Innovation Accelerator Program
The RUAG Accelerator Program is designed to help innovative start-ups, small and medium-sized companies to enter the Swiss security and defence market. This market has many hurdles that are difficult to overcome alone. Thanks to RUAG's network and expertise, the program makes it easier to open up the market. The aim is to jointly develop and validate services and products tailored to our customers in order to lay the foundations for future and long-term collaboration.
RUAG's main customers include members of the Swiss Security Network, such as the DDPS, the Swiss Armed Forces, police forces and municipal and cantonal authorities. All of these organisations are linked by complex procurement processes that make it difficult for them to interact with start-ups, small and medium-sized enterprises. Therefore, for most of our customers who still want to benefit from the latest developments in the world of start-ups and research, it is interesting to go through an established and recognised provider like RUAG.
With the RUAG Accelerator Program, we act as an enabler for our customers and start-ups and help them achieve their strategic goals for the future. We are convinced that our approach will make a significant and sustainable contribution to sovereign security in Switzerland.
Our initiatives
Past batch participants
25
Startups
2021
since
7
Batches
- Upcoming batches
Each batch lasts three months and represents an initial phase of collaboration. At the end of this phase, each project has the opportunity to pitch for further collaboration to an internal RUAG jury. This is made up of managers from all divisions of the company. The aim of the exercise is to convince a member of the jury to sponsor and support the project.
Win the RUAG Startup Innovation Award
During the annual RUAG Innovation Forum, selected start-ups from the current year are given the opportunity to compete against each other. The winner is determined by the forum audience in a pitch event. The trophy of the "RUAG Startup Innovation Award" is presented by the CEO of RUAG.
Project application form
Our focal points
We are looking for specific contributions to the following megatrends
Cyber threats & Digitization
Climate change
AI systems, robotics and automation
TEchnologies:
- Autonomous systems (drones, robots, cobots, etc.)
- Artificial intelligence (deep learning, big data, machine learning, etc.)
- VR & AR
- Sensors (optical, electromagnetic, biological, chemical, etc.)
- IoT, 5G, LPWAN, RFID, ...
- Mobile & Web Applications
- Green technologies & alternative fuels
Field applications:
- Data collection, transmission and use
- Tactical communication
- Command and control systems and situational awareness
- Mission and process automation
- Infrastructure protection
- Effect against ground and air targets
- Operational mobility and safety
- Disaster management
- Detection, identification and disablement of airborne and ground-based drones
- Cyber security
- Reconnaissance and surveillance
- Orbital and space-based sensors
- Predictive maintenance
- Energy management and storage
- Logistics and intra
Contact
Questions and answers about the Innovation Accelerator Program
I have an idea that could contribute to increasing security in Switzerland, but the area or theme is not covered in the specifications.
No problem, the RUAG Accelerator Program has an open innovation mindset, so please apply!
I do not work in a start-up but in a large company. Can I participate all the same?
Yes, we do not restrict the program to start-ups. Nevertheless, it is important to have the mindset of a start-up. So if you are part of an innovation group or an intrapreneur, please apply!
My start-up is not located in Switzerland. Can I nevertheless apply to the program?
Yes, we are open to international start-ups. (Some restrictions may apply, depending on the framework conditions)
I am a student and I have a great idea. Can I participate?
Yes, we are happy to support student projects (BSc, MSc, PhD)!*
We are a laboratory at an engineering school. Our technologies could contribute to greater security – can we also participate in the program?
Yes, the Accelerator Program can provide schools and recognized (not-for-profit) R&D facilities with support in the form of a direct industrial project.*
We are an engineering office and we think that we have a valuable idea. Our hours must nevertheless be paid – is there a solution?
For engineering offices, exceptions can be made to cover the engineering hours. This is limited to SMEs.*
We are a pre-seed funding start-up – does the Accelerator Program cover our costs?
No, only the purchase of equipment or the production of a pilot or prototype is covered**.
Note
*In the case of partial or full coverage of engineering time, RUAG retains full ownership of the project's intellectual property rights.
** Material purchased by RUAG remains the property of RUAG even after the project.