Boost My Startup Challenge: access to the market for sustainable, digital startups in Switzerland

Let’s take a closer look at this initiative as we speak to Anne Claire Pliska, Chief Digital Officer for WSP Western Europe, and Philippe Schlegel, Transaction Manager in Corporate Finance Growth Advisory at UBS.

The Boost my Startup Challenge is special because a major bank is teaming up with a global engineering consulting firm. But what are the specific benefits of this collaboration for the winners of the challenge?

Philippe Schlegel [UBS]: Participating in the Boost My Startup Challenge offers several major advantages. First startups have the opportunity to pitch in front of potential investors, which can lead to fundraising opportunities. UBS Growth Advisory has already completed more than 100 transactions with Swiss scaleup companies, helping them find the right investors or providing them with Growth Credit Financing. Then, visibility. Being selected or winning such a competition provides excellent visibility.,

Anne Claire Pliska [WSP]: In parallel, the winning startups gain access to the exclusive commercial network of WSP, as well as experts, ready to share strategic and operational advice that will propel their development to the next level.

What types of startups are you targeting? Are there specific criteria for applying?

Anne Claire Pliska [WSP]: We are looking for startups providing innovative products or services in the following sectors: construction, environment, energy, water, logistics, mobility, or real estate. The startups must also operate a data-driven business model.

Are there also requirements with regard to the maturity level of the start-ups?

Philippe Schlegel [UBS]: What we expect from the applicants is to have a solid product-market-fit validated in the market with initial revenues. We are looking for startups with high growth potential, ready to take the next step in their development.

What motivates you to support start-ups in the context of the Challenge?

Anne Claire Pliska [WSP]: The potential of digitalization in the engineering and construction industry provides an exceptional basis for a sustainable growth and long-term collaboration, it is a win-win-win situation for all stakeholders. I am looking forward to collaborating with startups willing to develop a partnership with WSP and co-create digital products addressing our markets.

Philippe Schlegel [UBS]: We support young entrepreneurs from the start-up phase right through to growth financing and we are using our know-how and network to help fast growing companies to find the right investors to accelerate their commercialisation. The Challenge allows us to identify, support, and propel young companies with strong growth potential. What drives us is the opportunity to leverage our skills and network so that young companies can gain visibility, secure fundings, and benefit from mentorship from industry leaders like WSP.

Applications can be submitted starting from September 2nd until 30th September. The best startups will then be invited for the Pitch on October 10, 2024. More information on the Boost my Startup Challenge website (https://boostmystartup.ch/)