Accelerate your startup with the help of investors, corporates, public partners and experts
Join us now in shaping a more sustainable world through entrepreneurship, collaboration, and innovation!
What we’re looking for:
We select the most promising Swiss startups in energy & environment and accelerate them on their way forward. If you are an innovative startup team (at least 2 co-founders) in the energy or environment sector that tackles at least one of the sustainable development goals, we invite you to apply:
Application process
Applications are open until July 25th. Until latest September 5th, you will receive feedback whether you received a place. The program starts on October 1st and lasts until April 2026.
Program Timeline
You will get access to the full Runway incubator program, including individualized coaching based on your wishes, networking opportunities, formal and informal events and access to a co-working space at Technopark Winterthur.
Individualized Coaching: We have a big pool of experts who will support you based on your needs. This could be startup lawyers, investors, industry experts, regulation specialists or more. You will receive a voucher you can use to work with our experts of your choice.
Startup Incubator Access: You will receive exclusive 24/7 access for half a year to a state-of-the-art startup incubator for six months, providing a supportive environment for growth, collaboration, and innovation.
Networking Events: Engage with a vibrant community of like-minded entrepreneurs, industry experts, and investors to foster collaboration, spark creativity, and drive innovation in the energy and environmental sectors.
Hands-On Support: Benefit from hands-on support, feedback, and mentorship throughout the program, enabling you to refine your business models, validate your ideas, and position yourselves for success in the market.
Partner Events: You will get access to selected signature events by our partners in energy & environment, such as the Energy Startup Day or the Sustainability Booster Kick-Off.
Investment Readiness Program
Over a period of ten weeks, we provide the tools, knowledge, and network you need to secure funding and scale your business.
Here’s what you can expect:
- Comprehensive Curriculum: A blend of practical workshops, coaching, and networking opportunities designed to address key challenges in the startup ecosystem.
- Investment Proposition Mastery: Begin with sharpening your investment appeal to stand out in a competitive landscape.
- Advanced Financial Insights: Delve into the nuances of financial setups that speak the language of investors.
- Pitch Perfection: Refine your pitch to communicate your vision with compelling clarity.
- Legal and Due Diligence Readiness: Ensure your startup meets all legal standards and due diligence requirements for a seamless investment process.
- Investor Relations: Build and maintain strong relationships with potential investors, a cornerstone for your startup’s future.
- Strategic Consolidation: Equip yourself with a forward-looking strategy that ensures long-term growth and success.
- Tailored Coaching: Receive individual coaching, focusing on your unique challenges.
- Pitching Event: Present your refined pitch to investors, partners, and stakeholders.
The Investment Readiness Program spans ten weeks of targeted learning, expert guidance, and practical application. Each week focuses on a key area of startup success:
- Week 1: Kick-Off & Business Model – Start strong with a streamlined business model workshop.
- Week 2: Go-To-Market Strategy & Marketing/Communications – Dive into strategies to position your product effectively in the market.
- Week 3: Financials – Gain advanced financial insights to align your business with investor expectations.
- Week 4: Legal – Prepare your startup for due diligence and ensure legal compliance for investment readiness.
- Week 5: Investor Relationships – Learn how to build and sustain relationships with investors to secure funding opportunities.
- Week 6: Pitch Training Workshop – Perfect your pitch in an intensive workshop focused on refining delivery and content.
- Week 7: Strategy Forward Coaching – Participate in one-on-one coaching to consolidate your strategic direction.
- Weeks 8 & 9: Time for Coaching & Preparation – Use this time to work closely with mentors and refine your business plan, pitch, and strategies.
- Week 10: Pitch Event – Showcase your progress and pitch to investors, partners, and stakeholders.
The curriculum combines interactive sessions, individual coaching, and networking opportunities, ensuring you’re fully equipped to achieve investment readiness.
Questions?
Reach out via: entrepreneurship@zhaw.ch
Partners
Main Partner
Corporate Partners
Public Partners
Supporting Partners
Organized and brought to you by:
