The i4Challenge – Innovate in Basel
Connecting startups with local companies to meet real-life needs
For startups, SMEs, and individual innovators who want to bring their industry 4.0 project to market, the i4Challenge is a competition program that helps you make the next step towards that goal. When your project is ready for market, we help you connect with established companies that are looking for solutions like yours to establish a successful collaboration.
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Bringing your industry 4.0 project to market
The i4Challenge’s goal is to foster innovation in the Basel region by supporting entrepreneurs, startups and established SMEs with innovative industry 4.0 projects. Whether you have a working solution, a prototype or even just a new idea: Together, we’ll bring you forward on your way to market success.
Your project is a… |
Our goal is to… |
Solution ready to be sold |
Connect you with an established local company for real-market testing. |
Prototype |
Enable you to develop and test your solution in a secure environment. |
Idea |
Help develop proof of concept and define your business model. |
Your benefits
We connect you directly with established companies actively seeking solutions like yours, paving the way for successful collaborations.
You’ll have the opportunity to address genuine industry needs with your innovative idea, allowing you to engage directly in real projects. This open innovation environment accelerates the establishment and validation of your business idea, ensuring it’s not just visionary but also viable and market-ready.
- Significant in-kind support. Unlock up to CHF 40,000 in kind, providing crucial support without diluting your equity.
- Market validation. Validate your project in a real-world environment and gain insights and feedback from industry leaders to refine your solution.
- Strategic partnership opportunities. Connect with businesses looking for fresh, sustainable technologies to integrate into their operations.
- Networking opportunities. Connect with our network of manufacturing industry leaders, potential customers and investors.
- Cross-border opportunities. Benefit from our unique, tri-national location with access to resources and networks in Switzerland, Germany and France.
- Expert feedback. Receive valuable feedback from experts in every stage of the i4Challenge.
- Visibility and exposure. Showcase your innovation on a prestigious platform at key industry events.
- 50% discount on CAS management program. Participate in the CAS management program of the University of St. Gallen at half the cost.
- Delaware accelerator access. Get a spot in the Delaware accelerator program.
- HTZ consulting. Get one day of free consulting from the Hightech Zentrum Aargau
Location-based additional benefits
As the innovation promotion agency of the Basel Area, we can afford additional benefits to local startups—whether already established in or willing to relocate to the region.
| Basel-Stadt, Basel-Landschaft or Jura | Jura only | |
| Be part of BE5.0. Share your idea at the esteemed industrial transformation trade show in Mulhouse. |
✔ | ✔ |
| Invitation to our accelerator. Experience a tailored acceleration journey that recognizes the uniqueness of your project |
✔ | ✔ |
| POC development assistance. Receive funding in cash and value-in-kind from a partner company to achieve proof of concept for your project. |
x | ✔ |
| Establishment funding. Receive funding to establish in or relocate to the canton of Jura. |
x | ✔ |
| Special BE5.0 showcase. After completing the accelerator, you get to showcase your POC at the BE5.0 trade show. |
x | ✔ |
| Local mentorship. Get paired with a local mentor that introduces you to the Jura ecosystem. |
x | ✔ |
| Individual coaching. Receive personalized guidance from renowned experts for up to 18 months. |
x | ✔ |
| Apply for NEI status. Being classified as Nouvelle Entreprise Innovante in Jura allows for various benefits like tax exemptions, unique in all of Switzerland. |
x | ✔ |
| Workspace at the SIP Jura. Get a free desk at the Switzerland Innovation Park in Jura. |
x | ✔ |
Partner with us and develop a POC with a startup
For local industrial companies seeking to enhance their operations and competitiveness, the i4Challenge serves as a unique marketplace. We bring established companies and innovative pioneers into contact with each other and ensure that the collaboration leads to success.
You collaborate with the startup of your choice and help to shape its solutions to match your current and future challenges.
- Work with agile startups that can adapt their solution to your needs.
