Innovation programs, accelerators, and co-location opportunities for startups and SMEs in Swiss defence, aerospace, and dual-use technology — from Drone Valley to Ticino and beyond.
Programs, accelerators, and innovation hubs supporting startups and SMEs in Swiss defence and dual-use technology.
First competence center of Switzerland Innovation Park Ticino at the former Lodrino military airfield. Offers 2,000 sqm laboratory, operational control tower, outdoor VLOS/BVLOS flight areas, and radar test range. Supports counter-UAS development, U-Space testing, and civil-military airspace integration.
Annual competition by the Cyber-Defence Campus scouting innovative cybersecurity solutions from young companies. Winner receives up to CHF 100,000 for a proof-of-concept integration into the DDPS environment. Eligibility: startups under 8 years old, founders still active, at least 3 employees.
Venture clienting program for startups and SMEs to access the Swiss defence market. Phase 1 (3 months): four companies selected for technology assessment. Phase 2 (12 months): one or two advance to validation with RUAG as reference customer. Includes infrastructure, expertise, and DDPS network access.
Innovation platform for startups at the intersection of space technology and security. Incubator track for early-stage projects, 12-month accelerator for growth-stage companies with MVPs. Partners include EPFL Space program, Swiss Aeropole, and defence/aerospace organizations.
armasuisse S+T foresight program using crowd-sourcing to identify disruptive technologies with military impact. Open participation for Swiss and international SMEs through the deftech platform, conferences, and Deftech Days workshops. Direct visibility with Swiss defence decision-makers.
8-month equity-free international acceleration program for cybersecurity and digital trust startups, run by EPFL Innovation Park. Part of the Trust Valley ecosystem (350+ companies, 500+ experts). Since 2019, 100+ startups supported raising CHF 300M+ collectively. Free participation worth CHF 100k+ per startup.
First Swiss technology park dedicated to aerospace. 32+ companies on site adjacent to Payerne military airbase with 2.8 km runway access and controlled airspace for flight testing. armasuisse Science + Technology co-located on site — direct proximity to Swiss defence procurement.
Innovation park on Dübendorf airfield promoting interdisciplinary collaboration in robotics, mobility, aviation, and space. Embedded in the "Drone Valley" ecosystem between ETH Zurich and EPFL (~80+ drone startups, 2,500+ jobs). Access to airfield, hangars, and research infrastructure.
Industry association connecting aerospace suppliers, research institutions, and downstream industry. Actively promotes SME access to defence procurement and offset programs. Networking, technology transfer, and access to defence supply chain opportunities for small businesses.
Selects the 10 most promising Swiss deep tech startups annually for international investor roadshows. Alumni include drone companies Flyability, Flybotix, Verity, and INVOLI. Over 360 startups supported across 15+ years. Ideal for dual-use and defence-adjacent deep tech ventures.
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