| Acceleration

i4Challenge

Industrial Transformation in the era of smart technology

Industry 4.0 is the name given to the next phase of the Industrial Revolution that focuses heavily on interconnectivity, automation, machine learning, real-time data, teams and organization, and new business models.

Making the move from traditional production models into the next generation of smart technology shaped by increased connectivity, Internet of Things (IoT) applications, and data-driven solutions is essential for businesses that don’t want to get left behind.

Industrial transformation is already seeing factories become increasingly automated and self-monitored as machines are given the ability to analyze and communicate with each other. But Industry 4.0 isn’t just about investing in new technology and tools to improve manufacturing efficiency—it’s about revolutionizing the way your entire business operates and grows while still meeting customers and supplier’s expectations.

Is your project next?

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Supporting innovators in Industrial Transformation

Companies that develop or adapt their business models and processes with new technologies will have an advantage in the next phase of the industrial transformation. Basel Area Business & Innovation is supporting Industry 4.0 through events, collaboration projects and accelerators aimed making the Basel Area a leader in industrial transformation.

The i4Challenge offers a platform to help innovators promote their industry 4.0 product or service. In addition, participants will gain access to partners, mentors, collaborators and potential customers and have access to a mentoring program through Basel Area Business & innovation. The Basel Area offers a supportive ecosystem for tackling the transition of the manufacturing industry toward customer centric smart technologies and sustainable production methods.

The i4Challenge is divided into three tracks:

SME

with sustainable industry 4.0 solutions or services.

Startups

with existing Industry 4.0 solutions or services.

New ideas

Open to students, intrapreneurs, entrepreneurs and tech teams.

Key dates:

SME and Startup tracks

Deadline: 17.07. 2020
Pitch days: 25-26.08.2020
Winners announced: 29.09.2020
BE 4.0 Mullhouse: 18-19.11.2020

New ideas track

Deadline: 02.11.2020
Winners announced: 16.12.2020
Personalized coaching: January-June 2021

Eligible are applications from Switzerland, Alsace, and Baden-Württemberg, which can demonstrate a prototype or a product.

A prestigious panel from industry leaders will evaluate the submitted projects and ideas and select several to proceed to the finals.

Program benefits

SME and Startup tracks

Projects accepted through these i4Challenge categories receive a number of benefits to help foster successful commercial launch and business success of Industry 4.0 projects. These include:

an exhibition space at the BE 4.0 trade fair in Mulhouse
exposure through Basel Area Business & Innovation online channels
access to the Basel Area Business & Innovation Industry 4.0 network of experts, innovators, businesses, investors and more
mentoring from industry experts
access to a coworking space for six months in one of our three Switzerland Innovation Park Basel Area sites
possibility to appear as key note speaker at one of our events
a free one-year membership to the Société Industrielle de Mulhouse (SIM)
privileged access to the network and activities of the partners of the Interreg Upper Rhine 4.0 project.

New ideas track

Projects accepted through the i4Challenge “new ideas” category receive a number of benefits to help to bring the idea to market readiness:

Access the Basel Area Business & Innovation network
Preferential access to the network and to the activities of the partners of the Interreg Upper Rhine 4.0 project
Tailor-made mentoring from industry experts
Funding for further development of the idea
access to a coworking space for six months at the Switzerland Innovation Park Basel Area Site Jura

Applications are now open.

Ready to apply with your innovative project?

Apply now

About BE 4.0 Fair for industry 4.0 in Mulhouse

Salon Industries du Futur BE 4.0 is one of the most important meeting places for European Industry 4.0 solution providers and interested parties. The fair offers a platform for 180 Swiss, French and German companies to present their latest innovations in the field of Industry 4.0. Over 3,500 visitors are expected on both days.