- Gain access to our wide network of industry leaders, potential partners and talent.
- Recognize and respond to digital disruptions in the market.
- Recognize and implement new ways to create value for the end customer.
- Implementing new insights from digital transformation.
- Develop your digital business agility.
- Take advantage of expertise and capabilities that exist in the startup ecosystem.
- Increase your company’s visibility.
- Help drive innovation in the Jura region.
Who it is for
We call out to individuals, startups and SMEs with a project that supports digital transformation in the areas of:
- Robotics
- 3D printing
- Virtual reality
- AI
- Machine learning
- Cyber security
- Digital twins
- Smart factory
- IoT
- Connectivity
- Cloud / Edge computing
Why we do it
We’re in a unique position, both physically and innovatively. Located at the tri-national border in a region with a rich history in manufacturing, we can offer the perfect ground for innovation in manufacturing and sustainability.
Over the past years, we’ve built a vibrant ecosystem of industry leaders, investors, partners and talent that we’re ready to leave at your fingertips to further our commitment: spearheading innovation through collaboration for the future of the region.
Prerequisites
Before applying, please consider the following criteria:
Field
Your project should offer innovative solutions or approaches within the realms of industry 4.0 with a sustainability angle for the manufacturing industry.
Stage
You can apply with just an idea, a prototype or an already working solution as long as it has potential for growth within the industry.
Location
While you can apply from anywhere in the world, being based in the Basel region, specifically Jura, gives you access to the full range of benefits. For more information, refer to the location-based benefits section above.
How it works
Registration
If you meet the prerequisites above, apply for the i4Challenge here. You’ll need to fill out our online questionnaire to participate in the selection process.
Selection
Our expert team will review all applications and follow up with selected projects for a more detailed interview. Even if you’re not selected for an interview, you’ll receive detailed expert feedback on your solution.
From experience, about half of the initially entered projects will progress to the jury review stage in which the independent experts decide who to invite to pitch.
Pitch
If you’re selected to pitch, you get to present your project to a committee of industry experts who’ll review it thoroughly and provide detailed feedback before selecting the winners.
Growth
Our support for the winning projects are highly individualized and based on the maturity of your project. Discover in our benefits section how we help you bring your project forward to market success.
Open for application
Join the i4Challenge to take your project closer to market.
Whether you’re an individual with a groundbreaking idea, a startup poised for growth, or an SME ready to pivot, we help you accelerate your journey.
Our program supporters
Our partners
Media partners
i4Challenge Jury
Marco Arnold
Dipl. Ing. (FH)
Many years of management experience at executive level
Managing Director CEO, ARNOLD IT Systems GmbH
Dipl. Ing. (FH) Many years of management experience at executive...
Marco Arnold
ARNOLD IT Systems GmbH
Alain Dieterlen
Lecturer Researcher IUT de Mulhouse at the University of Haute Alsace
Many years of experience as a researcher
Lecturer Researcher IUT de Mulhouse at the University of Haute...
Alain Dieterlen
Université Haute Alsace
Prof. Dr. Manuel Hess
Head of the St.Gallen Startup Navigator Lab at the Institute for Technology Management, University of St.Gallen
Engaged in applied research on the transformation process from startups to young companies
Co-author of the St.Gallen Startup Navigator and lecturer for students, entrepreneurs and managers on the topic of entrepreneurship
Head of the St.Gallen Startup Navigator Lab at the Institute...
Prof. Dr. Manuel Hess
University St. Gallen (HSG)
Dr. Jürgen Jähnert
- External innovation expert for the European Commission and the Spanish Ministry of Science and Education
- Member of the Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Information Technology and Computer Science at the University of Stuttgart
CEO Bwcon GmbH
Dr. Jürgen Jähnert
Bwcon GmbH
Stéphan Kohler
Ingenieur Arts et Metiers ENSAM
Deputy General Manager Production
Project Manager
Ingenieur Arts et Metiers ENSAM Deputy General Manager Production Project...
