The i4Challenge is an accelerator program, designed to support startups, SMEs and individual innovators in developing Industry 4.0-focused projects. We also connect participants with established companies seeking innovative solutions for their challenges, facilitating real-world testing and collaboration.
The i4Challenge is designed for individuals, startups or established SMEs with an innovative Industry 4.0-focused idea, prototype, or solution ready to be sold. We offer support within the program for products or services irrespective of their development stage:
Innovators who successfully join the program have access to a wide range of benefits, including:
As the official innovation promotion agency of the Basel Area, we can offer additional benefits to i4Challenge startups—provided they are established in, or are willing to relocate to, the canton of Jura:
If you meet the eligibility criteria (see below), take the next step and apply!
To enter the selection process, simply complete the registration form on our Babele portal.
Our expert team carefully reviews all applications. Selected projects will be invited for a detailed online follow-up interview.
Based on experience, around 50% of submitted projects advance to the jury stage, where independent experts select the pitch list.
If you’re selected to pitch, you’ll present your project in person to a committee of industry experts and SME representatives.
Based on their review, selected projects will be invited to join the i4Challenge cohort.
Our support for the i4Challenge cohort projects is tailored to your needs and the maturity of your solution.
Explore the benefits section to see how we help you move your project closer to real-market success.
Before applying, please consider the following criteria:
Your project should offer an innovative solution or approach within the realm of Industry 4.0 for the manufacturing industry:
For 2025, we have pre-identified a strategic partnership opportunity in the following area:
A leading company is seeking innovative solutions to move, handle and position components less than 5mm in size and weighing only a few grams, without leaving marks or introducing contaminants (e.g., grease).
The goal is to enable the automated assembly of small, variably shaped parts, ensuring high precision and cleanliness throughout the process.
To find out more about this opportunity contact Albert.
You can apply with just an idea, a prototype or an already working solution – as long as it has potential for growth within the manufacturing industry.
While you don’t need to be based in or near the Basel Area to apply, being established and located specifically in the canton of Jura gives you access to the full range of program benefits. For more information, refer to the location-based benefits section above.
Application deadline
31.07.2025
Short-list announced
07.08.25
Pitch day & selection
21.08.2025
Cohort announced
Oct 2025
Onboarding & kick-off
Dec ‘25 – Jan ‘26
“The i4Challenge program provided the guidance and clarity we needed to pivot our business successfully and secure our first paid pilot client through the network.”
Yvan Bosshard
Co-founder, Anevo
“The i4Challenge’s coaching sessions pushed us to confront our problems head-on, and the expert feedback we received was invaluable in helping us refine our approach and strategy.”
Claude Fahrni
Responsable de projet industrie 4.0, DIVTEC
If so, we can support you in building a strong, collaborative relationship with a startup of your choice, and help shape their solution to match your current and future needs.
Sound interesting? Get in touch!
Managing Partner ARNOLD IT Systems GmbH
Managing Director at Bonetti & Partner GmbH
Many years of experience as a researcher with a focus on interdisciplinary projects
Active in academia, combining applied research and teaching
Experienced in supervising students and developing practice-oriented curricula
Brings an international perspective through collaborations with research partners in German-speaking countries
University of Haute-Alsace
delaware Germany GmbH.
Business Consultancy for marketing and communication supporting StartUps und C-level management with go-to-market, brand building, innovation thought leadership and reputation management
Flötner Consulting
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.
VOICETECHHUB
Former entrepreneur, he now focuses his applied research on how startups evolve into young companies.
He’s co-author of the St.Gallen Startup Navigator and regularly speaks to students, entrepreneurs and executives on topics related to entrepreneurship.
Associate Professor
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.
Schweizer Salinen AG
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
Phoenix Mecano AG
Ingenieur Arts et Metiers ENSAM
Deputy General Manager Production
Project Manager
Ingenieur Arts et Metiers ENSAM Deputy General Manager Production Project...
After completing a trinational degree in mechatronics and a master’s degree in embedded systems, Oliver Laux held various management positions in the innovation department of an international automotive supplier, most recently as head of the Corporate Innovation Center with responsibility for the further development of the company-wide innovation culture. In his current position, he heads the Development and Innovation department at SIKO.
Head of the Development and Innovation department at SIKO
Canton du Jura
Productec SA
Business Unit Manager at Actemium Romandie Many years of experience...
Heads the Digital Transformation Competence Centre at the FHNW School...
Professor of Communications Engineering and Vice-Rector for Research at the...
Head of Department | DRP Process & Test Engineering Endress+Hauser...
research department SEW
Graduated in 2009 with a degree in industrial engineering in...
Managing Director – CoBooster
Many years of experience as project manager and member of...
Expert in Digital and AI transformation within multiple segments such...
Have any questions? Check the FAQs below first, and if you still don’t have the answer then feel free to contact us.
You don’t need to be based in the Jura region to apply. However, the benefits you receive as part of the i4Challenge program will vary depending on your location.
Choosing to relocate to the region Jura offers distinct advantages:
An idea is all you need to apply. We’ll provide you with the resources, mentorship and a stimulating environment to further develop your concept.
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.
Participation in the i4Challenge is entirely free, with no hidden costs. All we ask is your time and commitment.
Jura-based (or relocated) projects receive cash and value-in-kind funding to cover part of the cost associated with developing a POC.
Other projects receive significant value-in-kind funding, amounting to up to CHF40k.
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.
© 2025 BaselArea | Terms & conditions | Privacy policy
