SME

Services for SME

Dario Corica

Head of sector

Innovation support for SME

Our support for projects within SMEs is articulated in different ways, with specific services targeted to different needs. Whether it is applied research projects, patenting or digitisation projects, the support we give to SMEs wishing to innovate is managed through the analysis of the initial situation, the search for the best solutions and accompaniment during project implementation. All this is done neutrally, confidentially, transparently and free of charge.

Initial assessment

During the first meeting we take the time to get to know you, listen to you, understand your needs, problems, ideas and intentions. Once we understand your particular situation, we will talk you through the conditions and tools available for SMEs at regional, national and European level to support business innovation projects.

Finding solutions

Once your needs have been identified, we provide you with a range of tools and contacts from our network that may help you to reach your goal.

Are you looking for funding for your project?

Are you searching for an academic research partner who can develop your project idea?

Do you need to know if your idea is innovative and patentable?

Do you need an industry partner who can complement your skills?

Would you like to digitise your business processes?

We help you to answer these questions as well as those more specific to your company or project.

Support in defining Innosuisse projects

If your SME and your project meet the admission criteria for Innosuisse – the Swiss innovation promotion agency – we will be happy to support you as an Innosuisse-accredited «mentor».

Digital Coach service

Do you believe in digitisation and want to implement it in your company?

The Digital Transformation project, promoted by Agire in cooperation with AITI, aims to stimulate and accompany local companies on their path to innovation and digital transformation, focusing on the following activities:

Concrete stimulation of digitisation projects
Supporting companies in understanding and exploring the opportunities provided by digitisation
Promoting the development of thought leadership in digital transformation that nurtures a systemic effect in local companies

In this case, the «Digital Coach» will support you by first making an in-depth analysis and then following you closely at each stage of your digitisation path, activating, as required, the most appropriate partners working in the implementation of dedicated technologies and services. The service is free of charge and to be understood at 360 degrees: it can be activated for consultancy aimed at the digitisation of your business processes as well as for the digitisation of your production processes.

Intellectual Property orientation and support service

Do you have an innovative idea or invention? We can help you protect it!

With the support of Fondazione Agire's IP reference person, you can receive an initial assessment of the feasibility of protecting your idea or project. Additionally, we will guide you towards the services offered by the Swiss Federal Institute of Intellectual Property (IPI), where you can receive assistance from specialists in the field.

The IP Academy is the ideal starting point for gathering all the information you need to make the most of protection rights, offering a wide range of services, most of which are free. The offering includes individual and group sessions (up to four people), conveniently accessible via videoconference from your office or at the Tecnopolo Ticino, in meeting rooms provided free of charge by Fondazione Agire.

The services of IGE IPI are offered in English, German, or French and are aimed at independent inventors, startups, companies, and university researchers.

Do you need support?

Do you want more information?