Stéphan Kohler
Liebherr-France SAS
Oliver Laux
Master of Science
Many years of experience as project manager and product development manager
Head of Product Development
Master of Science Many years of experience as project manager...
Oliver Laux
SIKO GmbH
Cyrille Monnin
- CEO of the company Productec SA
- 30 years of experience in the B2B environment in various roles
CEO of the company Productec SA 30 years of experience...
Cyrille Monnin
Productec SA
Markus Mühlemann
- Founder and CEO of ValueOn AG; founder and Chairman of the Board of Directors of TimeWinner AG
- Investor and business angel at startup companies in the services & ICT sector; entrepreneur for 19 years
- Project Competence AG was awarded the certificate “Best Business Transformation” by ASCO 2018 for the second time
Markus Mühlemann
ValueOn AG
Marc Nass
- Business Unit Manager at Actemium Romandie
- Many years of experience as an automation engineer
- Active for more than 30 years in the chemical – pharmaceutical – biotechnology industry in the region
Business Unit Manager at Actemium Romandie Many years of experience...
Marc Nass
Actemium Romandie
Prof. Dr. Marc K. Peter
- Heads the Digital Transformation Competence Centre at the FHNW School of Business in Olten. The center offers research, consulting, and educational services around the digital transformation to help organizations and employees develop and successfully implement digital growth strategies.Important studies and publications: www.kmu-transformation.ch, www.digitale-transformation-artikel.ch, www.arbeitswelt-zukunft.ch, www.digitales-marketing-kmu.ch, www.it-sicherheit-kmu.ch
Heads the Digital Transformation Competence Centre at the FHNW School...
Prof. Dr. Marc K. Peter
FHNW School of Business
Prof. Dr.-Ing. Franz Quint
- Professor for Communications Engineering at Karlsruhe University of Applied Sciences since 2002
- VP for Research at Karlsruhe University of Applied Sciences since 2017
- Previously employed at Daimler-Benz Aeropsace / EADS in the field of communications and radar as a developer/department head.
- His research interests are digital signal and image evaluation, 3D vision, and communications engineering. He is a reviewer for international journals and conferences, for the DAAD, and for the accreditation of study programs.
- Since the beginning of 2021, he has been the spokesperson for the tri-national university alliance TriRhenaTech of the universities of applied sciences on the Upper Rhine.
Professor of Communications Engineering and Vice-Rector for Research at the...
Prof. Dr.-Ing. Franz Quint
University of Applied Sciences Karlsruhe
Martin Scheidiger
- Head of Department | DRP Process & Test Engineering Endress+Hauser Flow
- 20 years of experience in electronics and electrical engineering (development QA, production)
- 13 years of management experience at executive, departmental and project management level
- 3 years i4Challenge Jury Member
Head of Department | DRP Process & Test Engineering Endress+Hauser...
Martin Scheidiger
Endress+Hauser Flow
Isabel Steinhoff
- Member of the board of directors at “Sichtbar Online Marketing AG”
- Part-time journalist for the “Handelszeitung”, and others
Graduated in 2009 with a degree in industrial engineering in...
Isabel Steinhoff
Dimenteers GmbH Co-Founder
Matthias Wagner
- Many years of experience as project manager and member of the executive board in the areas of IT and operations for companies in the health care, FMCG and finance industries
- Focused on international business areas and digitization projects
Many years of experience as project manager and member of...
Matthias Wagner
Lionel Socchi
- Delegate for Economic Promotion, Republic and Canton of Jura
- Training in the field of banking supplemented by a diploma in business economics from the University of Applied Sciences HES.
- 10 years in the banking sector (financial analyst for SMEs), 8 years in vocational training (administrator of a training fund).
- Since 2010 at the Jura Economic Development Agency: support for companies, networking, collaborative projects, export assistance and support through financial aid for company creation and development projects.
