Funding and Financing Options for Start-ups & SMEs

Overview of the most important programs in Zurich and Switzerland


In Zurich, a hub of innovation, founders and established companies face the challenge of financing promising business ideas and bringing them to market quickly. The federal government, the canton and private initiatives provide a broad range of funding programs. At Ahead, we have compiled the most important programs and their participation criteria.

1. Federal programs and national instruments

1.1 Innosuisse – start‑up innovation projects

Target group: start‑ups before market entry
Innosuisse supports science‑based innovation projects by young companies so they can bring their products or services to market for the first time. Key requirements include:

  • Market entry is imminent: No market‑ready products or services have yet been sold; prototypes with pilot customers are still considered before market entry.
  • Scalable business model: The project must go significantly beyond linear growth.
  • Preparation for market launch: The project clearly shows how market entry will be achieved through rapid prototyping and validation.
  • Registered office in Switzerland and entry in the commercial register, excluding non‑profit associations or public administrative units.
  • Company age: A maximum of five years (in exceptional cases up to ten years).
  • Company size: Fewer than 50 full‑time positions; if majority‑controlled by another company, fewer than 250 full‑time positions consolidated.
  • Financial contribution: Start‑ups must finance at least 30 % of the project costs themselves; Innosuisse covers up to 70 %.
  • Other requirements: Analysis of intellectual property rights, no parallel funding of the same project, not on the SECO sanctions list and compliance with scientific integrity.

Only projects close to market maturity are supported. The program finances prototyping and validation costs so that market entry can happen as quickly as possible after the project ends. Projects are evaluated according to the criteria of the Innosuisse Funding Ordinance (Art. 8). Further information.

1.2 Innosuisse – Innoscheck

Target group: SMEs, start‑ups, sole proprietorships and organisations with fewer than 250 employees.
The innovation cheque serves as an entry point to a potential collaboration with a Swiss research institution. It allows companies to examine the innovation and market potential of a new idea together with a research partner before launching a larger project.

Framework conditions and scope of funding:

  • Funding amount: Up to CHF 15 000, paid as a credit to the research partner.
  • Objective: Conducting a feasibility or preliminary study on a novel idea, product or service innovation.
  • Partner: Mandatory collaboration with a recognised Swiss research institution (e.g., university, university of applied sciences or research institute).
  • Own contribution: The company makes no direct financial contribution; the cheque covers the services of the research institution.
  • Application: Companies submit the application directly to Innosuisse. The research partner submits the proposal via the Innosuisse portal.

This cheque is particularly suitable for early development phases with no prototypes or market tests. It serves as a first step to validate ideas and lay the foundation for further innovation projects. Further information.

1.3 Innosuisse – innovation projects with implementation partners

Target group: SMEs, start-ups, large companies, public bodies and non-profit organisations

Companies that wish to carry out an innovation project together with a Swiss research institution (e.g. university or research institute) can apply for funding from Innosuisse. Four core conditions apply to implementation partners:

  • Added value for Switzerland: The company must generate value creation in Switzerland.
  • Cost participation: The implementation partner bears 40–60% of the total project costs.
  • Cash contribution to research partner: At least 5% of the project costs must be paid in cash to the research institution.
  • Swiss research partner: A research institution in Switzerland must be willing to implement the project jointly.

The programme covers the salaries and infrastructure costs of the researchers; the implementation partners finance their own costs. Research and implementation must be organisationally independent and respect scientific integrity. Further information.

1.4 EIC Accelerator

Target group: Support for start‑ups and SMEs with breakthrough innovations (e.g. TRL 6–8) aimed at rapid scaling.

  • Funding structure: Grants of up to €2.5 million for innovation activities; equity or quasi‑equity investments of up to €10 million (sometimes more in special calls).
  • Criteria: Degree of innovation (technology or business model capable of changing markets); ambitious project with rapid scaling and market entry; company size typically fewer than 250, or up to 499 employees.

Further information.

1.5 Eurostars (Horizon Europe)

Eurostars is a joint programme of EU member states and partner countries. Innovative SMEs from 33 countries can submit cross-border R&D projects.
Requirements: Consortia must consist of at least two independent partners; projects last a maximum of 36 months; the product must enter the market no later than two years after the project ends. Funding rates vary: in Switzerland up to 50 % of project costs are covered. Further information.

1.6 Guarantees for SMEs

The guarantee system makes it easier for SMEs to access bank loans: four guarantee cooperatives recognised by the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (BG Ost‑Süd, BG Mitte, Cautionnement romand and BG SAFFA for women) guarantee bank loans of up to CHF 1 million. The Confederation covers part of administrative costs and bears up to 65 % of default losses. Applications are submitted directly to the respective guarantee cooperative. Further information.

