Schneider-Ammann launches CTI Market Entry Camp India

This Friday and Saturday Federal Councillor Johann Schneider-Ammann is on a two-day economic and innovation mission to India as both countries seek to boost their bilateral ties. It is the first visit by a Swiss Minister since Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government came to power in May, 2014. Schneider-Ammann will discuss various issues, including those related to trade and ways to further strengthen bilateral economic co-operation. He is accompanied by a business and media delegation, and Swiss politicians.

He will also visit swissnex India and the office space for Swiss startups. After a welcome address by Balz Strasser, CEO swissnex India and Consul General in Bangalore, Walter Steinlin, President of CTI, and Prateek Khare, Head Innovation and Entrepreneurship will present the CTI Market Entry Camp India and why Bangalore/ India is an attractive proposition for Swiss startups. After the official opening ceremony, two CTI startups, Pracman and Lucentix will showcase their companies and experience in India. Pracman will launch its new software product for the Indian market during the visit.

“Federal Councillor Schneider-Ammann’s visit to Bangalore highlights the opportunities and potentials lying in India, and specifically Bangalore for Swiss startups. India present an attractive market for Swiss technologies, and is as well an important R&D and tech centre in India, e.g. for the development of MVP’s”, comments Prateek Khare. 

Official Launch of the CTI Market Entry Camp
The CTI Market Entry Camp India was until now in a pilot phase in India. This is now the official launch of the Camp in India, given the increase in traction and inflow of Swiss startups into India over the last one and a half years. 

Startups selected for the Camp get a desk for up to 3 months in swissnex India office, in-house mentoring and refining of business model for India, business culture in India, taxation and operations in India, legal and compliances issues, introduction to local experts and best accelerators in India, and networking opportunities through launch events and external international platforms.

Startups can continue to apply on swissnex India Website or write directly to Prateek Khare (prateek.khare@swissnexindia.org) for information on the CTI Market Entry Camp India. CTI startups can be eligible for a travel sponsorship.

In addition to his visit of swissnex India Schneider-Ammann will meet with his counterpart, the Minister of State for Commerce and Industry, Nirmala Sitharaman. Discussions will focus on bilateral economic relations, negotiations on the free trade agreement between EFTA and India, and economic developments in southern Asia. Visits on the theme of innovation are also planned in Bangalore.

During his visit to Delhi, Mr Schneider-Ammann will also meet Finance Minister Arun Jaitley to discuss a number of issues related to economic and financial cooperation. The head of department will also have the opportunity to discuss topics related to vocational education and training with the Minister for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Rajiv Pratap Rudy.