CSEM Start-up Elevate Program

About

CSEM selects five Swiss-based, legally incorporated deep-tech start-ups, ideally pre-Series A, to receive CHF 50,000 worth of hands-on CSEM project services for one agreed technical milestone, with no cash and no equity, for a cohort beginning in January 2027.

Benefits

• 💶CHF 50,000 project support
  Each selected start-up receives CSEM project services worth CHF 50,000 for the agreed Technical Lift, not unrestricted cash
• 🔧Hands-on technical project
  CSEM specialists work with the start-up on one focused technology project targeting an agreed milestone
• 🏭CSEM infrastructure access
  Selected start-ups receive expertise and access to CSEM infrastructure as part of the targeted technology development support
• 🛡️ Independence and no equity
  The start-up remains independent and CSEM does not take equity; the stated IP policy applies
• 🏆Five start-ups selected
  Five start-ups are selected each year for the cohort
• 📈Evidence for next steps
  Project results can support customer adoption, industrialization, further development or the next funding round

Eligibility Criteria

• Mandatory: the applicant must be a legally incorporated company, not an individual founder
• Mandatory: the start-up must be Swiss-based and currently eligible; start-ups from outside Switzerland cannot apply yet
• Mandatory: the company must be developing a deep-tech product or technology
• Mandatory: the applicant must be facing a clear technical challenge connected to at least one area of CSEM expertise
• Mandatory: the applicant must be able to define a realistic technical milestone and provide the necessary technical inputs, project leadership and internal commitment
• Mandatory: the application must be submitted in English and be no longer than three pages
• Preferred: the start-up is ideally at the pre-Series A stage
• Preferred: the technology has the potential to scale and to create value for customers, industry, society or the environment

Participation Commitments

• Submit the application by email as a concise document of up to three pages in English only
• Include basic company information, product or technology description, market or industrial need, technical challenge, CSEM fit, target milestone, team contribution, scale potential, expected impact and next step
• Applications close on 30 November 2026
• Shortlisted applications go to jury evaluation in December 2026
• Selected start-ups define the project scope with CSEM and begin their Technical Lift in January 2027
• Selected start-ups provide necessary technical inputs, project leadership and internal commitment
• The company remains independent and CSEM does not take equity; the stated IP policy applies

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

Switzerland. The program is currently open to Swiss-based start-ups whose project connects to CSEM expertise; start-ups from outside Switzerland cannot apply yet. Applicant eligibility is based on being Swiss-based, not on CSEM office, venue or event locations.