Connecting Sardinian Innovation with the Swiss Ecosystem

The Italian Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Switzerland (CCIS), in strategic collaboration with Kickstart Innovation (Switzerland’s leading open innovation platform), the Italian Trade Agency (ITA), and the Sardinia Region, invites high-potential Sardinian startups, scaleups, and innovative SMEs to apply for Kickstart Sardinia 2026.

The Opportunity

This initiative represents a strategic collaboration designed to provide the Sardinia Region with a direct and structured pathway to connect its promising ecosystem with the innovation needs of major Swiss corporations and investors. The overarching objective is to support the internationalization and commercial growth of Sardinian companies, actively positioning the region as a key source of innovation for the Swiss market: a global hub for finance, technology, and industry.

Selected companies will participate in a two-stage process. The program offers high-level access to the Swiss market to define pilot projects, Proof of Concepts (PoCs), and commercial partnerships, facilitating the creation of commercial agreements, investments possibilities, and long-term partnerships. For the Sardinia Region, participation is expected to promote its ecosystem’s visibility within the Swiss and European innovation landscape.

Who can register?

To be eligible for Kickstart Sardinia 2026, applicants must meet the following mandatory criteria:

01.Geographic origin

You are a Sardinian company, startup or scaleup. Your company must have its registered office and headquarters within the Sardinia Region.

02. Maturity level

You have moved beyond the idea or prototype phase. We are looking for market-ready solutions that demonstrate high potential for scaling.

03. Commercial traction

You have an existing business model and a demonstrated client base (B2B or B2C). You are currently generating revenue or have validated proof of market demand.

04. Operational capacity

You have a dedicated team with the resources and bandwidth to manage and execute a pilot project or proof of concept (PoC) with a major Swiss corporate partner alongside your daily operations.

05.Strategic fit

Your solution aligns with the 2026 Focus Areas (Food, Health, Smart Cities, Finance). We have a strong preference for Deep Tech (AI, Blockchain, Robotics, IoT) and solutions with a Sustainability/Circular Economy focus.

Who is NOT a fit?

01.Early-stage startups

Projects still in the idea, “Friends & Family”, or early prototyping phase without a working product or market validation

02.Service agencies

Consultancies or agencies that do not have a proprietary, scalable product or technology.

03.Non-Sardinian Entities

Companies that do not have a registered office and headquarters in Sardinia.

04.Unable to Commit

Companies whose founders are unable to travel to Zürich for the “Swiss Days” (Deep Dives) scheduled for September 14-18, 2026.

2026 Focus Areas

Your solution must align with one of the following areas:

Food & Retail: Solutions for sustainable agriculture, food tech, supply chain optimization, and retail experience.
Health & Wellbeing: Digital health, telemedicine, and innovative solutions for quality of life and healthcare efficiency.
Smart Cities: Technologies for sustainable urbanization, energy efficiency, and smart governance relevant to regional development.
Finance & Insurance: Fintech and Insurtech solutions applicable to regional financial services and digital transformation.
Various/Cross-Area: Solutions relevant to other areas compatible with both the Swiss context and Sardinian capabilities.

Program key dates

01. Registrations phase
(March 11 - April 1, 2026)

Submit your registration detailing your company’s maturity, vertical fit, and pilot readiness. Deadline to register: April 1, 2026

02. Selection process
(April - June 2026)

First round selection: A selection committee comprising Kickstart Innovation, CCIS, and Sardinia Region representatives will grade applicants based on market readiness and vertical fit by approximately April 30, 2026.

Training Webinar:
Shortlisted companies will take part in a training webinar with Kickstart Innovation to prepare their pitches for the final selection during the Sardinia Days.

Sardinia Days (final selection): Shortlisted companies will participate in the final selection event scheduled for June 4-5, 2026.

03. The Deep Dive - Swiss Days
(Sept 14 - 18, 2026)

Selected companies will travel to Zürich, Switzerland, for an intensive week of “Deep Dive” meetings.

Activities: Facilitated meetings with Swiss investors and corporate partners to define Pilots and PoCs.
Support: The Sardinia Region and CCIS will support delegation travel arrangements and participation costs.

Why Register?

Global Visibility: Elevate your profile within the Swiss and European innovation landscape
Business Growth: Secure commercial agreements and investments to scale your operations.
Talent Retention: Grow your business internationally while retaining your high-value team in Sardinia.

How to Register

Registrations must be submitted via the official platform by April 1, 2026.

Ensure your Pitch Deck is updated and ready for upload.