SWISS–POLISH RESEARCH PROGRAMME

Empowering
Female-led
Startups

An AI-driven digital platform integrating research, education, acceleration, and community to scale women-led startups across Switzerland and Poland.

36
MONTHS
2
COUNTRIES
4
PARTNERS
98%
Funding Gap
2%
of VC funding
goes to female founders
Closing the Gap for Female Founders

Impact by Numbers

40
Startups Accelerated
500
Platform Users
5-7
OER Modules
250+
Workshop Participants

Who Should Apply

For Founders

  • Female founder or co-founder (minimum 51% female ownership)
  • Early-stage startup (pre-seed to Series A)
  • Based in or willing to operate in Switzerland or Poland
  • Any industry (tech, social impact, services, etc.)

Programme Details

  • Duration: 6 months
  • Time Commitment: 10-15 hours/month
  • Format: Hybrid (online + in-person)
  • Locations: Zürich and Warsaw
  • Cost: Free (no equity taken)

Applications Open: March 2026

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What We Do

Four integrated work packages designed to empower and scale female-led startups through research, education, acceleration, and technology.

WP1

Research & Ecosystem Mapping

Comprehensive needs analysis through interviews, focus groups, and surveys across Switzerland and Poland to understand barriers and opportunities for female founders.

  • ≥50 in-depth interviews with founders
  • 4 focus groups (2 per country)
  • ≥400 survey responses
WP2

Open Educational Resources

Multilingual curriculum (EN/DE/PL) covering essential startup skills, from business modeling to internationalization strategies.

  • 5-7 comprehensive learning modules
  • CC-BY licensed (fully open)
  • ≥80% learner satisfaction target
WP3

Binational Accelerator

Intensive acceleration programme with mentoring, masterclasses, pitch training, and cross-border networking for 40 selected startups.

  • 2 cohorts: 20 Swiss + 20 Polish startups
  • ≥100 hours support per startup
  • 100+ investor introductions
WP4 PREVIEW

AI-Powered Matchmaking Platform

Our intelligent platform uses AI algorithms to connect founders with the right mentors, investors, and peers based on industry, stage, needs, and goals.

1

Create Your Profile

Tell us about your startup, experience, and needs

2

Get AI-Matched

Our algorithm finds the best mentors and connections

3

Connect & Grow

Build relationships and scale your startup

AI MENTOR MATCHING

DASHBOARD

S
Sarah M.
Fintech Expert
95%
MATCH
T
Thomas K.
SaaS Investor
92%
MATCH
A
Anna W.
Growth Strategist
88%
MATCH
12
DAILY MATCHES
47
CONNECTIONS
78%
PROGRESS

Smart Algorithms

AI-powered matching based on 20+ criteria

500+ Users

Growing community of founders and mentors

Real-time Updates

Instant notifications for new matches

Your Journey with IDEAS Women

01

Learn

Access open educational resources and build essential startup skills

02

Connect

Get matched with mentors, investors, and peer founders through AI

03

Accelerate

Join intensive programme with workshops, coaching, and pitch training

04

Scale

Expand internationally with cross-border support and investor access

Consortium Partners

Four leading institutions from Switzerland and Poland bringing together research excellence, technological innovation, and practical acceleration expertise.

🇵🇱

SGH Warsaw

Lead Partner

🇨🇭

ZHAW

Co-Lead Partner

🇵🇱

Faktorama

Tech Partner

🇨🇭

Impact Hub Zürich

Acceleration Partner

Funded by
Swiss–Polish Research Programme (SPPW)

Ready to Join?

Whether you're a founder looking to scale or a mentor wanting to give back, there's a place for you in our ecosystem.