New startup accelerator looks to enable smart and connected machines

The Kickstart Accelerator program in Switzerland is currently accepting applications from early-stage startups making “smart and connected machines”, namely robots. They are especially (but not exclusively) interested in applications in the fields of smart homes, transportation, mobility and logistics.

The 3-month program runs over the summer from late August to November and provides mentoring, expertise, up to CHF 25K in seed-funding, living stipends, and office space to the selected teams. The program culminates with a Demo Day, where each startup presents their company to Swiss venture capitalists, corporate leaders, and journalists.

We’re looking for outstanding talents with a brilliant idea in the field of Robotics who have the spirit and dedication to become successful entrepreneurs and change the world.

The accelerator aims to put Switzerland on the map by bringing some of the most promising early-stage startups from different fields to Zurich, and doing everything in its power to make them succeed. Applications are welcome from anywhere in the world.

Kickstart is backed by academia, corporates and the local startup ecosystem. Notable mentors in the robotics field include Roland Siegwart director of the Autonomous Systems Lab at ETH Zurich and co-director of the Wyss Translational Center, as well as Simon Dössegger, previously CEO at skybotix.

You can find more information about the Kickstart program here, the deadline for applications is April 30, 2016.

Sabine Hauert is President of Robohub and Associate Professor at the Bristol Robotics Laboratory

Sabine Hauert is President of Robohub and Associate Professor at the Bristol Robotics Laboratory