Innosuisse Innovation Mentoring

Transform your innovative ideas into successful innovation projects with free expert guidance from our accredited Innosuisse Mentor.

What is Innosuisse Innovation Mentoring?

Innosuisse Innovation Mentoring is a Swiss government-funded program that provides free expert support to help small organizations evaluate and develop their innovative ideas into national or international innovation projects.

Through this program, you receive professional guidance to:

  • Assess whether your idea has the potential to become a successful innovation project
  • Structure and refine your project concept
  • Identify and connect with the right research partners and implementation partners
  • Develop a compelling Innosuisse funding application
  • Navigate the entire innovation project development process

Best of all? This mentoring is fully funded by Innosuisse through innovation mentoring vouchers—at no cost to your organization.

Why Choose Conexkt for Innosuisse Mentoring?

🎯 Dual Expertise: Mentor + Expert Perspective

At Conexkt, you benefit from a unique combination that few consulting firms can offer:

Alexandre Luyet

Innosuisse Mentor

Guides you through project development, application structuring, and partner connections. With expertise spanning innovation, communication, marketing, entrepreneurship, and strategy, Alexandre helps transform your vision into actionable projects.

Johann Roduit, PhD

Innosuisse Expert

Brings the evaluator's perspective as someone who reviews applications for the Innosuisse Innovation Council. Johann's insights into what makes applications successful gives you a distinct advantage.

This combination means you receive guidance from both sides of the innovation ecosystem—maximizing your chances of success.

🌍 Broad Sector Expertise

Our mentoring covers a wide range of industries and sectors:

  • Aerospace & Automotive
  • Architecture & Design
  • Digitalisation & Data Sciences
  • Energy & Environment
  • Engineering & Industry 4.0
  • Additive Manufacturing
  • Foodtech & Nutrition
  • ICT, IoT & Virtual Reality
  • Logistics & Supply Chain
  • Music & Art
  • Social Sciences
  • Business Management
  • Tourism & Services

🗣️ Multilingual Support

We provide mentoring in English, French, and German, ensuring clear communication throughout your innovation journey.

How the Program Works

Innosuisse offers two types of free mentoring vouchers that can be claimed through the Innolink platform:

Step 1: Initial Assessment Voucher

Value: Up to CHF 1,000 (maximum 5 hours of mentoring work)
Validity: 2 months from submission
Purpose: Determine if your idea has the potential to become a viable innovation project

During this phase, we help you:

  • Evaluate the innovation potential and market viability of your idea
  • Identify potential research partners and collaborators
  • Understand the Innosuisse application requirements
  • Decide on the best path forward for your project

Step 2: Project Initiation or Revision Voucher

Value: Up to CHF 6,000 (maximum 30 hours of mentoring work)
Purpose: Develop a structured Innosuisse application or revise a previously rejected application

During this phase, we help you:

  • Develop a comprehensive and compelling project proposal
  • Establish partnerships with research institutions and implementation partners
  • Structure your application to meet all Innosuisse criteria
  • Refine project objectives, timelines, and budgets
  • Prepare for submission and address potential evaluation concerns

Who is Eligible?

The Innosuisse Innovation Mentoring program is available to Swiss organizations that meet the following criteria:

  • ✅ Organization type: Startups, SMEs, public authorities, associations, or non-profit organizations
  • ✅ Size limit: Fewer than 250 full-time equivalents (FTEs) at the time of application
  • ✅ Location: Based in Switzerland (not part of a larger group exceeding 250 FTEs)
  • ✅ First-time mentoring: Seeking mentoring for this specific project for the first time
  • ✅ No concurrent support: Not currently being advised by another regional or cantonal innovation support body for the same project

Benefits of Working with Conexkt

🎓 Deep Innovation Expertise

Over a decade of experience in innovation strategy, entrepreneurship, and project development across multiple sectors.

🤝 Extensive Network

Strong connections with research institutions, implementation partners, and the Swiss innovation ecosystem.

📋 Proven Track Record

Experience guiding organizations through successful Innosuisse applications and innovation project implementations.

🔍 Holistic Approach

Beyond mentoring, we offer comprehensive support services including strategy consulting, digital transformation, science communication, and more—ensuring your project succeeds at every stage.

💡 Objective Perspective

As independent mentors, we provide honest, objective assessments of your project's viability and the best path forward.

Our Mentoring Process

  1. Initial Consultation – We discuss your innovation idea and determine the best mentoring approach
  2. Voucher Application – We guide you through applying for the appropriate Innosuisse mentoring voucher
  3. Assessment & Strategy – We evaluate your idea's potential and develop a strategic roadmap
  4. Partner Identification – We help identify and connect with suitable research and implementation partners
  5. Application Development – We work together to create a compelling Innosuisse funding application
  6. Submission & Beyond – We support you through submission and can continue supporting your project implementation

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to pay for the mentoring?

No. The mentoring is fully funded by Innosuisse through the voucher system. There is no cost to your organization for this service.

What if my application was previously rejected?

You can apply for a Step 2 voucher to receive mentoring support in revising and resubmitting your application with improvements.

Are mentors involved in evaluating my final application?

No. Innosuisse mentors are not involved in the evaluation process for the applications they help develop. This ensures objective support without conflicts of interest.

Can I receive mentoring in multiple languages?

Yes. We provide mentoring services in English, French, and German based on your preference.

What happens after the mentoring is complete?

After developing your application with our mentoring support, you submit it to Innosuisse for evaluation. If approved, your innovation project moves into the implementation phase. Conexkt can continue supporting you through project management, communication, and other services beyond the mentoring program.

Ready to Start Your Innovation Journey?

Don't let a great idea go unrealized. Let's explore how Innosuisse mentoring can help you transform your innovation concept into a funded, impactful project.

Schedule Your Free Consultation

Let's discuss your innovation idea and determine if Innosuisse mentoring is right for you.

Get Started
Email us: hello@conexkt.world

Additional Resources

Conexkt is a Certified B Corporation dedicated to helping businesses and communities turn ideas into impactful results.
Based in Switzerland and Canada, we guide projects from concept to success.