Since the beginning of 2023 Innosuisse has been able to directly support innovation projects from start-ups before they go to market. Up to now 45 start-ups received funding – check the full list.With the Start-up innovation project, Innosuisse directly funds high potential science-based projects initiated by Swiss start-ups, giving them a financial boost to propel their market entry. The innovation projects must be based on application-oriented research and prepare the start-ups for entering the market for the first time. In the case of these projects, only the start-up is supported. A research partner is not necessary. Furthermore, eligible companies must be headquartered in Switzerland, were established not more than 5 years ago and have less than 50 full-time equivalent employees.Since the start in 2023, 45 companies received direct funding for their science-based projects

At the end of 2023, in our Annual report, we wrote about the impact that AI companies had in all spheres around the world. And we all know it's huge. Last year, in Europe, Germany led the funding race, raking in €845.3 million in 2023, a figure more than double that of the UK at €411.2 million and half of the total amount raised in the industry. France claimed the number two spot in the funding race at €554.1 million. As Tech.eu Summit London 2024 approaches in less than a month, AI will be one of the hot topics we are going to cover

Startups from across Switzerland competed in various award comperitions worldwide, scoring the top position. Besides gaiing recognition, some statrtups will embark on a multi-week acceleration journey to advance their technology with suport from industry experts.SURI BioTech, a specialist in the development of science-backed bacterial strains and patented as supplements and food ingredients, is one of the startups selected to participate in the Madrid Food Innovation Hub Accelerator program, which is dedicated to accelerating food technologies by supporting startups tackling the multiple challenges facing the agri-food sector in the area of sustainability, business efficiency and food security. During the next 3 months, Suri Biotech and its 14 counterparts will get access to infrastructure, industry experts to guide it through the refinement of its business concept as it prepares for the market launch.Jua selected for AI 100Using tens of millions of data points to provide precise forecasts, Jua from Freienbach (Canton Schwyz) developed the first end-to-end deep learning model, a “Large Physics Model” for nature, that can predict the weather accurately, precisely, and more quickly than traditional solutions. Jua has been selected for the 8th annual AI 100 list of CB insights - a ranking of the 100 most promising private AI companies in the world.KOA World Food Innovation AwardThe World Food Innovation Awards 2024 has awarded Koa Switzerland the “Best CSR/Sustainability Initiative” at the FoodBev Awards ceremony. This recognition reinforces the startup’s mission to reduce food waste in the cocoa industry. In collaboration with local cocoa farmers in Ghana, the Koa upscales the previously discarded cocoa pulp, allowing farmers to secure additional revenue streams, create new jobs in rural areas and avoid food waste