>>venture>> Startup Competition Information

»venture» is an initiative of the ETH Zurich, McKinsey & Company, Switzerland, Knecht Holding, the innovation promotion agency CTI and EPFL Lausanne. As the leading Swiss-wide competition for the best business idea and the best business plan, »venture» supports young entrepreneurs in founding a company. The competition aims to unleash untapped innovation potential by encouraging young entrepreneurs to develop a business idea. A number of renowned companies from Swiss industry and commerce sponsor the competition. Experienced coaches support competition participants in the development of their business idea, the preparation of their business plans, and in the search for suitable partners and the necessary capital. Participants also receive feedback from a team of highly qualified jurors. The jurors (approximately 90 experts) evaluate the formal and business aspects of an idea, as well as its financial attractiveness. Participants receive additional help in the form of various supporting events and arrangements, e.g., a series of seminars, special workshops and networking platforms. »venture» is for budding entrepreneurs in Switzerland who have innovative business ideas. Participants may enter the competition as individuals or as a team. In addition to the prize money for the most successful teams, »venture» guarantees: • Know-how: »venture» provides access to experienced coaches who support young entrepreneurs in the preparation of their business idea and their business plan. • Network: »venture» offers new and valuable contacts between young entrepreneurs, to »venture» capitalists and to management personalities from business and research. • Publicity: the media follow »venture» closely. Participating teams receive valuable publicity for their future company.