Launch
Launch smarter
with expert insight
Unlock the capital, connections and confidence to get your science or tech venture from a great idea to a thriving business with global impact.
Unlock capital, connections and confidence
Getting your venture off the ground takes more than a great idea – it takes capital, connections and confidence. That’s why we back science and tech startups in the Basel Area with up to CHF 500k in funding, tailored mentoring and access to experts who’ve built companies, raised funding and know your sector inside out.
Skip generic advice – with leading accelerators, futureproof workspaces and powerful networks, you’ll access the insight, investment and infrastructure to launch with confidence.
PROGRAM PORTFOLIOS
Three pathways, one route to growth
Wherever you are on your startup journey, our program portfolios will take you further:
Connect
Your shortcut to startup guidance and support. Kick-start your startup with VentureConnect, the platform offering coaching, networking opportunities and founder-first resources, or ArcInnoLab, the cross-border program for sustainable innovation.
Accelerate
Your fast-track to growth in science and tech. Unlock growth, mentors, partners, networking opportunities and real-world collaborations through programs like Digital Accelerator Basel and InnoJura Accelerator, preparing startups for industry partnerships.
Build
Your bridge between science and series A. Discover BaseLaunch, Europe’s premier platform for building biotech businesses and DayOne, the leading launchpad for early stage healthtech ventures, transforming breakthroughs into business success.
BENEFITS
Support that starts when you do
Bespoke support, expert advice, a thriving network and programs you can join straight away. We might be your biggest breakthrough.
Guidance that grows with you
Work side by side with experts who understand your business, challenges, and goals — offering fast, practical startup support and advice that helps you make smarter decisions and scale confidently.
Funding that fuels ambition
Access a range of founder-first funding opportunities, from service vouchers to accelerator programs offering between CHF 50k and CHF 500k. It’s all designed to get you from idea to impact in less time.
Connections that count
Tap into an unrivalled innovation ecosystem where peers, mentors, partners and investors open doors to growth, while networking opportunities help you move further, faster.
Start today, grow tomorrow
Join startup programs that are open, free and ready when you are – no waitlists or bureaucracy, just real support to help you move faster.
Hear from those we helped launch here
The support we received during our startup journey was incredible. From day one, we felt part of a community that genuinely wants you to succeed – always ready to help and connect. Basel Area isn’t just a network; it’s a family for founders.
Ready to launch smarter?
We’ll help you navigate the Basel Area ecosystem and connect you to the funding, partners, networking opportunities and customers you need with startup support and advice that’s free, fast and founder-first.
Frequently Asked Questions
“Launch” is the umbrella for all startup-focused services and programs offered by Basel Area Business & Innovation. It brings together a full suite of support – from early coaching and community access to accelerator programs and non-dilutive funding – helping founders in science and tech turn breakthrough ideas into successful, scalable businesses.
Basel Area Business & Innovation supports startups through a connected ecosystem of experts, mentors and funding partners. Whether you’re at the idea stage or preparing for Series A, you can access one-to-one coaching, founder-first funding, and introductions to investors and industry leaders. The goal is to help startups validate ideas, build traction, and grow faster with fewer wrong turns.
Launch brings together all the startup-focused programs offered by Basel Area Business & Innovation, grouped into three main areas of support: Connect, Accelerate and Build. Each area includes specific initiatives designed for different stages of a founder’s journey. For example, VentureConnect and ArcInnoLab help startups access coaching and networks early on; Digital Accelerator Basel and InnoJura Accelerator focus on growth and industry partnerships; and BaseLaunch and DayOne bring company-building expertise to transform breakthroughs into business success. Together, they form a complete pathway from idea to investment.
Startups can access non-dilutive funding of up to CHF 500,000. These funds help founders de-risk their technology, validate their business model, and prepare for follow-on investment — without giving up equity. Additional connections to venture capital, corporate partners and grant opportunities help startups secure long-term growth capital.
Launch programs are open to science and tech entrepreneurs, spin-offs, and early-stage startups based in or relocating to the Basel Area. Whether your focus is biotech, healthtech, digital innovation or advanced manufacturing, you’ll find tailored support to fit your needs — from concept development to market entry.
Startups in the Basel Area can connect with small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) through dedicated matchmaking and innovation programs supported by Basel Area Business & Innovation. The InnoJura Platform brings startups and SMEs together to co-develop solutions, pilot technologies, and explore joint manufacturing or commercialization opportunities. These collaborations help startups validate their products in real-world conditions while giving SMEs access to new technologies and agile innovation partners
The Basel Area offers one of Europe’s most concentrated innovation ecosystems, home to global pharma, biotech and advanced manufacturing leaders. Founders benefit from close proximity to investors, research institutions and a diverse pool of talent. Combined with Basel Area Business & Innovation’s hands-on support and network access, it’s an ideal launchpad for startups with global ambitions.
Startups can explore the Launch section of the Basel Area Business & Innovation website to identify which program best fits their stage of growth. Some, like VentureConnect, allow founders to join at any time for free coaching and guidance. Others, such as BaseLaunch or DayOne, have application cycles for funding and acceleration. Founders can also contact the Basel Area Business & Innovation Launch team directly for personalized advice on where to begin.