Innosuisse has published its accreditation process for start-up coaches

The Innosuisse coaching program also includes specialized support in various areas such as legal and regulatory advice, support for international market entry and help in securing necessary financing. Start-ups that receive a coaching voucher from Innosuisse can only use this voucher to procure themselves coaching services from Innosuisse accredited coaches. After the start-up has chosen a coach and both parties have mutually agreed to the coaching terms, Innosuisse pays the coach for its coaching services via a voucher system (c.f. Innosuisse’s funding ordinance for more information).

The quality of the Innosuisse program depends heavily on the deep experience, know-how and professional network of its coaches who have first-hand experience of running their own start-ups. Coaches are assessed every two years to determine if they continue to meet the Innosuisse quality requirements. 

The role

The coach provides active coaching and support of start-up companies that have been issued an Innosuisse coaching voucher. The coach works with the CEO and/or management team of the start-up, beginning with an in-depth assessment of the business idea and plan. The coach then works with the company to achieve the defined milestones set in the Innosuisse voucher within a given timeframe. Throughout the collaboration, the coach proactively supports the start-up by evaluating and highlighting special needs and proposes external and internal network support as needed.

The requirements

Business: The most important criteria to become a coach is to have experience as founder of a start-up in the area of science-based innovation. Additional experience in general management with P&L responsibilities is an advantage.

Management: To have significant experience in strategy formulation, industrialization, forecasting, product development, marketing and sales, finance, fundraising, organizational development, team building, etc.

Innovation: To have led science-based innovation projects from conception through product development to commercialization.

Networks: Strong network of contacts of investors and business partners in Switzerland and abroad. Excellent industrial/business relations in Swiss and in international start-up ecosystems.

Personality: Open, excellent communicator, prepared to listen, used to work autonomously and motivated by teamwork. Ready to collaborate with other Innosuisse accredited start-up coaches.

New candidates with expertise in the following sectors will be particularly valued:

• IT: UI/UX, Digital marketing, Cybersecurity, Software Architecture, AI
• Fintech: ICO, Blockchain, Cybersecurity
• Life Sciences: Digital health, UI/UX, Big data, Machine learning, Insights-as-a-Service (IaaS)
• Engineering: Manufacturing, Robotics

The application

It is important for Innosuisse to have individuals in the coaching team who love the work and challenge of coaching young science-based start-ups. Candidates that believe to fulfill the above-mentioned requirements and that would like to enter the selection process are asked to send their application to startup@innosuisse.ch.

Applications shall include:

1. Mandatory: A motivation letter explaining why the candidate wishes to coach start-ups for Innosuisse and where the candidate would bring value to the start-ups
2. Mandatory: The filled-out Innosuisse Coach Accreditation Form which can be downloaded from the Innosuisse website
3. Optional: Curriculum Vitae

Important note: Current Innosuisse coaches must apply for the accreditation and will be automatically granted an interview. New candidates will go through a pre-screening and pre-selected candidates will be invited to an interview.

Application deadline for new candidates: 20 June 2018

(Press release)