Securing funding without giving up equity is a strategic approach that allows startups to maintain full control over their company while obtaining necessary financial support. In Switzerland, several methods and programs are available for fintech startups seeking financial support that does not require repayment or equity exchange.
One method is competitions and awards. Many organizations host competitions that award cash prizes or resources to winning startups, providing financial support and recognition without equity dilution. These competitions can be either online or in person, and the funds won typically do not require repayment or equity exchange, although there can be exceptions.
Another approach is obtaining grants, which are non-repayable funds provided by the government, organizations, or foundations to support specific projects or purposes. Grants are often available for research, development, and innovation in various sectors. The primary benefit of a grant is that it usually does not require repayment, allowing startups to use the money for business growth, including marketing and research and development.
Today, we look at some of the most renowned startup competitions and prominent grant programs for Swiss fintech startups to consider. For this list, we used data compiled by Swiss Startup Resources and the Basel Area.
Startup competitions:
Venture Kick
Venture Kick is a Swiss initiative that annually supports approximately 100 new, high-potential spin-off projects from Swiss universities. The program provides initial funding starting at CHF 10,000, even before the formal incorporation of the company, with potential funding increasing up to CHF 1,150,000 as the project progresses through three stages. At each stage, participants present their startup projects to a Venture Kick jury, with a 50% chance of advancing to the next stage.
The first CHF 10,000 is offered as a non-repayable grant, and entrepreneurs make a moral pledge to return the money in case of success. The second CHF 40,000 and final CHF 100,000 kicks are offered as convertible loans with startup-friendly conditions, which convert at the company’s next significant equity round.
Winners of the first stage can also apply for an additional CHF 150,000 through the Innobooster grant. Furthermore, he ultimate winner of the final stage gains access to further funding of up to CHF 850,000 via Kickfund.
Beyond financial support, Venture Kick offers comprehensive guidance in business development and fundraising. Participants benefit from structured entrepreneurial paths and “kickers camps” held after each stage, which facilitate networking with successful entrepreneurs, industry experts, and investors.
>>venture>>
The >>venture>> startup competition is a significant initiative supporting early-stage startups in Switzerland, awarding over CHF 500,000 annually and providing access to a valuable network of experts, mentors, and executives from leading Swiss companies.
Each year, the competition offers CHF 590,000 in prize money distributed across various categories:
- First-ranked teams in each of the five business verticals (finance and insurance, health and nutrition, information and communications technology (ICT), industrials and engineering, retail and consumer services) receive CHF 50,000;
- Second-ranked teams receive CHF 20,000; and
- Third-ranked teams receive CHF 10,000.
For the Social and Environmental Impact vertical, it welcomes impact-driven startups and nonprofit organizations aligned with the United Nations’ sustainable development goals, launched after January 01, 2019.
Additionally, a Grand Prize of CHF 100,000 is awarded to the top team selected across all verticals.
Beyond financial rewards, the competition also helps startups systematically refine their business plans, develop actionable implementation strategies, and prepare comprehensive documents crucial for engaging with investors and strategic partners.
The competition is open to innovative business ideas and newly established companies in Switzerland.
Startfeld Diamond
Startfeld Diamond, sponsored by St. Galler Kantonalbank in collaboration with Startfeld, is a prestigious award designed to support young companies in Eastern Switzerland with innovative business ideas. The program aims to help startups fully realize their potential by providing financial support and enhancing their visibility within the entrepreneurial ecosystem.
The award process consists of two stages. Initially, a preliminary jury selects six finalists from all applications received, with three finalists each from the “Development Phase” and “Idea Phase” categories. In the second stage, the nominated startups receive intensive support to critically evaluate and optimize their business models in collaboration with industry experts. Additionally, they benefit from enhanced communication measures aimed at increasing the visibility of their ideas or products.
Two distinct awards are presented:
- The “Rough Diamond,” valued at CHF 10,000, is awarded to the best idea, particularly focusing on projects from technical colleges and universities; and
- The “Diamond,” valued at CHF 30,000, recognizes the startup with the most promising business model, supporting Eastern Swiss startups in maximizing their growth potential.
Participation in the Startfeld Diamond competition not only offers financial prizes but also opportunities for startups to refine their strategies, gain exposure, and leverage the expertise of mentors and industry professionals. It serves as a significant platform for emerging entrepreneurs in Eastern Switzerland to showcase their innovation and entrepreneurial spirit.
ZKB Pionierpreis Technopark
The ZKB Pionierpreis Technopark, jointly awarded by Zürcher Kantonalbank (ZKB) and Technopark Zurich since 2001, is a prominent accolade within Switzerland’s startup ecosystem. This prestigious award celebrates deep-tech projects on the brink of market introduction, emphasizing the founders’ dedication and risk-taking spirit.
