Newly opened InnoQube Accelerator awaits startups in Chur

InnoQube Startup Program is a 12-week startup program aiming to support early-stage startups from Switzerland and abroad in building thriving businesses. With the mission "Think Global, Act Local", InnoQube empowers entrepreneurs to develop ideas that can reach a global audience while remaining rooted in their regional identity.

Preparations for the first edition are underway; program coordinators await applications for Batch I until April 1. Eligible to apply are incorporated early-stage startups (up to Series A) developing solutions in the fields of Health, Food, Sports, Agriculture, Hospitality, Supply Chain, CleanTech, Government, Construction, or SpaceTech. Selected startups must be committed to participating in person in Chur for at least four of the eight weeks. All expenses will be covered during the two months, and in return, founders will be required to invest three percent of their equity.

Behind InnoQube Switzerland is Alexander Fries, an experienced entrepreneur and investor with over 23 years of experience in Silicon Valley. He founded and sold his two companies, SVOX and PlaySpan, and is on the board of several startups. He is an active investor with various venture capital firms, such as Silicon Valley VC firm Ecosystem Ventures, which invested in SpaceX, Facebook, and many Swiss startups. Furthermore, he is the co-founder of Geneva-based Alpana Ventures and the 2022-launched fund, Digital Twins Capital. In his new role at InnoQube, Alexander Fries aims to prepare non-USA startups to be on par with their peers from the US. “Europe/CH has the better technology, but they don't know how to sell themselves or how to play the VC game”, he said.

The program has established strategic partnerships with various innovation hubs, including renowned ecosystems such as Silicon Valley, Delhi, Dubai and Berlin. The program further aims to facilitate global collaboration between start-ups and corporate companies as well as provide access to capital through its investor network. The program’s own fund, Digital Twins Capital, will also be looking out for outstanding startups.

From April 29 through June 21, 2024 up to 25 startups will engage in different programs. The workshops are designed in four modules: foundation building, market entry, scaling and expansion and Pitch and funding strategies, each providing participants with the tools to navigate challenges, refine their strategies, and achieve significant growth. The Demo day will bring the startups on stage to present their accomplishments to the audience. 

(RAN)