Deepika Prithviraj
Head of Innovation
Startup Camps
We help Swiss startups validate their innovation in India and then support them in entering the market through tailored research, local partnerships and launching on the ground.
Startup Camps
If you are a Swiss startup in the Innosuisse Coaching Program interested in India, one of the world’s fastest-growing economies, this is where your journey begins. We support innovative Swiss startups in evaluating their fit for the Indian market through the Market Validation Camp, and once you’re ready to expand, we guide you through the Market Entry phase. Throughout the journey, we work closely with you to ensure a deep understanding of the Indian ecosystem and connect you with key stakeholders from our extensive network.
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Market Validation Camp
Get mentored in adapting your business model for India, re-strategise your competitive intelligence / sales / pricing / partner / hiring / distribution strategies, and leave with the ability to run your own activities in India. The Validation Camp has a duration of one month with a stipend of CHF 3,000.
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Market Entry Camp
If you are ready to enter the Indian market, we hack your growth with exposure to key international startup platforms. On a need basis we provide access to investors, first potential customers or partners, knowledge of scaling your business in India and assistance in acquiring or hiring the right talents on the ground. The Entry Camp has a stipend of CHF 6,000.
Upcoming Startup Camps
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Open Call | Startup Camp India – Healthtech 2027
August 3, 2026 — September 20, 2026Swiss startups working on lifesciences, medtech and digital health can apply. Deadline is September 20.
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Open Call | Startup Camp India – SpaceTech 2026
April 23, 2026 — August 10, 2026Swiss startups working on space technologies, satellite applications and the real-world uses of satellite data can apply. Deadline is August 10.
Important Details
Market Validation Camp
- The Market Validation Camp is an up-to-one-month, tailor-made programme powered by Innosuisse to help Swiss startups evaluate India as a potential market.
- Startups gain immersive, first-hand exposure to the Indian ecosystem through on-site validation, expert meetings, and market research.
- Participants can attend the camp either in-person in India or online, with the programme customised to suit their needs.
- Startups receive a CHF 3,000 stipend to cover travel and F&B expenses, along with access to a working and meeting space.
- Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
- Eligibility requirements:
- Enrollment in an Innosuisse Coaching Programme (initial, core or scale-up) or
- Innosuisse Certificate awarded within the past three years
- Startups not fulfilling these must first apply for Innosuisse Coaching
- Startups not meeting this requirement must first apply to the Innosuisse Coaching Programme.
- During the camp, Swissnex in India helps startups:
- Map key stakeholders (customers, investors, partners, opinion leaders)
- Understand competition and potential collaborators
- Determine market fit and pricing
- Evaluate supply-chain localisation
- Assess risks and market evolution
- Understand policies and regulatory considerations
- Make informed go/no-go decisions for entering the Indian market
Market Entry Camp
- The Market Entry Camp is a three-month, customised programme powered by Innosuisse to support Swiss startups ready to enter the Indian market.
- Participants receive resources, guidance, and hands-on support to establish their business presence in India.
- The programme covers:
- Choosing the most suitable company structure
- Understanding tax implications
- Hiring the first employee
- Developing the market and finding first customers
- Startups get access to workshops, mentorship from experienced industry players, and curated networking opportunities.
- Swissnex in India helps startups identify potential partners, adapt products to Indian market needs, connect with customers and investors, and support market development.
- Participants receive a CHF 6,000 stipend to cover travel and F&B expenses, along with a working and meeting space and on-site support.
- Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
- Eligibility requirements:
- Enrollment in an Innosuisse Coaching Programme (initial, core or scale-up) or
- Innosuisse Certificate awarded within the past three years
- Startups not fulfilling these must first apply for Innosuisse Coaching
- The camp can be attended in-person or online, though in-person participation is strongly preferred to ensure deeper engagement and relationship-building.
- During the camp, Swissnex in India supports startups to:
- Access industry platforms and events to promote their offering
- Connect with policymakers for strategic insights
- Run pilots to test and validate the product in India
- Manage company setup, payroll, legal requirements and first hires
- Identify and finalise suitable office space
Past Startup Camps
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Sustainability Cohort India 2026
February 19, 2026 — March 3, 2026Meet the six Swiss sustainability startups in renewable energy, clean-tech and decarbonisation solutions participating in the Sustainability Camp 2026. This programme offers a unique opportunity to validate solutions, foster partnerships and explore business growth in one of the world’s largest and fastest-growing markets for sustainable technologies.
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AssiStart: Indo-Swiss Assistive Technologies Week 2025
March 4, 2025 — May 31, 2025Swiss startups have the unique opportunity to explore and expand into the dynamic Indian market while contributing to global advancements in assistive technologies. AssiStart: Indo-Swiss Assistive Technology Week 2025 seeks to foster cooperation between Switzerland and India, leveraging Swiss innovation and expertise in assistive technology to address the growing needs of diverse populations in both countries. Startup Camp is powered by Innosuisse and managed by Swissnex.
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Startup Camp in India 2025
July 1, 2025 — August 31, 2025Swiss startups ready to scale can apply to the Startup Camp in India, powered by Innosuisse and managed by Swissnex, which will take place in the fourth quarter of this year in India. The camp offers a chance to explore and internationalise to the Indian market—one of the fastest-growing economies and most vibrant startup ecosystems. Startups will get a chance to validate their products, build meaningful partnerships and evaluate long-term business potential in India. The programme is sector agnostic and startups from all fields can apply.
Partner
Contact
Atul Kavitake
Innovation Manager
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