Annually, the ZKB Pionierpreis Technopark recognizes outstanding innovation with a grand prize of CHF 100,000 for the winners. Additionally, runners-up receive CHF 10,000 each. Beyond financial rewards, the award serves as a significant catalyst for startups, helping them secure further capital and providing a prestigious platform for public exposure.
W.A. de Vigier Award
The W.A. de Vigier Award is the oldest award for young entrepreneurs in Switzerland and, with annual prize money of up to CHF 500,000 (five times CHF 100,000), is one of the most highly endowed startup prizes in Switzerland. Over the past 35 years, the foundation has distributed over CHF 14 million of seed money. The results are over 100 flourishing startups, successful initial public offerings (IPOs), multiple company exits and above all, many newly created jobs.
Projects competing for the W.A. de Vigier Award are evaluated based on several criteria:
- The entrepreneurial qualities and leadership skills of the founders;
- The degree of innovation demonstrated by the project;
- The potential societal impact and benefits;
- The technical and financial feasibility of the project;
- The market prospects and growth potential; and
- The capacity to generate new employment opportunities.
Beyond financial support, winning the W.A. de Vigier Award provides startups with valuable recognition and credibility within the entrepreneurial community, serving as an endorsement that can help attract additional funding and support.
Grants:
Innosuisse
Innosuisse offers project funding tailored to startups aiming to enter the market with highly innovative projects. This support is specifically designed for science-based initiatives that have substantial potential for innovation.
The funding is targeted at startups based in Switzerland, registered in the Swiss commercial registry, and established within the last five years (with exceptions for cases justified up to ten years). Startups must employ fewer than 50 full-time equivalents (FTEs) at the time of application, or less than 250 FTEs if controlled by another company whose financials consolidate with the startup.
The initiative focuses on startups that have not yet commercialized products or services (excluding research and development services) and have a scalable business model poised for more than linear growth. Non-commercial associations, foundations, and units of public administration are ineligible.
Innosuisse supports innovation projects that are based on applied research and are aimed at accelerating market entry. These projects should demonstrate significant potential for innovation and readiness for market launch upon project completion. Startups receive funding directly from Innosuisse; research partners are not eligible for direct funding. Innosuisse covers up to 70% of the direct project costs, with the startup required to contribute at least 30% of the costs themselves.
Innosuisse, formerly known as the Swiss Innovation Agency (formerly CTI), is an organization in Switzerland dedicated to promoting science-based innovation in the country. It focuses on fostering collaboration between research institutions, businesses, and entrepreneurs to encourage innovation and the commercialization of new technologies.
BRIDGE
BRIDGE, a joint program of the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF) and Innosuisse, offers funding at the interface of basic research and science-based innovation. The program consists of two funding schemes.
The Proof of Concept grant supports young researchers who have recently completed a bachelor’s or master’s degree within the last four years, are about to complete their PhD within the next six months, or have obtained a PhD within the last four years. Applicants must be supported by a Swiss research institution and apply individually.
This grant funds projects for 12 months, covering salaries and project expenses up to CHF 130,000 per year. It also supports participation in Innosuisse’s Start-up Training and the Assisted Patent Search scheme by the Swiss Federal Institute of Intellectual Property (IPI). Additionally, applicants are encouraged to apply for Innosuisse’s Initial Start-up Coaching.
The Discovery grant is aimed at experienced researchers working at Swiss universities, federal institutes of technology, universities of applied sciences and arts, or other research institutions defined by the Federal Act on the Promotion of Research and Innovation (RIPA). Applicants should have the ability to lead and manage research projects and may apply individually or as part of a small consortium (up to three applicants).
This grant funds projects for up to four years, with total costs not exceeding CHF 850,000 per applicant. It covers salary costs for project employees and project-related expenses. However, it does not cover applicant salaries unless the applicant is employed by a university of applied sciences and arts or by the Swiss Center for Electronics and Microtechnology (CSEM), in which case they may receive a salary supplement under specific conditions.
Grants by the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne
The Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne (EPFL) offers funding to help transform ideas into the companies of tomorrow. It provides two funding schemes to help entrepreneurs seeking to accelerate their ideas out of an EPFL lab
The Ignition Grant supports early-stage projects, offering CHF 30,000 in the form of a salary and/or of consumables and/or outsourcing needs. The grant is for a maximum of six months to validate technology and develop a prototype or market fit.
Applicants must have a startup vision based on a novel technical solution, demonstrated lab technology or market traction, and a strong connection to a lab where they will incubate their spinoff. The grant is intended for motivated and engaged entrepreneurs with innovative technology and feasible plans.
The Innogrant provides CHF 100,000 for up to one year, allowing entrepreneurs to focus entirely on accelerating their startup project. Applicants need a clear startup vision with a scalable technical solution, demonstrated lab technology, market traction, and a solid one-year plan. They must be connected to an EPFL lab for incubation. The grant seeks committed entrepreneurs with impactful, innovative technology and feasible project plans.
