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Conditions.

Support is granted in the form of a repayable, special purpose interest-free loan. It is a personal loan given to the founder or to one or more people from a company’s founding team. The loan is granted for a maximum period of eight years. In its third year of operation, the company will start repaying the loan, provided that its economic development permits this. The repayment plan is set up by the company under the aegis of the project coach.

Conditions

  • It is a project of a start-up company (usually Ltd. or Inc.), with a business model designed to realise a technological innovation.
  • The business idea, the (outlined) business plan, and the technology basis meet the quality criteria set by the STI.
  • The company’s head office is in the Espace Mittelland region (Cantons BE, SO, FR, NE, and JU)

What does the STI consider to be a start-up?

  • Young company (prior to, or within 5 years of establishment)
  • Innovative approach based on technology and/or seeking new business models
  • Growth-oriented objective of the company

Assessment criteria

  • Innovation based on technological approach (particular focus of STI Foundation on be-advanced)
  • Willingness to commit personally and financially to the project
  • Entrepreneurial personality, technical qualification and above-average commitment on the part of the candidate
  • Early development stage and proven feasibility potential of the project
  • Proven innovative content of product/service and business model

  • Economic growth potential clearly definable and recognisable
  • Realistic aims in the project
  • Clear-cut transparent action and budget plan representing realistic assumptions
  • Responsible managerial role of the candidate in the company
  • Company form: independent spin-off or start-up
  • Company relevance to the metropolitan region (founding and establishment of the company in the metropolitan region)

Procedure

  • Submit your idea to be-advanced. Applications may be made at an early stage of the project.
  • If you fulfil the entry criteria, you will be given the opportunity to first pitch your project to the be-advanced committee of experts in person, and then to the STI Foundation board.
  • A decision is usually made on an application within three months of the submission deadline.
  • An advance will be paid out into a private account of the borrower after both parties have signed the STI loan agreement.