Schweizisk Accelerator for Bæredygtighed & Foodtech

Støtter

By design our program makes businesses sustainable – both financially and for the climate & nature. We only accept startups whose solution will add value to society (for example, Millions of Tones CO2 eq. removed/avoided, lives saved), and all startups in the accelerator will be advised about how to make their business climate responsible and must intend to offset their emissions or actively reduce GHG to be considered. To maximise their benefit from the program, Startups will need to travel and be present in Switzerland 2 times: for our Bootcamp and Halftime activities. These events generate connections and facilitate collaboration with our partners, mentors and investors. The remainder of the program operates online.  The opportunity to compete for up to CHF 1M in non-dilutive cash prizes and other in-kind awards. Our accelerator supports startups from all industries. In addition we have 3 tracks where startups receive additional specialized support and resources from our partners, mentors, and VCs. Startups interested in participating in the tracks can apply via the 2026 MassChallenge Switzerland accelerator application form, which will open from January 14 to March 4, 2026. Startups can be from any geography and should select the relevant track of interest in the application form. Startups DO NOT need to be in any of these industries to apply to MassChallenge Switzerland. In 2026, Switzerland’s tracks include 3 focuses on sustainability and impact: Agtech & Foodtech: Brings together the largest multi-national food corporations, world-class mentorship from food experts, and tailored curriculum focused on sustainability, food and packaging to accelerate the impact of startups working in agriculture, food, biotech & animal feed. Startups should have: Impactful products, technologies With the potential to drive substantial economic growth and to transform society. A concept that is viable Startups must be able to demonstrate traction amongst those participating in their solution, as well as how their idea is financially sustainable. A concept that is scalable Startups must be able to show how their solution scales and that their pricing is market competitive. Less than CHF 2M capital raised and CHF 2M sales; you do not need to be incorporated. What’s important is the impact, viability, and scalability of your idea. We’ve asked our cohort if they would recommend the program to other startups; in 2025, the average score was 9+ out of 10, from 89 responses. Here are testimonials: "MassChallenge fundamentally helped us sharpen our business model and translate deeptech innovation into a scalable, investor-ready company. The mentors and founders we met there became a true community, the people who challenged our assumptions, opened doors, and accelerated our fundraising readiness. Their support was a game changer in shaping Porelio into the impact-driven company we are today." Rhea Machado CEO & Co-founder, Porelio, Platinum Winner 2025 "The whole Apheros team is truly grateful for the opportunity to be part of this year’s program. The support from MassChallenge and its partners – from insightful lectures and coaching to valuable introductions – has opened important new doors, and we are excited about the commercial opportunities now taking shape." Julia Carpenter CEO & Co-founder, Apheros, Platinum Winner 2025 “We joined MassChallenge Switzerland with the hopes of building new partnerships and gaining access to an internationally recognized accelerator. What we received has exceeded all expectations. The feedback from the judges and now the support from the partners to further scale our impact. With their support, we will continue to transform more lives in Namibia to achieve SDG 6 and always welcome them to visit us. Thank you!" Kv Tjatjara CEO & Co-founder, Flushh, Silver Winner 2025 "The MC program has been a truly transformative experience, helping us accelerate our growth in the right direction. Over just a few intense months, we had the privilege of engaging with an incredible network of high-calibre mentors who supported us across every key area from regulatory strategy to go-to-market planning, fundraising, and beyond." Greta Preatoni CEO & Co-founder, Mynerva, Diamond Winner 2025 "The program challenged our assumptions and connected us with an extraordinary community whose dedication reminded us that real impact grows through collaboration. We’re sincerely grateful to the entire MassChallenge team for their commitment, their expertise, and the many meaningful encounters that accelerated our journey in ways we hadn’t imagined." Kathrin Schumilin CEO & Co-founder, Mangolade, Silver Winner 2025 "MassChallenge fundamentally helped us sharpen our business model and translate deeptech innovation into a scalable, investor-ready company. The mentors and founders we met there became a true community, the people who challenged our assumptions, opened doors, and accelerated our fundraising readiness. Their support was a game changer in shaping Porelio into the impact-driven company we are today." Rhea Machado CEO & Co-founder, Porelio, Platinum Winner 2025 "The whole Apheros team is truly grateful for the opportunity to be part of this year’s program. The support from MassChallenge and its partners – from insightful lectures and coaching to valuable introductions – has opened important new doors, and we are excited about the commercial opportunities now taking shape." Julia Carpenter CEO & Co-founder, Apheros, Platinum Winner 2025