1.7 Technologiefonds

Companies with innovative technologies to reduce greenhouse gases, increase energy efficiency or conserve resources can apply for a loan guarantee of up to CHF 3 million. The guarantee covers the loan and interest in whole or in part, runs for a maximum of ten years, and requires equity financing of at least 40 %. Companies must be domiciled in Switzerland, creditworthy and have a marketable product. Further information.

1.8 SECO Start‑up Fund

The SECO Start‑up Fund provides loans of up to CHF 500 000 (up to two-thirds of the investment costs) to Swiss investors who finance young companies in developing and emerging countries. Loans have a term of seven years. Investors must be domiciled in Switzerland and demonstrate proper business conduct. Projects must be economically viable and generate development benefits (employment, knowledge transfer, etc.). Further information.

1.9 Self‑employment and unemployment insurance

Unemployed people planning to become self‑employed can receive daily allowances during a planning phase of up to 90 days and be exempt from job search requirements. Within 19 weeks of project start, they can also apply for a guarantee of up to CHF 1 million.
Requirements: At least 20 years old, registered with the Regional Employment Service (RAV), unemployed through no fault of their own, and able to present a viable business plan. Further information.

1.10 Hotel loan (SGH)

The Swiss Society for Hotel Loans (SGH) supports accommodation businesses in tourist regions through low‑interest loans and consulting services. The goal is to help hotels make investments with little equity and enhance the attractiveness of Swiss hospitality. Further information.

1.11 Tax relief within regional policy

Industrial companies and productive service providers that create or secure jobs in structurally weak regions can apply for a temporary exemption from direct federal tax. Applications are submitted via the cantonal location promotion offices. Further information.

2. Programs in the Canton of Zurich

2.1 KlimUp – Zurich climate fund for climate‑tech start‑ups

Target group: Early‑stage start‑ups and non‑profit organisations (NPOs) with a focus on climate protection and the circular economy.
The City of Zurich’s KlimUp programme supports projects that contribute to the city’s climate and environmental goals – especially reducing direct and indirect greenhouse gas emissions, promoting intelligent resource use, and developing new negative-emission technologies.

Funding contributions and conditions:

  • Start‑ups: One‑off innovation contributions of CHF 35 000–250 000 for early‑stage companies.
  • Non‑profit organisations:
    • One‑off project contributions of CHF 5 000–100 000 per project.
    • Multi‑year operating contributions between CHF 60 000 and 600 000 over two to four years.
  • Accompanying services: In addition to financial support, start‑ups receive coaching, network access and support from implementation partner Bluelion.
  • Funding duration: The programme runs until the authorised funds of CHF 14 million are exhausted.
  • Objective: Supported projects contribute directly or indirectly to implementing Zurich’s Climate Strategy 2040.
  • Application: As of November 2025, no submissions are being accepted; applicants will be informed by early December.  New funding rounds will be published on the City of Zurich’s website. Further information.

2.2 Microloans from Ahead Zurich

Ahead helps founders apply for microloans of up to CHF 40 000.
Key features:

  • Uncomplicated financing: No traditional business plan or collateral needed; the loan is paid as an overdraft limit at Zürcher Kantonalbank.
  • Advisory and budgeting: Ahead evaluates the business idea, prepares a budget with the founders and submits the loan application to the bank. The first consultation (60 minutes) is free; subsequent support costs CHF 120 per hour (usually two to four hours are needed).
  • Requirements: Viable business model; sole proprietorship or GmbH in the Zurich economic area; no debt collection; realistic repayment; Swiss citizenship or residence permit B/C for at least one year.
  • Process: Information session (optional), initial consultation, follow-up consultation and application submission.
  • Interest modality: The microloan is managed as an overdraft; interest accrues only on the amount actually used. Further information.

2.3 Innovation consulting for SMEs

Beyond microloans, Ahead offers innovation and project consulting for SMEs (up to 250 employees) based in the Zurich region.

Consulting process:

  1. Initial meeting & status‑quo analysis (up to five hours free): Evaluation of the business model and market opportunities, risk assessment and financing potential, including expert input.
  2. Project development & financing strategy (up to 30 hours free): Definition of project goals, scope and feasibility; support in choosing research and industry partners; advice on intellectual property rights and preparation of funding applications (e.g., to Innosuisse). The outcome is a clear roadmap with a go/no-go decision.
  3. In‑depth consulting & implementation (up to 30 hours at CHF 165 per hour): Assistance in prototype development, partnership building and market entry. The aim is to ready projects for market.

Eligibility: Up to 250 employees, based in the Zurich economic area, and focused on at least one of the following: initiating innovation projects or assessing innovation potential; developing new products/services; digitising processes; meeting sustainability or regulatory requirements; clarifying funding eligibility. Entry begins with a non‑binding consultation, followed by the free analysis and project development phases, then fee‑based implementation support. Further information.

