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Definitions and meaning
What is a startup?
A startup is a temporary organization seeking a repeatable and scalable business model.
What is meant by innovative project?
An innovative project is an idea linked to the development of new and/or different products, services, or business models.
What does scalable mean?
Scalability is the ability to grow a business rapidly without a proportional increase in costs. In other words, it is the ability to have very low marginal costs with potentially infinite revenues in a short period of time.
What is meant by impact for Ticino?
A project has a significant impact on Ticino when it involves:
- the establishment of a capital company registered with the Commercial Register of the Canton of Ticino;
- the creation of highly qualified jobs;
- relationships with public or private institutions in the region;
- the retention of intellectual property and research and development activities in Ticino.
What is a spin-off?
An academic (university) spin-off is a new company created to commercialize knowledge or technology developed within a university or public research institution.
A corporate spin-off is a new independent company created when a business idea developed within a parent company is spun off to form a separate autonomous company, with the parent company initiating or at least authorizing the process.
Registration and Selection
Who can apply?
Teams composed of at least two people with an innovative project are eligible to apply if they:
- are willing to develop the project in Ticino;
- if a company has already been established, it must not be more than three years old at the time of application;
- have not completed an acceleration program in accordance with the Terms & Conditions;
- have at least one team member participating in all mandatory events on the program;
- submit all required documentation in English.
Can I apply if I am alone?
No, you must be a team of at least two people. Experience shows that teams have a greater chance of success, thanks to the sharing of skills, commitment, and responsibilities.
What is the role of the Team Leader?
The Team Leader is the team’s point of contact and the sole reference person for the Boldbrain staff. They share information with the other team members, are responsible for meeting deadlines and submitting deliverables via the platform and/or by email, book time slots for coaching sessions, and notify the Boldbrain staff of any changes within the team.
The role of Team Leader is automatically assigned, at the time of application, to the team member who completes the Boldbrain application form. However, it may be changed if the project is selected to participate in the acceleration program.
How and until when can I apply?
Once applications are open, simply fill out the application form in English, providing all the required information. Once completed, you can submit it by clicking on “SUBMIT” before the deadline indicated.
Do I need to have a project in a specific sector?
No, we accept projects from all sectors, provided they are innovative in nature.
May I apply even if I have not yet established a company?
Yes. The Boldbrain program is specifically aimed at early-stage startups, so it is possible to participate even without an already established company.
For further details on corporate forms, please refer to the following link.
If I have set up a company, can I participate?
Yes, provided that the company (Sagl or SA) was established no more than three years prior to the date of submission of the application to Boldbrain (the date of submission of the application via the online form shall prevail).
Can I participate if I have already registered or applied for other programs?
You can only apply if, at the time of registration:
- You have NOT already completed: Kickstart Accelerator, Venture Kick, MassChallenge, Tenity, or other acceleration programs outside Switzerland;
- You have NOT been admitted to Innosuisse Startup coaching, core coaching (ex CTI Start-up / CTI Label);
- You have NOT been invited, following evaluation by the Innosuisse Innovation Council, to attend an interview to access the Innosuisse tool for innovation projects for startups prior to market entry.
What is meant by an “equivalent acceleration program”?
An acceleration program is considered equivalent under these Regulations when it meets all or the majority of the following criteria, which reflect the established practice of the AGIRE Foundation for Boldbrain:
- Duration: the program has a structured and defined duration, typically between 3 and 6 months;
- Coaching, mentoring, and/or counselling component: the program includes individual or group coaching/mentoring/counseling sessions with qualified professionals, constituting a significant portion of the total duration;
- significant prize or incentive: the program provides for the awarding of significant cash prizes to selected participants;
- number of coaches/mentors and/or counselors and support: the program mobilizes an adequate number of qualified coaches and provides for structured support from the organizing staff throughout the entire process.
Can you submit a single project or a series?
You can submit one project per application.
If I am not admitted to the program, may I apply in the next edition with the same project?
