In July, Innosuisse selected eight Innovation Boosters out of 35 applications evaluated. The new initiatives cover topics ranging from AI and fashion to agriculture and ageing. They will run from 2024 to 2027 and offer activities in the field of open innovation with the aim of promoting radical innovation in Switzerland. Those interested can participate in their workshops and events.
A culture of collaboration in Switzerland
The Innovation Booster instrument supported by Innosuisse is dedicated to the joint development of radical ideas. It aims to promote a cultural change that needs to take place in order to develop more competences for collaborations in the field of innovation in Switzerland. Stakeholders from business, research and society join forces to respond to current challenges with innovative solutions.
A popular instrument
More than 240 events and workshops have been held for this purpose since 2021. A survey conducted by the Innovation Booster showed that 75% of participants said they had gained new knowledge or generated new ideas as a result of their taking part and that they would be happy to recommend the experience to colleagues. Matthias Höchemer, Head of the Industrial Inspection Department at CSEM and himself a participant in the Innovation Booster Databooster: “Innovation Boosters help to bring competences from different areas to one table - competences that small and medium-sized enterprises often lack internally.” Oliver Stoll, researcher at HSLU and also a former participant in the Databooster: “The Innovation Booster Programme is interesting for researchers as it offers the opportunity to apply theories and models to specific problems in industry. This way they can be tested and improved on.”
Since the launch of the programme in 2021, more than 185 innovative ideas have been supported. Particularly popular is the option to carry out initial tests when projects are still in the early stages of their conception. On this basis, about 45% of the teams continue pursuing their ideas, while 50% gain enough insights to move in a new direction.
The teams found the Innovation Booster very helpful to develop their idea further. Innosuisse actually provides other instruments for developing ideas beyond an Innovation Booster. For example, teams can use an innovation mentor to help prepare for submitting an application for an innovation cheque or an innovation project.
Last modification 19.09.2023
