Applications are now open for >>venture>> 2027, Switzerland’s leading startup competition. Early-stage founders have until 30 November 2026 to enter.
Have a strong business idea or an early-stage startup ready for its next step? The 2027 edition of >>venture>> gives founders the opportunity to challenge their project, receive expert feedback and compete for prizes of up to CHF 150,000.
This edition also marks 30 years of >>venture>> supporting Swiss entrepreneurship.
A shorter first application
The initial application has been simplified. Founders can present their team, idea and business case through a short online form. A full business plan is only required if the project reaches the Top 200.
Applications are free, and >>venture>> takes no equity.
Projects are assessed against six criteria:
- innovation
- team
- technology and product
- market
- sustainability and impact
- business
Two dedicated Life Sciences verticals
The competition is open to early-stage, Swiss-based startups and nonprofit projects across six verticals.
Life Sciences founders can apply under:
- Pharma & Biotech
- Medtech & Healthcare
These verticals provide founders with an opportunity to test how clearly their scientific or technological proposition translates into a credible product, market and development plan.
Selected projects will move forward with support from the >>venture>> Playbook and individual expert sessions. Sixty teams will reach the live semifinals in May 2027, and 18 will pitch at the final awards ceremony on 22 June 2027 at ETH Zurich.
Get ready at The Starting Line
Not sure how to frame your application? >>venture>> is organising two free Starting Line events where founders can meet jurors and mentors, examine the evaluation criteria and work on their submission.
Lausanne
5 October 2026 at 18:30
EPFL, MED Building
➡️ Register for Lausanne
Zurich
20 October 2026 at 18:30
ETH Zurich, CHN Building, Grüner Boden
➡️ Register for Zurich
Registration is required.
Ready to apply?
Applications close on 30 November 2026 at 23:59 CET.
