Question 1

What is the goal of FONGIT's Startup Support?

Accepted Answer

FONGIT's program is designed to support your journey of transforming an idea or technology into a viable product, taking you to the first rounds of funding. Our objective is to help de-risk the entrepreneurial journey for startups.
Examples of how FONGIT can help entrepreneurs include:• setting up the company• preparing the full pitch• creating product market fit & finding commercial partners• improving the business model• developing the financial plan and defining the fundraising strategy • access to fully equipped co-working spaces and labs• connecting with valued IP and legal counsel• setting up administration and accounting• negotiating term sheets

Question 2

Am I eligible for FONGIT Startup Support?

Accepted Answer

FONGIT supports high-impact deep-tech projects in the fields of ICT, Advanced Engineering, and Life Sciences with a strong technological component and an innovative business model.To apply to FONGIT support programs, you need to be based in the Canton of Geneva or willing to relocate. We have slightly different criteria for each of our programs.You can apply via the dedicated application platform.
If you're only interested in financial support, you can read more about the FIF on the dedicated page.

Question 3

What is included in Startup Support?

Accepted Answer

During initial startup support, FONGIT will provide you with intensive startup coaching. Over a 10-week period, your startup coach will help you upgrade your strategy and pitch deck, evaluate your needs and prioritize them for maximum impact in terms of de-risking and value creation. You will have the possibility to work at FONGIT’s HQ during office hours, and to use a desk in our co-working space. This will provide you with the opportunity to connect with other entrepreneurs and gain insights from their experiences. We encourage you to be present at least once a week.This initial startup support process is offered to you free of charge. It will be followed by a meeting between us to decide whether to proceed to full startup support. If we both decide to proceed to full startup support, a bespoke program will be tailored to your needs according to terms and conditions to be agreed upon.You can apply for this support on our application platform.

Question 4

What is the cost of FONGIT Startup Support?

Accepted Answer

FONGIT’s Startup Support is offered free of charge. Applying to any of our programs is also free for entrepreneurs. Each program’s specific terms and conditions will be covered during the initial screening meeting.If both parties decide to move forward to Full Startup Support, a customized package will be developed to match your specific needs. The terms and conditions of this tailored support will be discussed and agreed upon together.

Question 5

How do I complete the application form?

Accepted Answer

Applications are submitted directly through FONGIT's Startup Platform. The platform is available in English and French, and applications are accepted in either language.There are 3 steps on the application portal:1) Create an account2) Complete the application form for your project3) Submit your applicationOn the login page, click "Create an account? Sign in".This takes you to the home page, where you can access the "Application Form" icon in the left-hand menu and complete the required information. Once your application is ready, return to the home page and click "Share the file" to submit it to the FONGIT startup team.If you already have a pitch deck and the key information about your project, completing the application should take around 15 minutes. We know your project is constantly evolving, so don’t worry if everything isn’t perfect or final. The sooner you apply, the sooner we can understand your project and explore how FONGIT can support you.You can save your progress and return to your application at any time. The platform also allows you to follow the status of your application and make updates when necessary.A pitch deck is required as part of your application. You may also upload any other documents that can help us understand and evaluate your project, such as an executive summary, business model, company presentation or product documentation.Protecting your information is important to us. All information and documents submitted through the platform are treated as strictly confidential and are accessible only to authorized FONGIT staff who are subject to confidentiality obligations. Data is stored in Switzerland.Once your application has been reviewed, the FONGIT team will contact you regarding the next steps. Please note that the evaluation and screening process may take up to three weeks.Only applications submitted through the FONGIT Startup Platform will be evaluated. Applications sent by email cannot be considered. If you encounter any technical issues, please contact admission@fongit.ch. Your feedback is very welcome and will help us continue improving the application experience for future entrepreneurs.

Question 6

How do I withdraw my application?