- Since 2019, head of the Jura Economic Promotion structure.
Delegate for Economic Promotion, Republic and Canton of Jura
Lionel Socchi
Republic and Canton of Jura
Kathrin Günther
- Graduated in 2009 with a degree in industrial engineering in electrical engineering and information technology.
- 2009 Project management at Endress+Hauser in the area of process automation projects.
- 2014 Master of Business Administration (MBA) and then took on various management positions at Endress+Hauser, most recently with global responsibility for the Group-wide “Energy Solutions” business area.
- Changed to Uhlmann Pac-Systeme in 2016. Head of Technical Sales for software and automation solutions. Since January 2017, as Head of Digitalisation, she has been responsible for the company’s global digitalization strategy and since summer 2019, she has been responsible for the Digital Solutions business area/business unit of Uhlmann Pac-Systeme GmbH.
- Since 2023 GFT Integrated Systems GmbH Konstanz, Chief Revenue Officer Industrial – Platforms and Services
Graduated in 2009 with a degree in industrial engineering in...
Kathrin Günther
GFT Integrated Systems GmbH
Dr.-Ing. Frank Schönung
- Since 2012 in the SEW research department responsible for:
Logistics solutions with mobile logistics assistants
Production concepts based on mobile assistance systems
Urban logistics and transport logistics
Knowledge network and university cooperation - Previously: Head of Department for Materials Handling at the Institute for Materials Handling and Logistics Systems at the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology
research department SEW
Dr.-Ing. Frank Schönung
SEW
Dr. Urs Ch. Hofmeier
- Ph.D. in Physical Chemistry, University of Basel; MBA, IMD Lausanne
- Enthusiastic and experienced to use the social changes towards sustainability and digital transformation as a basis for innovative services and products.
- Dedicated to guiding young entrepreneurs on their path to becoming successful leaders.
CEO Schweizer Salinen AG
Dr. Urs Ch. Hofmeier
Schweizer Salinen AG
Nina Habicht
Serial AI and Tech Entrepreneur, Startup Investor
Experienced in AI, Analytics, and Business Intelligence, Marketing with a background in Computer Engineering and hands-on experience in building companies (3x).
Entrepreneurial Track Record:
1) Current: Co-Founder & CEO, VOICETECHHUB – revolutionizing the future of work for SMEs and enterprises through Generative AI and Agentic AI platform.
2) Early venture Paixon GmbH: Managing Partner of a chatbot startup (grew from 0 to 8 employees, generated over $1M in revenue within less than 3 years, bootstrapped).
3) Head of Business Development & Marketing: Warehouse automation software company (exited in 2021 with global branches and over $XXM in revenue).
AI Track Record:
As AI Director at UBS, led and executed Generative AI initiatives with a team of 40-70 FTEs. Previously, developed NLP, AI, Voice, and Chatbot products for Swisscom, SBB, banks, insurance companies, and SMEs both in Switzerland and internationally. Over a decade of practical and strategic experience in AI, particularly in digital humans and AI automation, dating back to 2011.
