The Program
Scaling a company is complex – and one of the toughest challenges an entrepreneur will ever face. Mistakes made at this stage are often painful, expensive, and difficult to reverse. Surround yourself with the best entrepreneurs you can find and benefit from their learnings, networks, and scaling know-how.
Project Switzerland gives access to real-world scaling experience, proven patterns, and hard-earned insights from those who have already built and scaled successful companies – 20 Role Models, Unicorn Founders and Serial Entrepreneurs.
Selected founders benefit from 12 months of carefully curated matchmaking, followed by lifelong access to the Project Switzerland alumni community.
What Scale-ups gain
- Access to 20 of Switzerland’s most accomplished Role Models, including unicorn founders and serial entrepreneurs
- A clear commitment from Role Models to support founders with at least two hours per month
- Two closed community events where Role Models and Scale-ups meet in a trusted, high-quality setting
- Five peer sessions, tailored to founders‘ needs, strengthening both execution capabilities and community bonds
- Recognition as one of Switzerland’s most promising scale-ups
As a member of Project Switzerland, you become part of a growing community of exceptional entrepreneurs united by a shared mission: building the next generation of global market leaders – from Switzerland to the world.
Timeline
| January 15 – February 15 | Scale-up Nomination Period |
| February 15 – March 30 | Scale-up Selection Period |
| March 31 | Communication of Selected Scale-ups |
| from April 1 | Matchmaking with Role Models |
| April 30, 17:00–21:00 | First Closed Community Event (Zurich) |
| August 26, 17:00–21:00 | Second Closed Community Event (Romandie) |
The program, some Scale-ups and Role Models will be presented at the Startup Days on May 20 and 21.
Values
Members of Project Switzerland commit to the following core principles:
Scaling Big
We build companies that matter, set bold goals, focus on execution, and push through uncertainty. We play to win not against others, but for something bigger: Switzerland’s next generation of global champions.
Confidence with Humbleness
We lead with conviction and clarity, never with ego. True confidence comes from integrity. We invite critique, stay open to better ideas, and collaborate with respect to achieve more together.
Always Learning
Scaling is continuous bottleneck-solving. We question assumptions, experiment boldly, learn from others, and treat mistakes as essential steps toward mastery. We turn fast learning into our advantage.
Share Openly, Honor Confidentiality
We grow by sharing experiences at eye level, not to impress, but to learn. By sharing openly, we turn personal lessons into collective strength. Trust makes this possible: we protect what’s shared and create a space where candor fuels progress.
Take Responsibility
We own outcomes for our teams, our companies, and our ourselves. We think long term, build with purpose, and act with accountability for what we create, not just to scale our companies but to grow Switzerland’s strength and independence.
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about Project Switzerland
What is Project Switzerland?
Project Switzerland is a national initiative connecting Switzerland’s most promising Scale-ups with the country’s best Role Models – Unicorn Founders and Serial Entrepreneurs who have successfully built and scaled global companies.
How are the Role Models selected?
Role Models are selected based on their proven track record in building and scaling companies, their international experience, and their commitment to giving back.
Is Project Switzerland an accelerator program?
No. Project Switzerland is not an accelerator or coaching program. It is experience sharing at eye level between founders who are scaling and entrepreneurs who have already done it.
What kind of support do participants receive?
Participants benefit from one-to-one experience sharing with Role Models, peer exchange with other Scale-up founders, and practical insights to avoid costly scaling mistakes.
Who can participate in the program?
The program is open to high-potential Scale-Ups from all industries, except pharma and biotech. Scale-ups must meet the criteria (see program page) and founders have the ambition to build large companies. Up to 10 Scale-ups are selected each year.
How long does the program last?
The program runs for 12 months and is followed by lifelong access to the Project Switzerland alumni community.
What is the timeline?
The nomination and selection process runs from January to March. Curated matchmaking and peer-to-peer starts in April.
How does the selection process work?
Scale-ups are nominated, afterwards submit an official application, and are interviewed. Up to 10 Scale-ups are selected each year.
Who can nominate the Scale-ups?
Scale-ups can be nominated by investors, board members, or individuals from the ecosystem.
Who is selecting the Scale-ups?
Final selection is made by a committee of Role Models and ecosystem representatives.
Are there any costs for the Scale-ups?
No. There is no financial cost. Scale-ups contribute through commitment, ambition, and effort to build a big, relevant company for Switzerland.
What commitment is expected from Scale-ups?
Scale-ups commit to building a large, sustainable company, supporting their peers, and giving back to the next generation as soon as they can.
Who is behind Project Switzerland?
Project Switzerland is initiated by Deep Tech Nation Foundation Switzerland, supported by partners, powered by Switzerland’s best Role Models, and built for Switzerland.
How can I contact you?
Contact us at hello@project-switzerland.ch
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