Startup Camps

Powered by Innosuisse and managed by Swissnex

Are you an early-stage Swiss startup looking to test your product on the US market or ready to start selling to American customers? The Startup Camps in Boston and New York, powered by Innosuisse and managed by Swissnex, will give you the knowledge and contacts you need. We offer two types of camps:

  • Market
    Validation Camp


    A tailor-made program of up to one month to test your startup's business idea onsite and develop a market entry strategy.

  • Market
    Entry Camp


    A tailor-made program of up to three months to accelerate your startup’s market entry, giving it a jump-start in a new country.

How Do the
Camps Work?

Although Switzerland is repeatedly ranked as the world’s most innovative country, the size of its market remains relatively limited. Because it is crucial for Swiss startups to think globally from the get-go, the Swiss innovation agency Innosuisse launched Startup Camps that offer early-stage Swiss startups a first step into important foreign markets. In partnership with Swissnex, Innosuisse developed two types of Startup Camps: a Market Validation Camp and a Market Entry Camp.

 

In Boston and New York, Swissnex runs these two camps throughout the year. When applying, startups choose either Boston or New York as a camp location and if accepted, agree with Swissnex on an appropriate start date, which can coincide with relevant events or conferences in the US. The startup will then complete a program of up to one month (market validation) or up to three months (market entry), during which it will benefit from tailored support from Swissnex. It will also receive a stipend allowing it to visit the selected location during the chosen time frame.

Q2 2026 Camps

We are offering the following Startup Camps on the East Coast between April and June, 2026.

Boston | Biotech Startup Camp | June 15–19, 2026

Immerse yourself in one of the top life sciences hubs in the US and meet with pharmaceuticals,  lawyers, and ecosystem experts during a week-long program. After the conclusion of the program, participants may also choose to attend the BIO International Convention, June 22-25 in San Diego.

New York | NY Tech Week Startup Camp | June 1–7, 2026

Join a one-week tech program in New York to gain insights and networking opportunities during one of the world’s premiere tech festivals at NY Tech Week, a unique platform to connect with top investors, industry leaders, and startup founders.

Boston and New York | All Industries | March–June 2026

Throughout the year, Swissnex offers individual startups support tailored to their specific needs. If you are interested in exploring the market on the East Coast, we can give you the insights and connections you need!

What you get

All of the Startup Camps in Boston and New York offer participants:

  • Meetings with administrative, legal, and regulatory experts on key topics including incorporation, hiring, taxation, immigration, regulatory approval, intellectual property, and reimbursement
  • Pitch training and feedback from US investors
  • Tailored in-person sessions
  • Opportunity to attend networking events to build relationships on the East Coast

Application

Who can apply?

  • Swiss startups that are enrolled in Innosuisse Start-up Coaching (Initial, Core, or Scale-up Coaching)
  • Swiss startups that have been awarded the Innosuisse Certificate within the past three years
  • Startups that do not fulfill either of these criteria must first apply to Innosuisse’s Coaching.
  • Startups must be incorporated in Switzerland.

Application Criteria

Participation is based on a competitive selection process. To be selected, startups must demonstrate:

  • A clear interest and strategic rationale for entering the US market
  • Sufficient resources (team capacity and financial means) to support internationalization efforts

How to apply?

The application process includes a call to determine the fit of the program for a startup, followed by an online application. To begin the application process, schedule an interview with Loris Peduzzi (Boston) or Sirine Ameur (New York).

Applications for Startup Camps in Q2 2026 (April-June) are open now. Application Deadline: January 30, 2026.

If you have any questions, contact Loris Peduzzi ([email protected]), Programs Associate in Boston, or Sirine Ameur ([email protected]), Startup Manager in New York.

Types of Camps

Market Validation Camp

The Market Validation Camp offers you the opportunity to experience the target market in person, test your business idea on-site, talk to local experts, and develop a tailored market entry strategy. This includes:

  • An individualized and tailor-made program with full immersion in the target market of up to four weeks
  • An opportunity to validate and test your product, service, or business model on-site
  • Scouting services and targeted introductions to potential customers, investors, and business partners
  • Internationalization mentoring and continuous guidance
  • Office and meeting space with on-site support
  • A stipend to cover a portion of your travel expenses
  • A series of webinars on topics including Pitching in the US, Cultural Intelligence, How to Methodically Evaluate the US Market, US Legal Basics, Intellectual Property & Property Rights, Fundraising Strategies in the US, Swiss Entrepreneurs in the US
  • Access to the Swissnex Expert Network

 

Market Entry Camp

The Market Entry Camp will catalyze your business expansion and accelerate your market entry, giving your startup a jump start in a new country. It is recommended that you complete the Market Validation Camp before applying for the Market Entry Camp. This includes:

  • An individualized and tailor-made program of up to three months to accelerate market entry
  • Scouting services and targeted introduction to potential customers, investors, and business partners
  • Office and meeting space with on-site support
  • A stipend to cover a portion of your travel expenses
  • A series of webinars on topics including Foundations of US Incorporation, Global Operations & Accounting, Product Pricing in the US, Taxation in the US, Hiring in the US, Public Relations & Media in the US
  • Access to the Swissnex Expert Network

Partner

Innosuisse is the Swiss Innovation Agency. Its role is to promote science-based innovation in the interest of the economy and society in Switzerland.

Startup Testimonials