Innosuisse: The Swiss Innovation Agency
Innosuisse is the federal government's innovation agency. It supports the development of new products, procedures, processes and services that benefit the economy and society by funding research and facilitating the commercialisation of its results. The Federal Council provides strategic guidance to Innosuisse through clearly defined goals.
Mission and activities
Innosuisse is the federal government's funding agency for science-based innovation. The core of Innosuisse's support in innovation is the transfer of knowledge and technology (KTT) between universities, industry and society. Its activities include:
- Supporting innovation projects at national and international level
- Supporting science-based entrepreneurship and the establishment of science-based companies
- Supporting networking between universities, the private sector and society
Innovation projects
Project funding forms the cornerstone of Innosuisse's activities. The agency primarily supports innovation projects in which companies and private or public organisations collaborate with research partners (Innovation projects with implementation partners). The main criterion for selecting projects is their market innovation potential. While research partners receive direct funding, implementation partners typically contribute 50% of the project costs.
As part of its project funding framework, Innosuisse offers additional instruments designed to accelerate market entry for innovations and respond effectively to current challenges. These include:
- The Innovation Cheque (preliminary study to test an idea)
- BRIDGE projects (support for researchers who want to implement their research results
- The Flagship Initiative (thematic calls focusing on systemic innovation and transdisciplinary collaboration)
- Start-up innovation projects (start-up innovation projects without research partners)
- International innovation projects (Eurostars, Eureka, bilateral projects, thematic EU partnerships)
Entrepreneurship incubation
Innosuisse nurtures budding entrepreneurs through tailored training modules and professional coaching (support for start-ups). This program specifically targets knowledge-intensive and technology-based ventures with substantial market potential. Beyond initial development, Innosuisse also provides valuable support in international expansion and increasing visibility through national and international platforms.
Start-up acceleration
Innosuisse offers innovation mentoring to SMEs and supports them in launching their innovation ideas through thematic networks (Innovation Booster). Additionally, the agency offers access to international programmes and networks.
Strategic management
The Federal Council provides strategic guidance to Innosuisse through clearly defined goals. Oversight is maintained through an annual review of goal achievement conducted by the Federal Council.