Ignite programme

About

An eight-month USI Startup Centre programme that helps teams with an identified market opportunity validate an innovative startup project through milestone-based market testing, workshops and individual coaching.

Benefits

• 🧭Startup Validation Support
  A milestone-based programme with targeted workshops, training and individual coaching to test the startup project
• 📈Venture Assessment and Action Plan
  Participants test the identified market opportunity through direct market engagement and leave with an evidence-based venture assessment and a defined action plan
• 🧠Entrepreneurial Skills Development
  Participants strengthen their entrepreneurial decision-making skills
• 🏛️ Governance and Incorporation Guidance
  Foundational guidance on governance and company incorporation

Eligibility Criteria

• Mandatory: At least one co-founder must be a student, researcher or recent alumni of USI, SUPSI or affiliated research partners.
• Mandatory: The project must have an innovative component.
• Mandatory: The team must demonstrate awareness of the market opportunity and competitive landscape.
• Mandatory: The team must be able to deliver a demo within 3-4 months.
• No preferred criteria are publicly stated.

Participation Commitments

• ⏱️ Time Commitment
• Estimated workload of around 8–12 hours per week per person across the programme
• 🌙 Flexible Session Timing
• Most workshops and coaching sessions take place in the evenings, allowing participants to continue their regular study or research activities alongside the programme
• 🧩 Structured Programme Modules
• The programme consists of five modules: building venture foundations; identifying opportunities and shaping the business; testing venture potential at a go/no-go milestone; conducting market discovery; and developing the business

Target Sector

Agriculture & Food, Defense & Security, Education, Energy & Utilities, Financial Services, Government & Public Sector, Healthcare & Life Sciences, Manufacturing, Media & Entertainment, Real Estate & Construction, Retail & Consumer, Semiconductors & Electronics, Sports & Fitness, Telecommunications, Transportation & Logistics, Travel & Hospitality, Other

Target Location

Researcher or recent alumni of USI, SUPSI or affiliated research partners.