High-quality pool of mentors​

The Swiss Innovation Challenge provides highly experienced leaders as mentors for the innovation projects. The mentors include the following companies.

​Mentoringpool

Mentoring as an effective tool​

Mentoring involves the transfer of knowledge and experience between experienced mentors and mentees. Mentoring is used in a wide variety of fields (companies, universities, associations, foundations, etc.) and has established itself as a proven, effective practical tool. For this reason, mentoring was introduced at the Swiss Innovation Challenge.

Content, aim and benefits of mentoring at the Swiss Innovation Challenge​

The mentors discuss the content to focus on with their mentees. In addition to exchanging ideas, providing information about opportunities and risks and supporting with decision-making, other content includes sparring strategic options for market launch, challenges associated with the business plan, marketing tips and critical financial analysis. It also provides an opportunity to expand the network. 
 
The overall objective is to improve the innovation project with the help of an experienced individual (mentor).

Benefits for mentees

• Better assessment of potential
• Help to recognise strengths and weaknesses of the project
• Gain new ideas and perspectives
• Access and expand network
  
  

Benefits for mentors

• Insight into new and recently formed companies
• Experience fresh ideas and new impetus
• Train and develop own skills
• Expand network

Steps of the Swiss Innovation Challenge mentoring programme​

Mentoring at the Swiss Innovation Challenge is closely supported by IWF AG (subsidiary of the Chamber of Commerce). The following steps take place.

• Ascertain mentoring requirement
• Identify and compile the required mentor skills (professional and/or industry specific)
• Matchmaking with the existing mentor pool
• General process support

Mentoring is intended for participants in phase 2