Academia-Industry Training (AIT) Programme India

The Academia-Industry Training (AIT) India programme helps early-career Swiss and Indian scientists turn their inventions into viable innovations with global market potential. Supported by SERI and mandated by the Leading House South Asia, ZHAW, AIT has, for over a decade, nurtured scientists into entrepreneurs, turning research into real-world impact across sectors like energy and sustainability.

Swiss Startups

Swiss scientists and early-stage entrepreneurs can explore how their research can become a viable business in emerging markets. Through a week-long immersion in India, participants gain first-hand exposure to market realities, meet potential partners and investors, and refine their business strategies with guidance from industry experts. The programme offers workshops on pitching, intellectual property and on scaling deeptech innovations, while also helping participants test the relevance of their technology in new contexts.
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Indian Startups

Indian researchers and early-stage entrepreneurs have a unique opportunity to explore Switzerland’s world-class innovation ecosystem. The programme helps participants refine their research-based ideas into market-ready products through exposure to Swiss expertise in technology transfer, entrepreneurship and applied research. During a week-long immersion, participants receive business coaching, network with investors and industry leaders, and learn to strengthen their business models while aligning their innovations with global standards.

For more than a decade, the Academia-Industry Training (AIT) India programme, led by the Swiss Leading House South Asia at ZHAW, has enabled Swiss and Indian science-based entrepreneurs to explore each other’s innovation ecosystems and turn their research into viable innovations with global market potential.

Swissnex contributes expertise and networking opportunities and is a strong partner for Swiss startups that wish to follow up on the connections made during the Academia-Industry Training.

Visit our open calls page to keep track of upcoming AIT programmes.