Accepted Answer

Before submitting your application, you can modify or delete it directly from the FONGIT Startup Platform at any time.Once your application has been submitted, please contact us at admission@fongit.ch if you wish to withdraw it. If you would also like your data and documents deleted from the FONGIT Startup Platform, please mention this in your request, and we will process the deletion in accordance with our applicable data protection and retention obligations.All information and documents submitted through the platform are treated as strictly confidential and are only accessible to authorized FONGIT staff subject to confidentiality obligations. Data is stored in Switzerland.

Question 7

How does FONGIT evaluate projects?

Accepted Answer

We conduct a thorough evaluation of your project, focusing on its novelty, potential, and maturity. To begin, please submit your form via our application platform.Once your application has been submitted, the evaluation and screening process may take up to three weeks. During this time, our team carefully reviews your documentation to assess if your project is best served by one of our programs.If your project moves forward, you will be invited to present it formally to a member of our screening committee in a dedicated 1:1 session. In this session, we explore how we can best support you and whether your project aligns with one of our programs.Once the screening report is finalized, the full startup committee evaluates whether your project qualifies for Startup Support.If we determine that your project is not the right fit for FONGIT, we will guide you toward more suitable programs and support tools.

Question 8

How mature does my project need to be before I apply?

Accepted Answer

We welcome applications from teams at all stages of development. Some applicants come to us with just a new technical invention, while others are preparing to incorporate, or have already done so and are generating revenue. Our Startup Support is designed to add value regardless of your project's maturity level.

Question 9

Will you sign a confidentiality agreement?

Accepted Answer

Our policy is not to sign NDAs for initial meetings.

There are two main reasons for this: 
(i) We evaluate a large number of projects each year, and signing NDAs at an early stage could create potential conflicts of interest.
(ii) As a foundation supported by the State of Geneva, we are already bound by confidentiality obligations as part of our regular operations.

We therefore encourage you to include as much relevant information as possible in your application, without entering into any breach of confidentiality.

Please note that all verbal and written information shared with us will be treated in full confidence.

Question 10

Can you help us set up our company?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we assist several startups each year in setting up their companies. We provide all the necessary legal paperwork to ensure your startup is established correctly. We also connect you with experienced lawyers and notaries who offer packages tailored to startups, saving you time, effort, and unnecessary administrative complications.

Question 11

Do I have to stay in Geneva after the program?

Accepted Answer

While there is no obligation to remain in Geneva after completing the program, many of our companies choose to keep their headquarters here, as the region offers attractive business incentives, a strong innovation ecosystem, and valuable growth opportunities.

Question 12

Does FONGIT help in fundraising?

Accepted Answer

FONGIT supports startups in preparing for fundraising and developing a smart financing strategy. Our coaches help you craft a compelling elevator pitch, build a strong investor pitch deck, write a clear executive summary, prepare realistic financial projections, and define an attractive valuation.Once you're ready, we can recommend suitable sources of funding, including: non-dilutive financing, awards from venture competitions, smart angel investors, corporate venture capitalists, and VCs. Over the past decade, our startups have closed 100+ financing rounds and have secured over CHF 1B of funds.

Question 13

How much funding does FONGIT Startup Support provide?

Accepted Answer

Over the years of Startup Support, FONGIT can also provide a startup with up to CHF 150,000. This investment is made both in capital and in services, in tranches that are milestone-dependent and matched by funding from independent, accredited investors to enable the startup to achieve agreed milestones and value inflection points.Startups can also apply for the FIF. If you are solely looking for financing for your project, you can read more about the FIF on the dedicated page.

Question 14

Can you share some success stories or exits?

Accepted Answer

Our startups have raised over CHF 1B, launched hundreds of innovative products and services, and created more than 1,800 new jobs. Ten have achieved successful M&A exits, while most continue to grow, contributing positively to the economic and social fabric of the Canton of Geneva.

Since our founding 35 years ago, FONGIT has supported over 500 startup ventures, with a success rate much higher than that of non-supported companies.

You can read more about our startups and alumni here.

Are you eligible to apply to FONGIT programs?

GENERAL QUESTIONS

What is FONGIT?

Do I need to be based in Geneva to receive support from FONGIT?

How does FONGIT help startups?