Boldbrain Startup Challenge 2026: applications are now open

Until June 11th early-stage startups and aspiring entrepreneurs from Switzerland and abroad can apply to participate in the three-month acceleration programme organised by Fondazione Agire in collaboration with USI Startup Centre.

The acceleration programme is open to early-stage startups from all industry sectors with an innovative product or service that has the potential to scale and the willingness to build the company in Ticino. The programme is conducted entirely in English. Participating teams will compete for a total prize pool of CHF 210,000, which will be awarded during the final event in December.

Interested candidates can learn more about the programme and meet the organisers at the Info Day scheduled for May 7 at the Ristorante Canvetto Luganese in Lugano.

Applications must be submitted online by June 11, 2026 at www.boldbrain.ch.

The acceleration programme is organised by Fondazione Agire in close collaboration with the USI Startup Centre and financial support from the Economics Division of the Department of Finance and Economy (DFE) of the Canton of Ticino, BancaStato, and other sponsors. Since 2018, Boldbrain has received 915 applications and selected 160 startups. Over the years, the programme has awarded more than CHF 1.5 million in cash and in-kind support and has delivered approximately 3,800 hours of coaching.