ABOUT THE PROJECT

IDEAS Women: An AI-driven Swiss–Polish Digital Platform

A binational research and innovation project designed to empower and scale female-led startups through integrated research, education, acceleration, and AI-powered community building.

Mission

Empower and scale female-led startups in Switzerland and Poland through an AI-driven platform integrating research, education, acceleration, community, and policy.

Challenge

Female founders face persistent barriers: limited access to funding, networks, internationalization expertise, and visibility in the startup ecosystem.

Approach

Binational collaboration combining Swiss and Polish expertise to create a comprehensive support ecosystem backed by rigorous research and AI technology.

Programme Details

PROGRAMME
Swiss–Polish Research Programme (SPPW)
CALL NUMBER
SPPW/CALL2025
APPLICATION NUMBER
SPPW/IdeasWomen/0116/2025
DURATION
36 months (January 2026 – December 2028)

Budget & Funding

Project Consortium

Four leading institutions from Switzerland and Poland collaborating to deliver impact

🇵🇱
PL

SGH Warsaw School of Economics

Lead Partner

Leading research institution coordinating the project and conducting ecosystem analysis.

🇨🇭
CH

ZHAW School of Management and Law

Co-Lead Partner

Swiss research partner contributing expertise in entrepreneurship and innovation management.

🇵🇱
PL

Faktorama Capital 1 Sp. z o.o.

Technology Partner

Technology provider developing and maintaining the AI-powered matchmaking platform.

🇨🇭
CH

Impact Hub Zürich AG

Acceleration & Community Partner

Acceleration partner delivering programmes, workshops, and community engagement.

Strategic Goals

01

Research-Driven Insights

Comprehensive ecosystem mapping and needs analysis to inform evidence-based interventions

02

Open Educational Resources

Multilingual, freely accessible curriculum empowering founders with essential skills

03

Intensive Acceleration

Structured programme delivering mentoring, training, and investor access to 40 startups

04

AI-Powered Platform

Intelligent matchmaking connecting founders, mentors, and investors at scale

05

Policy Impact

Evidence-based recommendations to improve support structures for female entrepreneurs

06

Community Building

Workshops, events, and role model visibility creating lasting ecosystem connections

07

Sustainability

Long-term viability with 50% of platform costs secured beyond project end

UN Sustainable Development Goals

Our project contributes to six UN SDGs

4
Quality Education
5
Gender Equality
8
Decent Work & Economic Growth
9
Industry, Innovation & Infrastructure
10
Reduced Inequalities
17
Partnerships for the Goals

Theory of Change

Inputs

Research expertise
AI technology
Acceleration resources
Project funding

Activities

Ecosystem research
OER development
Accelerator cohorts
Platform development

Outputs

40 startups accelerated
5-7 OER modules
AI platform (500 users)
2 policy briefs

Outcomes

Increased funding access
Stronger networks
Enhanced skills
Cross-border expansion

Impact

Thriving female-led startups
Reduced barriers
Sustainable ecosystem
Policy change