Ticino’s accelerator for early-stage startups is ready to welcome the most promising ideas. InfoDay scheduled for May 7 in Lugano.

The Boldbrain Startup Challenge, an acceleration program for early-stage startups, officially opens the call for its 2025 edition, confirming its status as a national benchmark for innovation. Applications will be accepted from April 16 to June 5, 2025 (until 11:50 PM), offering aspiring entrepreneurs and teams from across Switzerland — and beyond — the chance to apply to one of the most dynamic programs in the Ticino startup ecosystem.

The program, promoted by Fondazione Agire in collaboration with the USI Startup Centre, offers three months of intensive acceleration, designed to help entrepreneurial teams structure their projects and access a qualified network of experts and partners.

USI EMBA (Executive MBA), as one of Boldbrain’s key partners, supports the initiative by contributing its expertise in executive education and innovation management. This collaboration enhances the program’s strategic offering and strengthens its ties to the academic and business community. The winner of the Boldbrain Startup Challenge will be awarded a full scholarship for the Executive MBA.

Boldbrain Startup Challenge is open to startups from any industry, with early-stage projects aiming to develop and solidify their business model. There are no sectoral restrictions, but the focus is on originality, scalability, and strong motivation to develop the project in Ticino. The program will run from September to December 2025, including training sessions, one-on-one coaching, and strategic networking events. It will conclude in December with a celebratory evening featuring the awarding of prizes exceeding CHF 215,000.

Sustainability remains a priority in 2025, with the continued inclusion of a dedicated workshop in collaboration with Impact Hub Ticino, as well as new initiatives aimed at enhancing the program’s environmental and social impact.

Since its inception in 2018, over 770 projects have applied to the Boldbrain Startup Challenge. Out of these, 140 startups have been selected and supported through the growth process. The program has proven highly effective, with 50% of these startups going on to establish a company, generating a positive impact on the local economy.

To learn more about the accelerator, an InfoDAY will be held on May 7 at Locanda della Masseria in Lugano — an opportunity to meet the organizing team, program alumni, and prospective candidates. Participation is free, but registration is required through the official website: www.boldbrain.ch

Applications must be submitted online by June 5, 2025, via the website.

Foldcast ( Andrea Realini, Fabio Amicarelli, Ena Lloret-Fritschi)

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