Venture Kick 2026: up to CHF 150,000 for Swiss science startups

Venture Kick is a private, philanthropic programme that funds research based startup projects in Switzerland. In 2026 it has CHF 9,580,000 to give out in 283 "kicks". Funding starts before the company is incorporated and can grow to CHF 150,000 over three stages within nine months.

At each stage teams pitch to a jury of investors and industry experts. Stage 1 pays CHF 10,000 as a grant. Stage 2, within three months, pays CHF 40,000, and stage 3, within another six months, pays CHF 100,000. The last two are convertible loans with 5% interest that convert at the next equity round. Venture Kick says the top half of presenting teams get funding at each stage. The company must be incorporated to receive stage 3.

To be eligible, you or a co founder must be affiliated with a Swiss academic institution or research centre now, or must have left it no more than six months ago. You must plan to build the company and create jobs in Switzerland. You should not have launched the company yet and must not have money from professional investors.

Applications are open all year through the online form. Applicants are first invited to a Kickers briefing day. Venture Kick then sets the jury dates, which take place several times a year. Each stage is followed by a two day kickers camp with feedback and support.

The programme is active: in October 2026 Venture Kick announced several new CHF 40,000 stage 2 awards, including one on 15 October.

Quick answers

Do I have to pay the money back?

The first CHF 10,000 is a grant, with a moral pledge to return it in case of success. The CHF 40,000 and CHF 100,000 stages are convertible loans at 5% interest that convert at the valuation of the next investment round, with no discount.

Is there more funding after the three stages?

Teams that pass stage 2 may qualify for a further CHF 150,000 grant from the Gebert Rüf Stiftung InnoBooster programme. Stage 3 winners get access to up to CHF 850,000 more from Kickfund.

What can the first grant be used for?

Only for business development costs. It cannot pay for incorporation capital or salaries of founders or permanent staff.