ACCELERATE start-up program
Empowering visionary entrepreneurs!
At CSEM, we empower visionary entrepreneurs to transform groundbreaking ideas into thriving businesses. Our ACCELERATE start-up program provides vital resources, expert guidance, and funding opportunities through tailored grants like the Inno Grant and Booster Grant. Whether you're an external entrepreneur or a CSEM employee, we offer the tools to bring your innovative concepts to life and make a lasting impact.
Join us and discover how CSEM’s cutting-edge technologies and support can be the launchpad for your success. Turn your vision into a game-changing business with CSEM as your partner in innovation!
ACCELERATE program at a glance
ACCELERATE program objectives
Drive tech-to-market innovation
We identify and support breakthrough start-up ideas that can transform industries. Entrepreneurs benefit from funding, mentorship, and strategic partnerships.
Develop entrepreneurial skills
Through tailored training, workshops, and hands-on experience, we sharpen business acumen, leadership abilities, and foster a strong peer network.
Strengthen the Swiss start-up ecosystem
We enhance start-up infrastructure and boost the visibility of Swiss ventures in global markets, attracting talent and investors.
Our two start-up programs
Whether you're an external entrepreneur or a CSEM employee, our two dedicated start-up programs offer tailored support to help bring your innovative ideas to life.
Booster Grant Program
For external entrepreneurs
The CSEM Start-up Booster Grant targets external individuals with technology or business backgrounds. These individuals work with CSEM as employees for a limited period of up to 2 years to develop business ideas based on CSEM technologies.
The grant assists with both technical and business aspects of the proposals and the funding (entrepreneur’s salary) is provided equally between CSEM corporate and the BU hosting the entrepreneur.
Inno Grant Program
For CSEM employees
The Inno Grant program is dedicated to CSEM employees who have a business idea based on CSEM technologies and expertise and aspire to create a start-up. This program provides early-stage financing of up to CHF 100K for a maximum period of 18 months, with funds specifically allocated to developing the business aspects of the idea rather than technical developments. However, additional financing for technical advancements can be supported by the Business Unit (BU) hosting the entrepreneur, ensuring that both business and technical needs are met to bring innovative ideas to fruition.
Why join CSEM via ACCELERATE program to fund your start-up?
Joining the ACCELERATE program offers you a wealth of advantages:
- Early-stage financing: Access funding through the Inno Grant or Booster Grant.
- R&D support: Develop prototypes and proof of concepts with access to CSEM’s IP, labs, clean rooms, and expert personnel.
- Licensing: Gain access to CSEM’s IP, including patents, designs, algorithms, and trade secrets.
- Coaching: Receive mentorship from experienced CSEM managers to guide your start-up journey.
- Full access to resources: Benefit from CSEM’s expertise across legal, HR, marketing, business development, finance, and more—all at no charge.
- Networking opportunities: Leverage CSEM’s vast network to build partnerships and make key connections.
- Kickstart program integration: Accelerate your start-up’s growth through the Kickstart program.
- Visibility and credibility: Use the "CSEM start-up" branding to enhance your start-up’s credibility.
- Investor access: Tap into CSEM’s networks of investors, customers, and economic promotion offices.
Take your start-up to the next level with ACCELERATE—where innovation meets opportunity.