Top Startup Accelerators & Incubators in Zurich, Switzerland
Zurich has established itself as Switzerland's premier innovation hub. It combines world-class technical universities, strong financial infrastructure, and a growing entrepreneurial ecosystem. The city's startup landscape benefits from Switzerland's economic stability and access to European markets.
This guide explores the leading accelerators and incubators shaping Zurich's evolving startup landscape. These programs support domestic and international startups seeking to establish themselves in the Swiss market.
Top 17 Startup Accelerators & Incubators in Zurich, Switzerland
1. Venture Kick
Target Audience: Early-stage Swiss startups/
Niche: Pre-seed funding and support.
Venture Kick, established in 2007, provides substantial pre-seed funding of up to CHF 150,000. It operates a unique three-stage funding process with increasing investment at each milestone. Throughout the program, it delivers intensive mentoring and networking opportunities. Through its phased development approach, Venture Kick creates strong foundations for Swiss startups.
2. MassChallenge Switzerland
Target Audience: High-impact early-stage startups.
Niche: Zero-equity acceleration.
MassChallenge Switzerland was founded in 2016 as part of the global MassChallenge network. It operates a zero-equity model, focusing on startup growth without taking ownership stakes. PIt provides extensive access to corporate partners and international markets and facilitates connections between Swiss startups and global innovation ecosystems.
3. F10
Target Audience: Fintech startups.
Niche: Financial technology innovation.
F10 was established in 2015 as Switzerland's premier fintech incubator and accelerator. It provides deep industry expertise and connections within the financial sector, offers access to banking infrastructure and potential financial institution partners, and creates pathways for fintech innovations to integrate with established financial systems.
4. Impact Hub Zurich
Target Audience: Social entrepreneurs.
Niche: Impact-driven innovation.
Impact Hub Zurich was founded in 2008 as part of the global Impact Hub network. It provides collaborative workspace and community support for social entrepreneurs. It offers regular events, workshops, and networking opportunities focused on social impact. It also creates connections between impact-driven entrepreneurs and potential supporters.
5. Kickstart Innovation
Target Audience: Later-stage startups.
Niche: Corporate innovation.
Kickstart Innovation was launched in 2015 as a corporate innovation program connecting startups with major organizations. It facilitates pilot projects and partnerships between startups and established corporations, provides access to leading Swiss corporations and potential customers, and enables startups to secure enterprise clients and partners.
6. ETH Founders Fellowship
Target Audience: Research-based startups.
Niche: Academic entrepreneurship.
The ETH Founders Fellowship was founded in 2019 to support researchers in commercializing their innovations. It offers funding up to CHF 150,000 and access to ETH Zurich's extensive resources. The fellowship provides specialized mentorship for transitioning from research to commercial applications and creates bridges between academic research and market opportunities.
7. Bluelion
Target Audience: Early-stage startups.
Niche: Multi-sector innovation.
Bluelion was established in 2011 to support early-stage companies across various industries. It offers comprehensive mentorship programs and access to industry experts. It also provides workshops and training focused on business development fundamentals and creates networking opportunities within the Swiss startup ecosystem.
8. SIX Fintech Incubator
Target Audience: Fintech startups.
Niche: Financial infrastructure innovation.
SIX Fintech was founded in 2016, and its focus is on the development of financial technology infrastructure. It provides access to SIX Group's expertise and resources in financial markets, offers specialized mentorship and potential partnerships with financial institutions, and creates opportunities for fintech startups to integrate with Swiss financial infrastructure.
9. Climate-KIC Accelerator
Target Audience: Climate tech startups.
Niche: Environmental innovation.
Climate-KIC was established in 2010 to support startups addressing climate change challenges. It provides stage-dependent funding and specialized mentorship in sustainability. It offers access to a network of climate innovation experts and investors and creates pathways for scaling climate-positive solutions.
10. SEIF Tech for Impact
Target Audience: Impact tech startups.
Niche: Social technology innovation.
SEIF was founded in 2018 to support early-stage tech startups with a a social impact focus. It offers funding up to CHF 150,000 for selected startups, provides comprehensive mentorship and access to impact investment networks, and creates opportunities for technology-driven social innovation.
11. Swiss Startup Factory
Target Audience: Early-stage technology startups.
Niche: Technology commercialization.
Swiss Startup Factory launched in 2014 as a comprehensive accelerator for early-stage startups. It offers seed funding and intensive mentorship through structured programs, provides access to a network of investors and corporate partners, and creates pathways for Swiss startups to achieve international growth.
12. UZH Innovation Hub
Target Audience: University-affiliated entrepreneurs.
Niche: Research commercialization.
UZH Innovation Hub supports University of Zurich researchers and students in startup development. It provides access to university resources and specialized facilities. It offers mentorship and guidance for research commercialization and creates connections between academic innovation and market opportunities.
13. Wyss Zurich
Target Audience: Healthcare and robotics startups.
Niche: Medical technology and robotics.
Wyss Zurich is a joint accelerator established by the University of Zurich and ETH Zurich in 2014. It supports startups in medical technology, robotics, and regenerative medicine. It provides access to state-of-the-art research facilities and technical expertise and creates pathways for translating scientific breakthroughs into commercial applications.
14. Creative Hub
Target Audience: Creative entrepreneurs.
Niche: Creative industry innovation.
Creative Hub was established in 2014 to support creative industry entrepreneurs and artists. It provides specialized workspace and resources for creative ventures, offers networking opportunities within creative and cultural sectors, and creates bridges between creative innovation and commercial success.
15. IFJ Startup Support
Target Audience: Young entrepreneurs.
Niche: Early-stage startup development.
IFJ was founded in 1989 as the Institute for Young Entrepreneurs. It provides comprehensive coaching and training programs for young founders, offers structured guidance through early startup development stages, and creates foundations for sustainable business growth.
16. Zurich Innovation Park
Target Audience: Technology startups.
Niche: Research and innovation.
Zurich Innovation Park was established in 2015 as a comprehensive innovation ecosystem. It hosts various startups, research institutions, and corporate innovation labs. It provides access to state-of-the-art facilities and technical resources. It also creates collaborative opportunities between startups and established organizations.
17. Technopark Zurich
Target Audience: Technology and innovation startups.
Niche: Technology development.
Technopark Zurich was founded in 1993 as one of Switzerland's most prominent technology parks. It provides office space and support services for technology-focused companies, offers access to a community of innovative startups and established tech firms, and creates an environment fostering technological innovation and business growth.
AcceleratorApp's Closing Thoughts on Startup Accelerators and Incubators in Zurich, Switzerland
Zurich's startup ecosystem reflects Switzerland's strengths in precision, innovation, and financial services. The city's 17 accelerators and incubators create a robust support network that leverages traditional Swiss excellence and modern entrepreneurial approaches.
The ecosystem stands out for its strong connection between academic research and commercial application, substantial financial support mechanisms, and focus on sustainable, long-term growth rather than rapid scaling at any cost. This approach has established Zurich as a unique innovation hub that combines Swiss precision with global entrepreneurial ambition.