Want to learn more about the Startup Camps EnergyTech cohort?
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Applications for the Startup Camps EnergyTech Cohort, powered by Innosuisse and managed by Swissnex, taking place in the third quarter of 2026, are open from 23 February to 17 April. This is an opportunity to engage with Brazil’s fast-evolving energy ecosystem and explore concrete pathways for innovation, validation and partnerships in one of the world’s most dynamic markets.
The camp will run from 24 August to 4 September, coinciding with The smarter E South America, one of LATAM’s biggest energy events, offering participating startups an intensive, on-the-ground programme in Brazil focused on market validation, stakeholder engagement and ecosystem exploration.
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Test your energy solution in Brazil
Brazil is one of the world’s most dynamic energy markets, combining scale, rapid renewable expansion and strong investment momentum. In 2024, approximately 88,2% of the country’s electricity generation came from renewable sources, placing it among the cleanest large power systems globally (Balanço Energético Nacional (BEN) of 2025). At the same time, the Brazilian renewable energy market is valued at USD 17.4 billion in 2025 and is projected to reach USD 31.0 billion by 2034, growing at a CAGR of 6.6% (imarc: Brazil Renewable Energy Market Report by Type (Wind, Solar, Hydro, Bioenergy, and Others), and Region 2026-2034).
Solar, wind and biomass are expanding rapidly, while green hydrogen is emerging as a promising frontier, supported by government initiatives and sustained private and foreign investment. This positions the country as a living laboratory for solutions related to the energy transition, grid modernisation, storage, digital energy systems and the decarbonisation of industry and cities.
Beyond generation, Brazil presents challenges and opportunities across the entire energy value chain, including the expansion and modernisation of transmission and distribution infrastructure, the integration of intermittent renewables, energy efficiency at scale and data-driven energy management. For innovative startups, this creates fertile ground for pilots, partnerships and market validation.
Switzerland already maintains strong economic ties with Brazil, and Swiss energy and cleantech solutions are well regarded, creating favourable conditions for collaboration and market entry.
What to expect from the Startup Camps
Startup Camps are internationalisation programmes designed to support Swiss startups in exploring new markets through structured, on-the-ground engagement. They combine strategic guidance with direct access to local ecosystems and are offered in two formats:
Market Validation Camp: a one-month programme to test your business idea on site and develop a concrete market entry strategy.
Market Entry Camp: a three-month programme to accelerate market entry and lay the foundations for a long-term presence.
For the EnergyTech cohort, São Paulo will serve as the primary base, offering direct access to corporates, utilities, investors and research institutions. Depending on strategic fit and participant interests, the programme may also include targeted visits to Pernambuco, a region playing an increasingly relevant role in Brazil’s renewable energy and energy transition agenda.
Each camp includes:
• Tailored support from Swissnex in Brazil;
• A personalised agenda with virtual and in-person meetings;
• A stipend to support travel to Brazil;
• Access to Swissnex’s offices as a home base;
• Opportunities to align activities with major sector events or thematic cohorts;
• Full access to Swissnex’s network and ecosystem insights.
The Startup Camps EnergyTech will bring together Swiss startups working across different segments of the energy value chain. In addition to individual, tailor-made agendas aligned with each startup’s objectives, the cohort will include joint activities and shared moments with other Swiss energy actors, fostering peer exchange and ecosystem-level connections.
Who can apply?
• Swiss startups enrolled in Innosuisse Initial, Core or Scale-up Coaching programs;
• Swiss startups that have received the Innosuisse Certificate within the past three years;
• Startups that do not meet these criteria must first apply to Innosuisse Core Coaching.