Silicon Valley Immersion
Immerse yourself in the thriving Silicon Valley Innovation ecosystem.
The “Swissnex Bridge | Silicon Valley Immersion” program is tailored for Swiss entrepreneurs to immerse in the dynamic Silicon Valley ecosystem, enhancing their understanding of US business culture and fostering leadership and entrepreneurial growth. The program adopts a holistic approach focusing on mindset cultivation, network expansion, skills development, nurturing a growth mindset, and facilitating connections with local experts. The program is a collaboration between Swissnex in San Francisco and Swiss USAccelerator.
Swissnex in San Francisco
For over 13 years, Swissnex in San Francisco supported and observed the journeys of Swiss startups that plan to expand to the US and coached Swiss entrepreneurs. The 180 startups that have gone through Swissnex in San Francisco’s programs have collectively raised over $2.1 billion, and three of them are unicorns.
SWISS USAccelerator
SWISS USAcclerator specializes in linking Swiss entrepreneurs with a network of experts and organizations experienced in the US market entry. It connects them with both seasoned entrepreneurs and peers on a similar path. This network is dedicated to helping Swiss startups validate their products in the US, gain market intelligence, create essential connections, and develop clear, strategic plans for success.
The Program in Detail
The program spans seven days across Switzerland and the US, leading to a holistic approach that focuses on cultivating a silicon valley mindset as well as providing networking opportunities in the Bay Area.
Switzerland
Day 1 – 2 (Aug 22 – Aug 23), Laying the Silicon Valley Groundwork
- History of Silicon Valley
- Networking Mastery
- Cultivate a Growth Mindset
- Leadership Readiness
- Learn from Role Models
San Francisco
Day 3 (Aug 26), Aligning Business with Broader Horizons
- Impact Mindset
- Navigating Business Cultures
Day 4 (Aug 27), Amplify your Voice & Vision
- Storytelling Workshop
- Value Proposition Canvas
- Market Analysis Deep-Dive
Day 5-6 (Aug 28- Aug 29), Dive into the Tech World’s Epicenter
- Silicon Valley Visit
- Stakeholder Engagement
Day 7 (Aug 30), Conclusion
Admission Criteria
In order to provide to be able to provide the best experience for our Swissnex Bridge participants, they need to fulfill some admission criteria.
To ensure a successful and enriching experience, the program has established a set of admission criteria that prospective participants must meet.
Candidates must have a strong connection with Switzerland, demonstrating their intention to establish their business within the country.
Financial stability is also a further factor, as candidates should have or seek sufficient resources to cover participation costs and sustain operations.
Also, Candidates must not have any affiliation with Innosuisse.
Furthermore, the program places a strong emphasis on the viability and potential of the candidates’ business ideas. Candidates should have their business ideas validated through market research or customer feedback, indicating a solid understanding of the market and customer needs. Additionally, candidates should possess a long-term strategy that includes potential entry into the U.S. market, showcasing their ambition and vision for growth. It is also important that the candidates’ business ideas align with Swissnex’s mission and values, ensuring a harmonious fit within the program’s objectives.
Lastly, we seek participants with a strong willingness to learn, the ability to commit the necessary time and effort, openness to challenge their mindset, and proficiency in English.
More Info
For more information and specific admission criteria, please contact Kaspar Zimmerli, Lead & Co-Founder at SWISS USAccelerator.
Apply until May 24, 2024, to be part of this Cohort of Swissnex Bridge | Silicon Valley Immersion.