Grants by the Federal Institute of Technology Zurich
The Federal Institute of Technology (ETH) Zurich offers its students, alumni, and aspiring entrepreneurs throughout their journey, from the initial stages of idea experimentation to the creation of spin-off companies and beyond.
The jFund is a practical funding initiative aimed at supporting ETH junior startups in their early stages. Besides financial assistance, it offers startups access to essential resources, expert guidance, and a strong network, laying a solid foundation for growth and success in a competitive market. To qualify for the jFund application, applicants must be either former ETH juniors mainboard members or former employees who have been recognized as outstanding.
The funding program consists of three rounds, each offering increased funding opportunities. The Orientation Ticket provides a grant of CHF 10,000 for startups in their early stages of exploration. Applicants must complete a form and meet all outlined requirements. Finally, the Advanced Funding rounds offer grants of CHF 30,000 and CHF 60,000 for startups that have progressed beyond the orientation phase and may already have a prototype or initial market traction.
The Pioneer Fellowship Deep-Tech Incubation Program of ETH Zurich supports entrepreneurial ETH students and researchers in transforming their research-based technologies into marketable products and services with the aim of launching successful ETH spin-off companies. Pioneer Fellows receive up to CHF 150,000 for 18 months, or 12 months for a team of two Fellows. They also benefit from coaching, entrepreneurial training, support from their host professor, and access to ETH infrastructure and the entrepreneurial ecosystem.
National Research Programmes
The National Research Programmes (NRPs) by the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF) aim to promote research projects that address societal challenges of national significance. These programs are initiated by the Swiss Federal Council and focus on topics of national importance, with a research budget ranging between CHF 10 and 20 million.
NRPs are characterized by their interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary approach, ensuring that individual research projects are aligned with the program’s overarching goals. NRPs are solution-oriented, closely linked to practical applications, and emphasize the importance of knowledge transfer and communication of results. Researchers involved in NRPs engage in continuous dialogue and collaboration with practitioners and commit to disseminating research findings to both specialists and the broader public.
Proposals for NRP topics and priorities can be submitted by federal offices, research institutes, research groups, or individuals to the State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation (SERI). The final selection of NRPs is made by the Federal Council, which then assigns them to the SNSF for execution.
Horizon Europe
Horizon Europe is the European Union (EU)’s key funding program for research and innovation with a budget of EUR 95.5 billion. It tackles climate change, helps to achieve the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals and boosts the EU’s competitiveness and growth. Horizon Europe encourages collaboration and amplifies the impact of research and innovation in shaping, supporting, and executing EU policies while addressing global challenges. It promotes the creation and dissemination of excellent knowledge and technologies.
The program aims to create jobs, fully utilize the EU’s talent pool, boost economic growth, enhance industrial competitiveness, and maximize investment impact within a strengthened European Research Area. Legal entities from the EU and associated countries are eligible to participate in Horizon Europe. Additionally, Swiss startups can engage in many collaborative projects within Horizon Europe through Euresearch.
Boldbrain Startup Challenge
Boldbrain Startup Challenge is an accelerator addressing early-stage startups and entrepreneurs with innovative ideas who want to start and grow their businesses from the Canton of Ticino. The program offers continuous and personalized support, coaching, workshops, and a final competition with cash prizes totaling CHF 120,000 and over CHF 80,000 in in-kind prizes.
Boldbrain Startup Challenge provides coaching to help outline the project, focused workshops, targeted training, and access to a network that supports the development and growth of startups in Ticino. This includes office space, financial aid, and exposure to investors. The Boldbrain Startup Challenge is ideal for those looking to grow their innovative ideas with comprehensive support and resources.
Boldbrain welcomes early-stage startups and projects from any sector, provided they are innovative and scalable, with the potential to benefit the Ticino area. Eligible projects must be proposed by teams of at least two people. If the team already has a registered company, it must be less than three years old at the time of application. Teams must be willing to develop their projects in Ticino, have not completed another acceleration program, and participate with at least one team member in all mandatory events and meetings.
FONGIT Innovation Fund
The FONGIT Innovation Fund (FIF) offers financial support to startups in Switzerland, aiming to accelerate innovation processes within universities, Hautes Ecoles, and other Geneva-based research institutions, as well as within startups, scale-ups, and SMEs experiencing rapid growth in a technological environment. The FIF targets technological innovations that positively impact people and the planet.
FIF provides different levels of financial assistance based on the stage of the project. Early-stage projects transitioning from research institutions to new companies can receive a FIF Grant of CHF 50,000. Seed-stage companies needing additional financial support to reach the market can receive a FIF Seed Loan of CHF 100,000. Finally, expanding companies requiring significant investment to sustain rapid growth can receive a FIF Growth Loan of CHF 400,000.
Featured image credit: edited from freepik