Partner and conversation designer at Paixon
Nina Habicht
Co-Founder & CEO at VOICETECHHUB
Joëlle Tosetti
- Program Manager Innovation
- Trained as an engineer at the EPFL in microtechnology
- Several years as an engineer at Philip Morris for the coordination of international projects
- Trainer of teenagers
- Since 2021, at arcm as Program Manager of the Innovation Booster – Microtech at 50%: implementation and operational management of the programme, support to companies, networking, support to collaborative project teams
Microtech – Booster
Joëlle Tosetti
Microtech – Booster
Ines Kljucar
- MBA INSEAD, MSc of Business Administration HU-Berlin
- Responsible for the digital transformation, sales- and marketing strategy and M&A. Prior to her engagement at Phoenix Mecano she worked for Körber Group, Bosch Building Technologies and Roland Berger Strategy Consultants
- Advisor to the Equity Alliance, a NYC based VC fund investing in underrepresented founders
- Active angel investor in Industry 4.0 startups, Climate Tech, Hardware and SaaS business models
CCO & CDO Phoenix Mecano AG
Ines Kljucar
CCO & CDO Phoenix Mecano AG
Kerstin Flötner
- Founder of FLÖTNER CONSULTING – Business Consultancy for marketing and communication supporting StartUps und C-level management with go-to-market, brand building, innovation thought leadership and reputation management
- Creative influencer helping entrepreneurs and StartUps to successfully convince and excite customers, partners, and investors to support their innovative ideas fostering profitable growth
- 30 years industry experience, proven track record for growing the value of businesses and brands by positioning them as innovation leaders in sustainability, digital transformation, and future mobility (hp, Goodyear, SCA, Bitburger, Oerlikon)
- Business angel and investor at StartUp companies
- Member of Female Investors Network (FIN)
Founder FLÖTNER CONSULTING
Kerstin Flötner
Founder FLÖTNER CONSULTING
CCO & CDO Phoenix Mecano AG
Guido Eckhardt
Director of Business Consulting / Coach and Talent management at delaware Germany GmbH
Eva-Maria Bonetti
-
Life Sciences Entrepreneur with 30+ years of experience in the (Bio-)Pharmaceutical industry, in strategic and organizational consulting, in coaching and as a sparring partner for C-level leaders and managers in the industry
CCO & CDO Phoenix Mecano AG
Eva-Maria Bonetti
Managing Director at Bonetti & Partner GmbH
Uziel Zontag
- Expert in Digital and AI transformation within multiple segments such as:, AgTech, CyberSec, ICT, E commerce, Water management, Machine Vision and more. Main focus since 2017 within Industry 4.0, Digital and AI for manufacturing, Digital Twin and robotics and automation.
- Wide background in Tech companies: business transformation consultancy, B2B digital services, investment strategy, start-up identification, successful exits, BOD participation, growth planning and implementation.
CCO & CDO Phoenix Mecano AG
Uziel Zontag
Founder / Executive Consultant
2023 Winners
Innovative solutions
New Ideas
2022 Winners
Innovative solutions
New Ideas
2021 Winners
SME and Startup
New Ideas
2020 Winners
SME and Startup
New Ideas
2019 Winners
2018 Winners
FAQs
Do I need to be based in the Jura region to apply?
You don’t need to be based in the Jura region to apply. But once you’re selected as a winner, your benefits will depend on your location (you’re welcome to relocate to Delémont, Jura, in case you win. We’ll cover your administrative establishment fee.)
Being located in Jura comes with additional benefits on its own: The Jura region is renowned for its strong manufacturing industry and innovation ecosystem. You’ll become part of a unique environment, conductive for the development of your project. This allows for unparalleled networking opportunities, direct access to potential collaborators and customers and immersion in a culture of innovation.
Furthermore, the canton of Jura itself is very supportive of startups. You can expect various local resources and incentives that can significantly accelerate the growth of your project.
What if I don’t have a fully developed product yet?
An idea is all you need to apply. We’ll provide you with the resources, mentorship and environment to further develop your concept.
How can my SME benefit if we're already established?
The i4Challenge is ideal for established SMEs with innovative solutions. We’ll help you scale and refine your solution through direct market access, expert mentorship and visibility.
Are there any fees to participate in the i4Challenge?
Participation in the i4Challenge is completely free of charge and other financial commitments. All we ask for is your time and dedication.
Will I receive funding for my project?
Jura-based (or relocated) projects receive cash and value-in-kind funding to cover part of the cost associated with developing the POC.
Other projects receive significant value-in-kind funding, amounting to up to CHF 40,000.
What happens if my project is not selected?
If we don’t progress with your project, you still gain valuable benefits from the application process. Every project submitted receives detailed feedback at every stage of the selection process, offering insights and suggestions for improvement and further development.