Yes, it is possible, provided that the requirements of the Terms & Conditions are met. Please keep in mind that if your project was not accepted, it might be worth reviewing it.
Can I change my application?
You can edit your application until you submit it by pressing the “SUBMIT” button at the end of the form and as long as the application window is open.
Can I be expelled from the program?
Yes, failure to comply with the Terms & Conditions may result in exclusion from the program. Pay particular attention to deadlines and the mandatory participation in events, workshops, and other activities. Refer to the roadmap and the Terms & Conditions for full details.
What happens after submitting my application?
At the end of application window, only applications that comply with the Terms & Conditions will be considered. Applications will be reviewed by multiple evaluators, and based on the ranking, the top 20 projects will be admitted to the acceleration program.
If my application is rejected, either for the program or another phase, will I receive an explanation?
No, we do not provide reasons for negative outcomes. The most common reasons why a project is not accepted into the program or one of the subsequent phases of the program are:
- insufficient impact of the project on the territory of the Canton of Ticino;
- incomplete or unconvincing team;
- unconvincing progetto;
- unconvincing business model;
- failure to comply with the formal requirements set out in the terms & Conditions.
Does Boldbrain allow you to obtain a residence permit or support its issuance?
No, we do not deal with procedures related to the issuance of residence permits or other types of permits. Please note that all participants are responsible for organizing their own travel, accommodation, and visa requirements. Boldbrain will not be liable for any personal travel arrangements. You can use the link below to check whether you need a visa to travel to Switzerland: FDJP – Online Visa System.
The acceleration program
When does the program start and finish?
Boldbrain generally starts in September and concludes in early December. Check the roadmap for details.
What does Boldbrain program offer?
The program offers coaching to help you define and develop your project, thematic workshops, targeted training, and easy access to the support network for startup growth in Ticino, including connections with potential investors.
Is mandatory attendance required during the accelerator program?
Yes, at least one member of the team must attend all events, workshops, presentations to the jury, and the award ceremony. For dates and details of mandatory events, please refer to the program roadmap.
Are the workshops only open to selected projects?
Yes, the workshops are reserved exclusively for the 20 selected projects.
Are the coaching/workshop activities carried out during the day or during the evening?
The main events generally take place in the late afternoon and evening. Workshops are held during the day. Coaching sessions are arranged directly with the respective coaches, based on mutual availability.
How many projects are admitted to the acceleration program?
A maximum of 20 projects will be accepted, 10 of which will proceed to the final stage.
How many projects win during the award ceremony?
During the final ceremony, five prizes are awarded by the National Jury to the 10 finalist projects. Additionally, a sixth prize is awarded by the audience, also among the 10 finalists, through a live vote during the ceremony.
Do I need to have a prototype for the final presentation in front of the audience?
The decision is at your discretion. It depends on the nature of your product, the stage of development of the project, and the feasibility and effectiveness of presenting a prototype.
Confidentiality and Code of Conduct
How is intellectual property and confidentiality managed?
The organization is bound by professional confidentiality. Coaches, juries, and participating teams sign an NDA (non-disclosure agreement).
Do you have a code of conduct?
We rely on the civic sense, good judgment, respect, and courtesy of all participants.
Inappropriate, unethical behavior or any violation of the Boldbrain Regulations or the law will not be tolerated.
What do you mean by respect?
Be kind. Avoid offensive or derogatory behaviour. Everyone is expected to behave in a professional and respectful manner.
Racist, sexist, or offensive language toward minorities or people with disabilities will not be tolerated. Offensive and inappropriate behaviour includes, but is not limited to, taunts related to gender, sexual orientation, disability, or physical appearance; the dissemination of sexually explicit images (indecent exposure); intimidation; stalking; harassment; insistent requests for photographs, videos, or audio recordings; systematic disruption of others’ activities; inappropriate physical contact; and unwanted sexual attention.
In general, any behaviour that may embarrass or make other people feel uncomfortable is prohibited.