International Innovation
challenge

2023 – 2024

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Are you a startup ?

Are you ready to bring your business to the US market?

This experience is totally free for you !
We go to San Francisco for you.

We will have to meet two evenings, the 4th December and the 22nd January,
to define your action plan for the american market.

Apply before the 26th November with the form below.

Apply via the form

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The price

Unlock your startup potential with us

The opportunity of having an interdisciplinary team of 12 selected students in Engineering and Business Administration of the HEIG-VD work on the development of your company/product and the promotion of your product in the USA.
The chance to improve your products through interdisciplinary collaboration, analysis, open-mindedness and critical thinking.
A complete analysis of your current situation and opportunities. The team will give you innovative solutions to penetrate a foreign market and recommend you on your distribution strategy and marketing.
The team is supervised by Prof. Vincenzo Pallotta, with relevant experience in innovation and entrepreneurship in both the Swiss and US ecosystem. We’ll let you check his LinkedIn profile.

Empowering your market entry with a dynamic team

Our Business Administration students are equipped with a profound understanding of management and finance, ensuring a solid foundation for your project’s approach and strategy. Their expertise is the cornerstone of success.
Additionally, our Electrical Engineering and Information & Communication Technologies students offer a fresh perspective with an engineer’s approach, encompassing the project’s globality. This innovative thinking is an invaluable asset.
Moreover, our talented students specializing in Communication Engineering & Management bridge the gap between Business Administration and engineering. They bring a fusion of management, marketing, and technical knowledge, creating a seamless connection.

Let’s embark on this journey together !

Requirements

Startup Spirit : First and foremost, your company should embody the entrepreneurial spirit of a startup. It’s all about embracing fresh ideas and innovation.

Swiss Based : Your startup needs to be based in Switzerland.

Goal : Your startup aims at expanding its business in the United States.

Local Team : Ensure you have at least one team member aged 18 or older, residing in Switzerland. You commit to participate to two meetings with the students at least twice in December 2023 and January 2024.

How to apply ?

Ready to embark on this exciting startup journey? Here’s how to get started:

Deadline Alert: Complete the registration form by November 26, 2023, to enter the competition !
Showcase Your Vision: Upload a captivating 5-minute video presentation to introduce your project and explain how we can help you potentially enter the US market. Let your passion shine!

What Comes Next?
Get ready for the ride of a lifetime:

November 27, 2023 : Our panel will reveal the selected candidates. Will you be one of them? The selection committee retains the discretion to determine whether your company meets these requirements. This ensures a fair evaluation process for all applicants.
December 4, 2023 : Join us for a meeting with the students of HEIG-VD, where you’ll discuss your products and explore potential collaborations.
January 22, 2024 : Join us for a follow-up meeting during which we will unveil the action plan for your potential entry into the US market.
Silicon Valley : The HEIG-VD students will fly to San Francisco to present your ideas in February 2024.

Don’t miss out on this thrilling journey !