FAQs
Find answers to the most frequently asked questions about startup days.
General FAQs
The most important answers to your general questions about startup days.
What are the startup days?
startup days (SUD) are the nationwide business and networking event for startups, investors, SMEs and corporates in Switzerland. Together we foster meaningful interactions, explore business opportunities, and gain insights into the startup ecosystem in just one day in Bern.
When and where will the startup days 2025 take place?
The startup days will be held on 14 May 2025, at Kursaal in Bern. The address is Kornhausstrasse 3, 3013 Bern, Switzerland. The door opens at 8 o’clock and we start at 8:30 am with the central opening.
What can I expect at the startup days?
The startup days offer a diverse range of activities, including keynote speeches, panel discussions, interactive workshops, matchmaking sessions (1:1 meetings), the Youngsters pitching, and the exhibition area with over 30 booths. Attendees can expect to hear from industry leaders, gain valuable insights from experts, engage in interactive discussions, network with like-minded individuals, explore potential business opportunities, or find funding and mentoring.
Who can attend the startup days?
The startup days event is open to anyone interested in the startup ecosystem and the latest trends and opportunities. To name a few: entrepreneurs, startups, investors, industry professionals, innovators, politicians or academia.
Can I showcase my new business at the startup days by pitching?
Our pitching format is called Youngsters: All Swiss innovators in the pre-seed or seed phase, founded within the last 24 months, with a focus on DeepTech or AppliedTech are invited to apply to pitch.
The application window opens in autumn. Find more information here.
What are the 1:1 meetings or matchmaking feature?
From 8 April 2025 all attendees can register to the matchmaking session in their agenda. In total, there are four slots: 9:30 to 10:15, 11:00 to 12:45, 14:15 to 15:30 and 15:30 to 16:15. After registration you can scroll through the participants and arrange 1:1 meetings in advance of the event. If both parties agree, you will meet face-to-face in our matchmaking area for 15 minutes.
Find further information here.
When can I register for the sessions?
The program will be launched at the beginning of March 2025. From that day on, every participant can register for the sessions.
Where do I find the startup days app for my smartphone?
Can I sponsor or partner with the startup days event?
Yes, we’re always looking for interesting and collaborating partnerships. Visit our partner page for more information and fill in our form to become a partner (sponsorship or partnership).
Who can I contact if I have additional questions?
Don’t hesitate to send an e-mail to: hello@startupdays.ch
Ticket FAQs
The most important answers to your questions about buying tickets.
How can I buy a ticket for the startup days?
In order to purchase a ticket for our event, you will need to register on our online platform first. To do this, you need to create an account. If you have attended any of our previous startup days, you can use your existing login details. Once you have filled in all the necessary information, you can select your ticket type and proceed with the payment process. We recommend that you register early, as the number of spaces is limited. Please use the following link to get started:
Where do I find my startup days ticket?
Where and when do I get my participation documents (badge)?
On 14 May 2025 on your arrival at the Kursaal, you will walk through the registration path: First, you show your e-ticket on your smartphone which you can access via the startup days app. Then we will hand you over your badge and you’re ready to network.
Unfortunately, I cannot attend. Can I return my ticket?
Yes, you can return your ticket. Please, note our terms and conditions and cancellation fees (Number 12). Send an e-mail to hello@startupdays.ch to start the process.
Can I transfer my ticket to someone from the company?
Yes, you can. Please, send the name and email address of the new person to hello@startupdays.ch.
When can I register for the sessions and the 1:1 meetings?
The program will be launched at the beginning of March 2025. From that day on, every participant can register for the sessions.
The matchmaking opens at the beginning of April 2025. From that day on, every participant registered for the matchmaking session can schedule 1:1 meetings online.
Newcomers FAQs
The most important answers to your questions about Newcomers – our startup pitching format.
When does the next application window open for startup days 2025?
We’ll open the application window for the next pitching opportunity on 2 December 2024. Stay tuned – we’ll announce it in our newsletter and social media. Get an application altert here.
Who is eligible to apply for Newcomers?
- Promising tech startup: Your startup has an evident scaling potential in the tech sector.
- Tech sector refers to startups based on scientific and technological innovations that aim to solve fundamental challenges through breakthrough discoveries (Deep-Tech) or create practical applications for everyday use (Applied Tech).
- Stage: Your startup is in the pre-seed or seed phase and has been recently or is about to be founded. The founding date will be requested and used as a reference.
- Track record: Your startup must have either a pre-MVP or an MVP that demonstrates a clear problem-solution fit.
- Swiss location: Your startup must be based in Switzerland or intend to establish a base in Switzerland.
- Full commitment: Your founders must be fully dedicated and passionate about their startup.
What does tech startup mean?
A promising tech startup refers to startups based on scientific and technological innovations that aim to solve fundamental challenges through breakthrough discoveries (DeepTech) or create practical applications for everyday use (AppliedTech):
- DeepTech: solutions and products based on very expensive basic or applied research
- AppliedTech: general software or technology-based solutions
Can startups outside of Switzerland apply?
Newcomers is dedicated to startups within Switzerland. That means your startup is founded in Switzerland, your headquarter is in Switzerland or you intent to found your startup in Switzerland.
What’s the benefit for investors?
For investors, the “Newcomers” format offers a unique opportunity to discover and engage with early-stage, high-potential tech startups before they scale. Investors gain direct access to innovative founders, exclusive networking sessions, and a curated group of startups with breakthrough solutions. It’s a chance to connect with emerging talent and be part of the next big success in the Swiss startup ecosystem.
What makes Newcomers different from other pitching events?
What makes “Newcomers” stand out from other pitching events is its exclusive focus on early-stage startups in the pre-seed to seed phase, particularly those from the DeepTech / AppliedTech sector with proven, innovative concepts. Unlike traditional pitching events, Newcomers targets startups that have already demonstrated early traction with a prototype or MVP, offering them their first national stage to showcase their ideas. The platform is designed for newly founded or soon-to-be-founded startups in Switzerland, with a clear emphasis on market-ready potential, excluding more established scale-ups.
What criteria will the jury use to select the startups?
The jury will use the following criteria to select the startups for the “Newcomers” pitching format:
- Eligibility: Startups must meet the defined participation criteria.
- Document review: Submitted documents will be checked for completeness.
- Exclusion of last year’s “Youngsters”: The 18 pitching startups from the previous year are not eligible.
- Comparative status: The startup’s progress and potential will be assessed relative to other applicants.
What’s the “Catch of the Jury”?
Among the few startups selected to present their innovation on stage at the startup days, there are a handful of “catches” that particularly impressed the main jury during the pitches. We call this group “Catch of the Jury” and they are chosen after the live pitches and receive an extra portion of support, e.g. mentoring, coaching, alumni group, featuring in podcast, guest at the Secret Launch 2026.
Is there a fee to apply or participate?
No, there is no application or participation fee. We believe in providing equal opportunities for all qualifying startups.
