Project Switzerland is a national initiative that connects the most promising Swiss Scale-ups with the best Role Models of Switzerland, Unicorn Founders and Serial Entrepreneurs who have successfully done it before.
The 20 Role Models
These 20 Role Models, Unicorn Founders and Serial Entrepreneurs, are committed to giving back and supporting the next generation of highly promising Scale-ups.
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Samuel Mueller
Bettina Hein
Olivier Gaudin
Dario Fazlic
Kevin Sartori
Nicole Herzog
Jean-Marc Wismer
David Haber
Adrien Treccani
Tjarko Leifer
Tobias Rein
Vincent Bieri
Michael Friedrich
Deborah Heintze
Lukas Gysin
Laurent Balmelli
Dorian Selz
Manoj Harasgama
Thomas Gabathuler
For high potential Scale-Ups
Scaling a company is one of the toughest challenges. Yet true scaling expertise is still rare in Switzerland’s startup ecosystem and difficult to access. Project Switzerland brings together entrepreneurs who have already built and scaled successful companies with those who are scaling right now.
But Project Switzerland is not another accelerator, coaching, nor mentoring program. It is experience sharing at eye level – outstanding entrepreneurs supporting promising entrepreneurs – it is an exclusive community of entrepreneurs with a shared mission: building the next generation of Swiss market leaders, contributing to Switzerland’s long-term prosperity and technological sovereignty.
Join our national mission
Build the next generation of global market leaders emerging from Switzerland.
Learn from successful entrepreneurs
Benefit from their learnings, networks, and scaling know-how.
Get access to international experts
Get their global perspectives, patterns, and best practices.
Engage in a trusted community
Where founders share openly, support each other, and accelerate together.
The Profile for participating Scale-Ups
Project Switzerland focuses on highly scalable startups headquartered in Switzerland with the ambition to become global market leaders. Project Switzerland is open to Scale-ups from all industries, including life science except pharma and biotech (those sectors are already very successfully scaling in Switzerland).
Company Profile
At least 3 out of the following 4 criteria must be met to be nominated:
- ARR: CHF 2–10 million
- Market Potential: > CHF 200 million in annual revenue
- Team Size: > 15 employees
- Financing: At least CHF 2 million raised from investors, business angels, or similar sources
Founder Team Profile
Beyond metrics, we are looking for outstanding entrepreneurs and teams with:
- Global ambition
- Strong commitment to learning from experienced peers
- Willingness to openly share challenges, insights, and experiences within the community
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Committed to the Swiss ecosystem, even if international scaling requires moving operations abroad
Do you have questions about criteria? Reach out to hello@project-switzerland.ch.
Nominate a Scale-Up
Help us discover the next generation of market leaders. Nominate your favorite Scale-Up.
Deadline: Please submit your nomination no later than 15 February 2026.
Selection: Each year, up to 10 scale-ups are selected to participate in Project Switzerland.
- At least 3 out of the following 4 criteria must be met to be nominated:
- ARR: CHF 2–10 million
- Market Potential: > CHF 200 million in annual revenue
- Team Size: > 15 employees
- Financing: At least CHF 2 million raised from investors, business angels, or similar sources
What They Say
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about Project Switzerland
What is Project Switzerland?
Project Switzerland is a national initiative connecting Switzerland’s most promising Scale-ups with the country’s best Role Models—Unicorn Founders and Serial Entrepreneurs who have successfully built and scaled global companies.
How are the Role Models selected?
Role Models are selected based on their proven track record in building and scaling companies, their international experience, and their commitment to giving back.
Is Project Switzerland an accelerator program?
No. Project Switzerland is not an accelerator or coaching program. It is experience sharing at eye level between founders who are scaling and entrepreneurs who have already done it.
What kind of support do participants receive?
Participants benefit from one-to-one experience sharing with Role Models, peer exchange with other Scale-up founders, and practical insights to avoid costly scaling mistakes.
Who can participate in the program?
The program is open to high-potential Scale-ups from all industries, except pharma and biotech. Scale-ups must meet the criteria (see program page) and founders have the ambition to build large companies. Up to 10 Scale-ups are selected each year.
How long does the program last?
The program runs for 12 months and is followed by lifelong access to the Project Switzerland alumni community.
What is the timeline?
The nomination and selection process runs from January to March. Curated matchmaking and peer-to-peer starts in April.
How does the selection process work?
Scale-ups are nominated, afterwards submit an official application, and are interviewed. Up to 10 Scale-ups are selected each year.
Who can nominate the Scale-ups?
Scale-ups can be nominated by investors, board members, or individuals from the ecosystem.
Who is selecting the Scale-ups?
Final selection is made by a committee of Role Models and ecosystem representatives.
Are there any costs for the Scale-ups?
No. There is no financial cost. Scale-ups contribute through commitment, ambition, and effort to build a big, relevant company for Switzerland.
What commitment is expected from Scale-ups?
Scale-ups commit to building a large, sustainable company, supporting their peers, and giving back to the next generation as soon as they can.
Who is behind Project Switzerland?
Project Switzerland is initiated by Deep Tech Nation Foundation Switzerland, supported by partners, powered by Switzerland’s best Role Models, and built for Switzerland.
How can I contact you?
Contact us at hello@project-switzerland.ch
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