Startup

Start-up services

Barbara Pin

Head of sector

What do we offer to start-ups?

Our mission is to ensure that start-ups in Ticino or start-ups that intend to establish themselves in Ticino are aware of the possibilities offered by the Regional Innovation System (RIS), and that they receive adequate support.

We meet you in person and we listen to what you have to say

Together we identify your real needs and unearth any underlying ones

We show you the options for developing and growing your start-up

We inform and direct you towards existing initiatives at local and national level

We network with other actors in the sector relevant to your project

We help you to find investors

Tax relief

Ticino cares about start-ups. In fact, Ticino is the second canton in Switzerland to provide tax relief specifically for start-ups. In order to benefit from the tax measures, you need to obtain a certificate from the Administration and Controlling Office at the Department of Economic Affairs. You can find out all of the details and the procedure to be followed on the Cantonal Innovation and Business Portal.

Our services are free of charge,
but you have to be willing to share, compare and challenge yourselves!

Do you want to share your idea with us?

Are you looking for investors or do you need an office?

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. Also, we will guide you towards the services of the Swiss Federal Institute of Intellectual Property (IPI), where you can get help 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 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?

Investor network

Fondazione Agire aims to create and develop over time a network of Ticino-based investors, with the goal of connecting them to local startups seeking funding.

As the Ticino antenna of the Swiss ICT Investor Club (SICTIC) – the largest business angel club in Switzerland – the Foundation promotes networking and training activities for investors.

It also organises Scouting4investors: exclusive, invitation-only events where Ticino investors meet local startups, and vice versa, to explore potential investment opportunities. The meetings are open to startups from all sectors, carefully selected and invited by Fondazione Agire.

Find out more

We are looking for innovative ideas

Boldbrain Startup Challenge is an accelerator for early-stage start-ups. It is one of the tools implemented in Ticino to support the creation and development of start-ups.

Every year in late spring, registration opens up for teams who are eligible to participate and have an innovative idea. A panel of experts assesses applications and selects up to 20 teams to take part in the three-month intensive programme.

From September to December, participants acquire the main tools needed to develop their ideas, working towards growth that is both sustainable and scalable. As well as providing coaches, and organising thematic workshops and meetings, the programme awards both cash and in-kind prizes to the best teams, which the winners can use for further business development.