3. Venture‑capital investors and business‑angel networks

Target group: Start‑ups and growth companies with scalable business models and a focus on technological innovation.
Switzerland has a highly professional and well‑connected venture‑capital ecosystem. Alongside specialised early-stage investors, there are international funds and corporate VCs that support technologically leading young companies.

Leading VC actors:

  • Redalpine: Renowned early-stage VC investing in scalable software, healthtech and deeptech start‑ups.
  • Lakestar: International VC with stakes in companies like Spotify and Revolut; invests from seed to growth stage.
  • Verve Ventures: Digital VC focusing on deeptech, climate, energy and industrial innovation.
  • Swisscom Ventures: Corporate venture arm of Swisscom; supports highly innovative tech firms in Switzerland and Europe.
  • VI Partners: Early-stage and growth investor in life sciences, ICT and industrial technologies.

Investor networks and platforms:

  • SICTIC (Swiss ICT Investor Club): Zurich-based business-angel network organising pitch events and connecting start‑ups with seasoned investors.
  • Tenity: Fintech accelerator with its own seed fund and international network; offers programmes for fintech, insurtech and regtech start‑ups.

Directories and research platforms:

  • Startup.ch – Investor Directory: Filterable list of Swiss VCs, angels and family offices.
  • OpenVC.app– Top VC Firms in Switzerland: Interactive list of the most active VC funds with profiles.
  • DeepTechNation.ch – Investors & VCs: Curated overview of leading Swiss venture capitalists by technology focus.

VC investors typically look for a compelling business plan, scalable technology, a skilled team and clear exit prospects.

4. Funding by foundations and non‑profit programmes

Besides public programmes, numerous charitable foundations finance start‑ups. About 13 700 foundations are registered in Switzerland – over 7 000 under federal supervision and 6 500 under cantonal oversight. Foundations often offer long-term, less return-oriented support. Tools like Fundraiso help find suitable foundations.

Notable initiatives include:

  • Venture Kick: Tiered funding programme awarding up to CHF 150 000 to start‑ups.
  • Gebert Rüf Stiftung: Supports scientific and technological projects, providing capital to start‑ups.
  • Fondation Botnar: Supports health and digital projects for young people.
  • Kühne‑Stiftung: Finances logistics and medical projects.
  • ETH‑Foundation: Supports research and spin‑offs from ETH Zurich.
  • Klimastiftung Schweiz: a politically independent foundation that promotes the development of innovative, climate-friendly products and technologies.
  • Climate‑KIC: European initiative promoting climate-friendly start‑ups.

Foundations typically require a detailed application with a management summary, budget, social impact and proof of innovative character. Funding models range from direct grants and interest-free loans to equity stakes and prize money.

5. Crowdfunding & crowdinvesting – alternative financing routes

Target group: Start‑ups, SMEs and projects with a community connection or sustainable innovation character.
Crowdfunding mobilises capital from many supporters while providing marketing and direct customer feedback. Depending on the model, funding occurs through donations, pre-sales, loans or equity.

Notable Swiss platforms:

  • Crowdify: Supports creative, social and sustainable projects; ideal for early-stage start‑ups seeking visibility and initial funds.
  • CONDA: Crowdinvesting platform for start‑ups and SMEs, allowing equity participation.
  • Swisspeers: Focuses on crowdlending for SMEs, facilitating business loans from private and institutional investors.
  • Lokalhelden: Raiffeisenbank’s platform for non‑profit and local projects.

Successful campaigns require clear communication, transparent goals and professional presentation. Crowdfunding suits social projects and complements traditional financing.

6. Practical tips for founders and SMEs

  • Plan early: Many programmes have fixed deadlines and lengthy decision processes. Early budget planning and discussions with potential partners are crucial.
  • Check criteria carefully: Funding bodies often reject proposals that don’t match their target profile. Innosuisse, for example, demands detailed evidence of innovation and market potential.
  • Use combinations: Guarantees, technology fund guarantees and venture capital can be combined.
  • Build networks: Participating in pitch events, innovation hubs and angel clubs boosts visibility.

Summary

Switzerland offers a robust and diverse funding landscape. From state-backed guarantees and Innosuisse programmes to climate funds, foundations and venture capital, there are appropriate instruments for every business stage. Careful analysis of requirements, professional preparation of documentation and advice from experienced consultants significantly increase the chances of securing financing. At Ahead Zurich, we help founders, start‑ups and SMEs identify the right funding instrument—whether through our start‑up and innovation consulting or our microloan and start‑financing programme. Together, we develop the best strategy to successfully launch your project.