Innosuisse Certificate

Evaluation and decision
Criteria for awarding the Innosuisse Certificate
Decision
Frequently Asked Questions

Upon completing the Core Coaching programme, start-ups can request the Innosuisse Certificate. The certificate reflects remarkable progress achieved during the programme and it confirms that your start-up is ready for sustainable growth.

Companies with this award get increased publicity, are more attractive to potential investors and improve their access to additional events, initiatives and programmes. They can also take part in internationalisation camps and global trade fairs up to three years after receiving the certificate.

Evaluation and decision

First, your request will be formally reviewed. Then, you will be invited to a Certification Review meeting to present the progress of your start-up to a committee of experts. The committee will decide on your request. If the decision is positive, you will receive the Innosuisse Certificate. This process usually takes about two months.

All required documents are to be uploaded using the Innosuisse online tool and the certification request is to be sent to Innosuisse by email (startup@innosuisse.ch). Submitted documents have to be valid and up to date (e.g. current business plan, IP assessment not older than one year, etc.).

Criteria for awarding the Innosuisse Certificate

The following criteria must be met to qualify for the Innosuisse Certificate:

Solid base and can handle growth in the future
Prepared to receive external funding if it is needed
Professional management team that has the required skills or has access to these skills
Has demonstrated it can access the market and is established within the industry
Founded in accordance with Swiss law

Decision

The Innosuisse Innovation Council decides on your application based on the given information and assessment:

Your request is approved
Innosuisse will inform you of the approval by email and you will receive the official Innosuisse Certificate.
Your request is rejected
Innosuisse will inform you of the negative decision by email.

Frequently asked questions

Questions about Core Coaching

Can I apply for money to be paid out instead of receiving the voucher?

The Innosuisse coaching vouchers are limited for use with the coaching options offered and cannot be paid out.

My start-up is at an advanced stage. Do I still have to apply for the Initial Coaching?

Yes. Successful completion of the Initial Coaching by Innosuisse is a prerequisite for application to the Core Coaching programme.

Can I submit additional documents once the application is in progress?

The application cannot be edited once it is submitted. However, it is possible to send an updated pitch deck by email to startup@innosuisse.ch at the latest three days before the presentation at the Core Coaching Acceptance meeting. Additional documents will not be considered for the evaluation after submission.

Can I interview coaches before selecting a lead coach?

All Innosuisse coaches have a proven track record of their expertise. Further information on the individual coaches is provided in the Innosuisse online tool. Extensive interviewing is therefore not expedient. However, it is recommended you contact and briefly discuss the match with a specific coach. Innosuisse can support you with the selection if you are unsure.

What are the legal relationships between me, a coach and Innosuisse?

The relationship between you and Innosuisse is a funding relationship. The associated rights and obligations are set out in the “decision” you will receive when your application has been approved. A “decision” is a legal term for the paper document that Innosuisse sends to the applicants. This document contains the decision as to whether an application for coaching was approved or rejected.

Your partnership with a coach is governed by a standardised contract, which is implemented in the IT tool and automatically becomes effective as soon as that coach decides to accept your invitation to work together. You will need to specify a portion of your budget to be assigned to each coach for their services. The budget amount is to be agreed between you and the relevant coach directly. If necessary, the budget can be amended at any time in the Innosuisse online tool by mutual agreement.

Can I change the lead coach in the process?

Under certain circumstances it is possible to change the lead coach. This matter should first be discussed with the lead coach and subsequently requested with Innosuisse by email (startup@innosuisse.ch).

How do I pay the coaches using my voucher?

Coaches are paid for their flexible coaching services on an hourly basis at a standard rate (lead coach) or by a lump sum per workshop (special coach). The whole payments process is managed directly and electronically in the Innosuisse online tool.

How can I keep an eye on things like the budget, the coaches I am working with and the milestones I need to achieve?

The voucher is managed solely via the Innosuisse online tool provided by Innosuisse. There you can see which coach(es) you are working with and how much of your budget you have left.

Can I use the Innosuisse coaching voucher with external coaches not on the Innosuisse list?

The Innosuisse coaching voucher is only valid for Innosuisse-accredited coaches and cannot be used for coaches outside of the programme.

List of accredited coaches (XLSX, 24 kB, 06.06.2023)

In which format do I report my milestones?

You will be provided with an official template by Innosuisse that can then be uploaded in the Innosuisse online tool.

How will the Innosuisse Certificate benefit my start-up?

The certificate reflects remarkable progress achieved during the Innosuisse Core Coaching programme and it confirms that your start-up is ready for sustainable growth considering various criteria.

Companies with this award get increased publicity, are more attractive to potential investors and improve their access to additional events, initiatives and programmes.

Can I get the unused portion of the coaching budget paid out?

No, the portion of the budget that has not be used cannot be paid out.

Can a start-up company apply for a Start-up Coaching voucher as an organisation?

Yes, both start-up companies (as an overall organisation) and their founders (as individuals) are eligible to submit an application to Innosuisse for Start-up Coaching.

Last modification 05.01.2023

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