INNOJURA ACCELERATOR
The program preparing startups for industry partnerships
Helping ventures active in production, manufacturing support and in high-industrial-intensity sectors, such as medtech, prepare for SME partnerships and level up for market entry through coaching, group sessions and bootcamps.
From i4Challenge to the InnoJura Accelerator: an evolution serving innovation
The InnoJura Accelerator is our new programme, designed to fully leverage our expertise and experience. It builds on the i4Challenge and DayOne Tech initiatives, expanding their impact and offering more comprehensive support that is better aligned with the needs of the ecosystem.
The programme supports early-stage industrial companies, including in the medtech sector, in establishing partnerships with SMEs for production and innovation. It represents a first structured step within the innovation pathway in the Jura region.
Through a support framework combining coaching, group sessions and bootcamps, you strengthen your entrepreneurial skills, refine your business model and prepare for concrete collaborations with SMEs in the Jura.
Who is the program for?
The InnoJura Accelerator is designed for startups shaping the future of advanced manufacturing. Whether you are developing advanced production technologies, smart solutions for industry and automation, or medtech innovations that require fine manufacturing skills, this program gives you the tools, network, and industry access to scale fast.
If you are creating technologies that push production efficiency, precision or digital transformation to the next level, this accelerator is built for you.
Why you should apply
Get yourself industry-ready with the skills, mindset and practical experience necessary to take your startup from early-stage idea to partnership-ready business.
Learn by doing, not just listening
Through hands-on coaching, group sessions and bootcamps, you’ll refine your business model and strengthen your entrepreneurial skills.
Get ready for industry partnerships
Understand how to work with established companies – from communication and pitching to aligning goals and co-creating value in industrial settings.
Grow without giving up equity
Access up to CHF 40k in in-kind support to accelerate growth and explore new market opportunities, letting you scale up without selling out.
How does it work?
An accelerator combining expert coaching, business sparring and SME collaboration to prepare your startup for real-world partnerships.
Build your foundation
Join a tailored program designed to sharpen your strategy, value proposition and go-to-market plan with practical guidance from experts.
Train for collaboration
Learn how to approach, pitch to and engage with SMEs through bootcamps and real-world exercises that simulate partnership dynamics.
Take the next step
Graduate ready to join the InnoJura Platform, where you’ll meet SMEs ready to co-develop innovative solutions and unlock new growth.
Discover exclusive location-based benefits
As the official agency responsible for promoting innovation in the Basel Area, we can offer additional benefits to startups participating in the InnoJura Accelerator, provided they are established in the Canton of Jura or are willing to relocate there.
These benefits include:
- Relocation and set-up support: Access financial support to establish or relocate your company in the Canton of Jura.
- Proof of Concept development support: Benefit from cash and/or in-kind contributions from an industry partner to support the development and validation of your proof of concept.
- NIC status (New Innovative Company): Apply for this exclusive status and access advantages such as tax exemptions. A unique opportunity in Switzerland.
- Individual 1:1 coaching: Receive up to 18 months of personalized support from expert coaches to strengthen your business model.
- Free workspace: Set up your office at Switzerland Innovation Park Basel Area – Jura and benefit from a dedicated innovation community.
- Local mentorship: Be supported by a mentor from the Jura ecosystem to facilitate your integration and accelerate your development.
- Visibility at BE5.0: Opportunity to present and showcase your proof of concept at this leading regional industrial trade fair.
How the application process works
Application
If you meet the eligibility criteria, take the next step and apply! To enter the selection process, simply complete the registration form on our Babele portal.
Selection
Our expert team carefully reviews all applications. Selected projects will be invited for a detailed online follow-up interview. Based on experience, around 50% of submitted projects advance to the jury stage, where independent experts select the pitch list.
Pitch
If you’re selected to pitch, you’ll present your project in person to a committee of industry experts and SME representatives. Based on their review, selected projects will be invited to join the InnoJura Accelerator cohort.
Acceleration
Our support for the InnoJura Accelerator cohort projects is tailored to your needs and the maturity of your solution. Explore the benefits section below to see how we help you move your project closer to real-market success.
Key dates
Your journey at a glance: the must-know dates for applications, sessions and milestones. Don’t miss a step.
Application deadline
31.03.2026
Short list announcement
15.04.2026
Pitch day & selection
End of april 2026
Cohort announcement
10.05.2025
Onboarding & kick-off
15.05.2026
Our impact in their words
"Basel Area Business & Innovation really understood our vision and tech. They opened doors – from expert coaching and industry event exposure to connections that accelerated our growth."
Our alumni
Alumni 2018
Your pathway to open innovation
The InnoJura Program bridges startups and SMEs in the Jura to accelerate progress in advanced manufacturing sectors, such as medtech. Startups bring bold ideas; SMEs bring real-world expertise – together, they create the next wave of industrial innovation.
Designed as a three-step program, startups and SMEs begin their development independently, building the skills and readiness they need, before their paths converge to co-create real-world solutions.
INNOJURA PROGRAM
The Jura innovation journey for advanced manufacturing and medtech
INNOJURA ACCELERATOR
The starting point for startups
A program designed for early-stage ventures in advanced manufacturing-driven industries prepare for SME partnerships through coaching, group sessions and bootcamps.
INNOJURA ACADEMY
The starting point for SMEs
A program dedicated to industrial companies that want to harness outside innovation and collaborate effectively with startups through expert-led workshops and practical modules.
INNOJURA PLATFORM
The collaborative space
Startups and SMEs are matched to tackle real-world challenges in advanced manufacturing – creating solutions and partnerships that last.
Frequently Asked Questions
The InnoJura Accelerator, powered by Basel Area Business & Innovation, helps startups looking for partnerships in advanced manufacturing fields such as medtech build strategic partnerships with established SMEs in the Jura region. It supports ventures in refining their business models, developing collaboration skills, and preparing for real-world manufacturing and innovation projects.
The program is tailored for early-stage startups working on technologies relevant to advanced manufacturing applications, such as in medtech. It’s especially valuable for founders aiming to connect with production partners, test prototypes, or co-develop solutions with Swiss SMEs.
Through workshops, coaching sessions, bootcamps and events, startups learn how to structure collaboration agreements, align on technical goals, and manage joint projects. The program also provides access to business mentors and innovation experts who guide founders through the process of working with established companies.
Unlike traditional accelerators that focus only on scaling or funding, the InnoJura Accelerator emphasizes partnership readiness. Startups don’t just pitch to SMEs — they build tangible pilot projects and prototypes together. This approach bridges the gap between innovation and implementation.
After completing the accelerator, startups can advance to the InnoJura Platform, where they’re paired with specific SMEs to co-create solutions. This two-step pathway helps transform early collaboration concepts into real-world, revenue-generating partnerships.
No – the InnoJura Accelerator does not provide direct funding to startups. Instead, participants benefit from a rich set of in-kind advantages, including access to SME partners, dedicated coaching, expert-led workshops, networking with potential investors, and visibility within the regional innovation ecosystem. Startups also receive guidance on identifying suitable public or private funding sources and preparing strong applications for future financing.
Calls for Applications are opened periodically by Basel Area Business & Innovation. Interested startups can apply online by submitting information about their technology, team and partnership goals. Selected participants receive personalized support at no cost.