RUAG is looking for start-ups with innovations for more security

As a technology partner of the Swiss armed forces and a holistic security company, innovations are a central, strategic element of RUAG’s business. Its accelerator programme, which promotes collaboration with start-ups, focuses on start-ups that together with RUAG will make a contribution to the security of Switzerland with innovative products or services. Pascal Gaggero, who is responsible for the accelerator at RUAG, explains: “We understand security very comprehensively, including not only in the defence sector, but also, for example, with health risks or the effects of climate change.”

The programme is also flexible when it comes to the maturity of the start-up. “We’re not just about low hanging fruit,” says Gaggero. A multi-stage process ensures that RUAG pursues only those collaborations that bring added value for both the start-up and the defence company.

Comprehensive support

RUAG provides the start-ups with experts, laboratories and test and development facilities, such as the well-known wind tunnel at the Emmen site. The young companies benefit from support on the business side: the group activates its network of partners and customers, and shares its expertise and knowledge of the market specifics; for example, the tender process.

Start-up selection starts with a pre-evaluation, in which the accelerator team makes direct contact with the applicants. Four companies are selected for the first phase of the programme and they work together over three months to clarify both the technology and the business. The project’s technical risks are addressed and the business potential evaluated, helped by interviews with potential partners and customers.

At the end of the three months, the start-ups introduce themselves at an ‘impact day’ to RUAG’s management, including the CEO and Head of Sales. One or two projects that show great potential and which fit particularly well with RUAG will then move on to the 12-month validation phase, in which the product or service goes through intensive development.

The next three-month programme will start in March 2022. The pre-evaluation has already started and applications are open until the end of December. More information is available at www.ruag.ch/accelerator.

(SK)