The Plan
The programme will take place over one week on-site in India in late February / early March 2026. The exact dates will be announced soon. Prior to the on-site week, virtual sessions will be held to ensure a smooth experience and thorough preparation for the participants. The overall programme includes the following components:
- Preparatory Activities:
- Engage in online modules and discussions with Swissnex coaches four to six weeks before the on-site visit to India.
- Develop clear milestones for an impactful engagement during the on-site week.
- Orientation & Sector Immersion:
- Gain in-depth insights into India’s sustainability and energy landscape and market dynamics through group sessions and workshops.
- Strategic Meetings:
- Participate in five to six tailored bilateral meetings with relevant actors in the field of sustainability and energy in India.
- Receive support through briefing and debriefing sessions with a Swissnex coach to fine-tune your approach.
- Visibility:
- Present your innovations to around 400 ecosystem players at a dedicated conference in India.
- Post-Visit Support:
- Receive 15 days of follow-up assistance to help you capitalise on the connections and opportunities created during the programme.
Why India?
- Vast Market Potential: With 1.4 billion people and one of the highest climate risk rankings worldwide, India faces urgent sustainability challenges. The country’s clean energy sector alone is projected to reach $74 billion by 2030, creating unparalleled opportunities for Swiss startups to scale impactful solutions.
- Global Renewable Powerhouse: India ranks 4th worldwide in renewable power capacity and is targeting 500 GW of non-fossil capacity by 2030 and net-zero by 2070. This momentum provides a powerful launchpad for Swiss innovations in renewable energy, storage, and decarbonisation.
- Policy & Financial Tailwinds: Supportive frameworks, from reduced taxes on renewable components to mandatory ESG reporting for the top 1000 listed companies, are accelerating the adoption of sustainable technologies and creating attractive conditions for international investments.
- Innovation Meets Frugal Engineering: India’s proven strengths in cost-efficient engineering, rapid deployment, and large-scale market adaptation make it an ideal environment to pair with Swiss precision and innovation. Together, these capabilities can deliver affordable, globally competitive clean-tech solutions.
- Momentum for Collaboration: Backed by strong investor confidence, rapid urbanisation, and deepening bilateral ties, India’s sustainability sector is primed for growth. The new Switzerland–India Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA) further lowers entry barriers and opens doors to impactful cross-border collaborations.
Who Can Apply
Startups headquartered in Switzerland and incorporated within the last five years are eligible to apply.
We encourage applications from early-stage to growth-stage startups that have developed a late-stage prototype and are ready for market validation.
Startups currently participating in the Innosuisse Coaching Program are strongly encouraged to apply.
To register your interest, fill out this form. The deadline is October 31. For any questions or clarifications, please contact the Innovation team. Their details can be found below.
By participating in the Sustainability Cohort India 2026, Swiss startups can enhance their market presence, forge valuable partnerships with Indian industry leaders and contribute to the rising need for sustainable energy solutions.
