lo sviluppo and supported by BancaStato. It serves as a fundraising platform for entrepreneurial initiatives focused on enhancing local and artisanal production, providing financial support to projects that contribute to regional economic growth.

www.progettiamo.ch

The Scuola universitaria professionale della Svizzera italiana (SUPSI) supports companies in research and innovation projects, providing technical and consulting services to define strategies and secure funding. With its strong applied research focus, SUPSI is a key partner for businesses seeking innovative solutions.

SUPSI offers federally recognized degrees aligned with the European university system, including Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Diploma programs. Additionally, SUPSI provides continuing education courses designed for professional upskilling, specialization, and career development.

Scuola universitaria professionale della Svizzera italiana
Le Gerre, Via Pobiette 11
6928 Manno
Tel. +41 58 666 60 00
info(at)supsi.ch
www.supsi.ch

The Scuole Specializzate Superiori (SSS) of Canton Ticino provide tertiary-level vocational training focused on practical skills and labor market needs. Designed for AFC diploma holders, they offer specialized technical and managerial competencies in fields such as business, IT, engineering, healthcare, education, arts, and tourism. The programs emphasize a strong integration of theory and practice, ensuring graduates are well-prepared for industry demands.

The Swiss Climate Foundation provides financial support to SMEs and startups that engage in energy-saving practices or develop environmentally friendly products. It also supports companies that sign voluntary target agreements to improve energy efficiency.

Swiss Climate Foundation
CP 2832
8022 Zürich
Tel. +41 43 285 44 80
info(at)klimastiftung.ch
www.klimastiftung.ch

The Swiss Entrepreneurs Fund invests in startups and SMEs in their growth phase (internationalization) with financing needs between CHF 5–20 million. Established in 2017 under the patronage of former Federal Councillor Johann N. Schneider-Ammann, the fund is open to institutional and private investors, including family offices, looking to support high-growth startups. It operates under the supervision of FINMA, Switzerland’s financial market authority, ensuring compliance and transparency.

Swiss Entrepreneurs Foundation
Bundesgasse 35
3001 Bern

info(at)swissef.ch
swissef.ch

The Swiss Federal Institute of Intellectual Property (IPI) provides, through the SME portal, useful information and tools for SMEs and start-ups on IP protection (advice on patents and strategic issues).

Swiss Federal Institute of Intellectual Property
Stauffacherstrasse 65/59g
3003 Bern
Tel: +41 31 377 77 77
info(at)ipi.ch
ige.ch

With the Prix SVC the Swiss Venture Club honors particularly innovative companies that stand out for their excellence, achieving significant and sustainable economic results. The Prix SVC is awarded in seven economic regions and across Switzerland’s three linguistic areas, recognizing businesses that contribute to the country's economic strength and innovation landscape.

Swiss Venture Club
Worbstrasse 187
3073 Gümligen
Tel. +41 31 819 69 00
info(at)svc.swiss
svc.swiss

Switzerland Global Enterprise (S-GE) is committed to supporting entrepreneurship and strengthening Switzerland’s economic position. As a competence center for internationalization, it promotes exports, imports, and investments by providing services such as strategic consulting, market research, support for participation in international trade fairs, business partner searches, and assistance with customs and trade regulations. Through tools like the Country Consulting Days and the global network of Swiss Business Hubs, S-GE helps businesses seize international trade opportunities and reinforce Switzerland’s presence in global markets.

Additionally, S-GE offers a dedicated toolbox to help companies navigate sustainability requirements and take necessary actions.

Switzerland Global Enterprise
Corso Elvezia 16
6900 Lugano
Tel. +41 91 911 5135
www.s-ge.com

The Technology Fund provides loan guarantees for Swiss companies developing innovative products aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions, improving energy efficiency, promoting renewable energy, and conserving natural resources. These guarantees help bridge the financing gap between startup phases and traditional business loans, without diluting ownership structures.

Technology Fund
c/o Emerald Technology Ventures AG
Management Agency of the Technology Fund
Bellerivestrasse 241
8008 Zurich
Tel. +41 44 269 61 40
info(at)technologiefonds.ch
www.technologyfund.ch

TiVentures is a seed investment fund owned by BancaStato’s Centenario Foundation, investing—independently or alongside private investors—in early-stage companies with innovative technologies and high growth potential, primarily in health, high-tech, digital, and cleantech sectors. Strongly rooted in Canton Ticino, TiVentures maintains close ties with local universities, research institutes, and economic associations, fostering a supportive ecosystem for emerging businesses.

TiVentures SA
Via Ariosto 5
6900 Lugano
Tel. +41 91 604 55 40
contact(at)tiventure.ch
www.tiventures.ch

The USI Startup Centre hosts an accelerator program for innovative startups and aspiring entrepreneurs. It provides not only consulting and networking services but also logistical infrastructure, creating an environment where startups can develop and scale their businesses effectively.

The USI Startup Centre supports Swiss and international graduates looking to launch a business in Canton Ticino. It provides guidance through all stages of business conception and development, leveraging educational, technical, and managerial expertise from the Università della Svizzera italiana and the Scuola Universitaria Professionale della Svizzera italiana.

USI Startup Centre
East Campus, Sector C (2nd floor)
Via la Santa 1
6962 Viganello
Tel. +41 58 666 41 40
startup(at)usi.ch
www.startup.usi.ch

Research at the Università della Svizzera italiana (USI) is characterized by innovation and interdisciplinarity. Following Switzerland’s dual system, USI focuses primarily on knowledge-driven research while also engaging in applied projects. Despite its size, USI demonstrates exceptional research dynamism, attracting millions in competitive funding annually, particularly from the Swiss National Science Foundation and the European Union. Affiliated institutes, including the Dalle Molle Institute for Artificial Intelligence, the Institute for Research in Biomedicine and the Institute of Oncology Research, further enhance its scientific impact.

USI offers undergraduate and continuing education to nearly 3,000 students in a cosmopolitan and dynamic environment. USI stands out within the Swiss university system for its original academic programs and strong international profile, fostering an innovative and interdisciplinary learning experience.

Università della Svizzera italiana
Via Giuseppe Buffi 13
6904 Lugano
Tel. +41 58 666 40 00
info(at)usi.ch
www.usi.ch

Through the Vita-Lavoro platform companies can request free consulting to improve work-life balance for their employees. A structured support process, developed in collaboration with public and private partners, guides businesses through situation analysis, solution identification, funding opportunities, implementation, and monitoring of work-life balance initiatives.

Vita Lavoro
c/o Associazione Equi-lab
Via Foletti 23
6900 Massagno
Tel. +41 91 967 61 51
info(at)vitalavoro.ch
vitalavoro.ch

swissnex is Switzerland’s global network of hubs located in key centers of technology and innovation, including the United States, Singapore, Brazil, China, and India. It connects Swiss scientists, researchers, entrepreneurs, and business leaders with their international counterparts, fostering academic exchanges and the transfer of knowledge and technology. Swissnex also supports the internationalization of Swiss SMEs and academic institutions, with a strong focus on high-tech startups, helping them expand into global markets and strengthen Switzerland’s position in the innovation ecosystem.

www.swissnex.org