Ignite programme
    Ignite programme
    Incubator & Accelerator

    Ignite programme

    Apply by Oct 28, 2026

    About

    An eight-month USI Startup Centre programme that helps teams with an identified market opportunity validate an innovative startup project through milestone-based market testing, workshops and individual coaching.

    Benefits

    • 🧭Startup Validation Support
      A milestone-based programme with targeted workshops, training and individual coaching to test the startup project
    • 📈Venture Assessment and Action Plan
      Participants test the identified market opportunity through direct market engagement and leave with an evidence-based venture assessment and a defined action plan
    • 🧠Entrepreneurial Skills Development
      Participants strengthen their entrepreneurial decision-making skills
    • 🏛️ Governance and Incorporation Guidance
      Foundational guidance on governance and company incorporation

    Eligibility Criteria

    • Mandatory: At least one co-founder must be a student, researcher or recent alumni of USI, SUPSI or affiliated research partners.
    • Mandatory: The project must have an innovative component.
    • Mandatory: The team must demonstrate awareness of the market opportunity and competitive landscape.
    • Mandatory: The team must be able to deliver a demo within 3-4 months.
    • No preferred criteria are publicly stated.

    Participation Commitments

    • ⏱️ Time Commitment
    • Estimated workload of around 8–12 hours per week per person across the programme
    • 🌙 Flexible Session Timing
    • Most workshops and coaching sessions take place in the evenings, allowing participants to continue their regular study or research activities alongside the programme
    • 🧩 Structured Programme Modules
    • The programme consists of five modules: building venture foundations; identifying opportunities and shaping the business; testing venture potential at a go/no-go milestone; conducting market discovery; and developing the business

    Target Region

    Researcher or recent alumni of USI, SUPSI or affiliated research partners.

    Target Sector

    Agriculture & Food, Defense & Security, Education, Energy & Utilities, Financial Services, Government & Public Sector, Healthcare & Life Sciences, Manufacturing, Media & Entertainment, Real Estate & Construction, Retail & Consumer, Semiconductors & Electronics, Sports & Fitness, Telecommunications, Transportation & Logistics, Travel & Hospitality, Other

    USI Startup Centre

    Apply