INNOJURA ACADEMY
The training series helping SMEs harness outside innovation
Learn how to collaborate effectively with startups and apply innovation directly to your business through expert-led workshops and practical modules – powered by Switzerland Innovation Park Basel Area and PME Leaders Campus.
Discover InnoJura Academy
Nothing unlocks SME growth like working with the startups shaping tomorrow. Designed for established ventures in advanced manufacturing sectors such as medtech, engineering and materials, InnoJura Academy is your first step on the Jura innovation journey.
Through tailored training modules, expert coaching and workshops, you’ll develop the mindset and skillset to collaborate effectively with startups and solve real-world challenges for your industry or business. The next step? The InnoJura Platform, where your business is matched with cutting-edge startups based on your needs, creating the perfect conditions for partner-powered progress.
Who is the program for?
InnoJura Academy is designed for SMEs in the advanced manufacturing sectors across the Canton of Jura. We are looking for established companies ready to embrace open innovation, gain fresh perspectives and learn how to collaborate effectively with startups to drive practical, real-world progress.
Why you should apply
Master the mindset, tools and techniques that make innovation practical, and prepare your company for powerful startup collaborations.
Learn how to innovate smarter
Embrace open innovation and discover how to turn fresh ideas into tangible results for your business from experts.
Connect with tomorrow’s talent
Meet founders and experts who are driving change in advanced manufacturing and learn how to bridge the gap between startup agility and SME expertise.
Get ready for real collaboration
Develop the readiness and confidence to join programs like the InnoJura Platform, where partnerships evolve into pilots and pilots into progress.
Our impact in their words
"Our collaboration with Axom Solutions showed how powerful startup–SME partnerships can be. Basel Area Business & Innovation made the connection happen, enabling us to explore innovative robotic solutions together."
How does it work
A practical, expert-led program combining workshops, coaching and peer exchange to help SMEs unlock innovation through collaboration.
Join the workshops
Take part in interactive sessions that cover business development, pitching and innovation management built around real industry challenges.
Exchange and evolve
Engage in guided peer discussions that help you share experiences, test ideas and gain new perspectives on growth and transformation.
Put learning into action
Apply your new skills directly within your company or advance to the InnoJura Platform to collaborate with startups in practice.
Your pathway to open innovation
The InnoJura Program bridges startups and SMEs in the Jura to accelerate progress in advanced manufacturing sectors, such as medtech. Startups bring bold ideas; SMEs bring real-world expertise – together, they create the next wave of industrial innovation.
Designed as a three-step journey, startups and SMEs begin their development independently, building the skills and readiness they need, before their paths converge to co-create real-world solutions.
InnoJura Accelerator
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The first step for startups, helping ventures in advanced manufacturing-driven industries prepare for SME partnerships through coaching, group sessions and bootcamps.
InnoJura Academy
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The first step for SMEs, helping them harness outside innovation and collaborate effectively with startups through expert-led workshops and practical modules.
InnoJura Platform
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The final step for both startups and SMEs, matched to tackle real-world challenges in advanced manufacturing – creating solutions and partnerships that last.
Interested in InnoJura Academy?
Get yourself innovation-ready. This program helps you build the skills, confidence and connections to team up with leading startups and make open innovation part of your business.
We are currently not accepting applications for InnoJura Academy. In the meantime, we recommend you get in touch with us to express your interest.
Frequently Asked Questions
The InnoJura Academy is a training program by Basel Area Business & Innovation – in collaboration with the Switzerland Innovation Park Basel Area and and the PME Leaders Campus by the Institut für Jungunternehmen – that helps SMEs develop the mindset, skills and tools to collaborate successfully with startups. It’s the first step on the Jura
The program is open to SMEs in advanced manufacturing that want to modernize operations or explore new innovation models.
Through a mix of workshops, coaching and practical exercises, the InnoJura Academy covers topics such as open innovation, agile collaboration, intellectual property and co-development processes. Participants learn how to structure collaborations, manage shared innovation projects, and diversify their operations.
Upon completing the program, SMEs can move directly into the InnoJura Platform, where they’re paired with startups developing complementary technologies. The Academy ensures they’re fully prepared to collaborate effectively, reducing risk and increasing partnership success.
Companies can apply via the Basel Area Business & Innovation website or contact our Level up team. Participation is free of charge for eligible SMEs.