DayOne
The leading launchpad for early stage healthtech ventures
Helping high-potential healthtech ventures refine their value proposition, gain investor visibility, expert coaching and up to CHF 50k funding, equity-free.
Discover DayOne
Scaling tech into pharma R&D isn’t easy — DayOne makes it faster. In just three months, this flagship accelerator helps high-potential tech ventures refine their value proposition, prepare to partner with large and mid-size pharma and connect with decision-makers inside Europe’s transformative life sciences supercluster.
Expect hands-on coaching, tailored mentoring, industry insight sessions and visibility with investors through showcase events. Standout startups can secure CHF 50k in funding, six months of workspace and potential access to a post-accelerator program with partner investment. Equity-free and fee-free, DayOne is your next big breakthrough.
Frequently Asked Questions
The DayOne accelerator, powered by Basel Area Business & Innovation, is a launchpad for early-stage ventures developing technological solutions to accelerate drug discovery and development, including discovery platforms, biomarkers, companion diagnostics, data solutions for clinical trial optimization and more. DayOne does not support therapeutics or companies aiming to develop their own asset pipeline.
DayOne provides a bridge between innovative startups and the pharmaceutical industry. Through tailored mentoring, expert-led sessions, and direct access to R&D leaders, startups learn how to align their technologies with pharma needs — from preclinical research to clinical operations. The program helps founders validate their value proposition, strengthen scientific credibility, and prepare for strategic partnerships or pilot projects.
After successfully completing the accelerator program, selected startups receive up to CHF 50,000 in non-dilutive funding, six months of workspace, and access to follow-on investment opportunities through the Basel Area’s extensive healthtech network. The program also connects alumni to corporate partners and investors interested in digital innovation that enhances pharma R&D productivity and patient outcomes. In addition, all cohort members have the opportunity to be matched with a fractional senior-level resource for 90 days, through the Match for Impact initiative.
Unlike general digital health programs, DayOne is focused specifically on the pharma–healthtech interface — supporting startups that enable smarter drug discovery, clinical research, and personalized medicine. Its network includes global pharma companies, academic research hubs, and leading pharma R&D experts, giving startups unparalleled access to collaboration opportunities within Europe’s most concentrated life sciences ecosystem.
The program is ideal for founders developing data, AI, or platform technologies that can be applied within pharmaceutical R&D, clinical trials, or connected health systems. This includes startups in techbio, clinical decision support, digital biomarkers, predictive analytics, and other healthtech fields relevant to life sciences innovation. We consider applications from startups from all over the world, with maturity levels from pre-seed to series A with no more than 10million CHF in funding.
Applications open once per year via the DayOne website. Founders submit an online form describing their technology, team, etc. The selection process prioritizes scientific credibility, market relevance, and potential to drive innovation within the pharma R&D value chain.
Beyond the program itself, DayOne alumni gain lasting visibility and access within the Basel Area life sciences ecosystem and beyond, e.g. at major conferences. Many continue to collaborate with pharma partners, raise follow-on funding, or enter co-development projects. The accelerator provides a trusted, neutral platform where startups can demonstrate value to global pharma R&D partners and scale their impact in healthcare innovation.