Virtual Startup Series
1. Masterclass on the Canadian market
April 9 at 10am PST / 7PM CEST (open to public)
2. Pitch Preparation Workshop
April 9 at 11:30am-12:30pm PST (private for selected startups)
3. Startup Pitch
April 11 at 10:30am-12pm PST (open to public)
Swiss cleantech startups will learn about the Canadian market, develop a pitch in an interactive workshop, and present their solutions for investors and the public to showcase their work and be considered for prizes. Selected startups will participate in all three sessions, and audiences are invited to join Sessions 1 and 3 via livestream.
Delivered in partnership with the EPFL Innovation Park (Switzerland) Tech4Regeneration program accelerating high-tech startups contributing to the transition towards a regenerative economy.
Presented by
Bringing Swiss Cleantech Startups to the Canadian Market
The opportunity
Switzerland boasts a thriving international startup ecosystem including Swissnex spanning North American cities like San Francisco, Boston, Houston, NYC and Atlanta, and the Innovation Parks (16 parks, 1500 companies in Basel, and many talented cleantech companies). Yet while some Swiss-Canadian cleantech companies have been established, Swiss startups have not expanded into Canada's untapped, fast-developing cleantech market at scale as Canada prioritizes the industry.
In a three-part series, our partners will show Swiss cleantech startups the market opportunity in Canada, work with them to develop a Canada-specific pitch, and host a pitch showcase for Canadian investors.
Startups at any stage are encouraged to apply. We are especially on the lookout for startups who are scaling in the foreseeable future, looking at the Canadian/North American market eventually, building solutions that are scalable and large enough for international investors to be interested, and high potential enough for Canadian investors to want to be aware.
Session 1: The Canadian Market
Nina Bader
BC Ecosystem Manager, Foresight
Explore the impressive Canadian cleantech market with Foresight, Canada's largest cleantech innovation and adoption accelerator. Canada is home to exciting activities in key sectors such as carbon, water, renewable energy, the built environment, and agriculture. Foresight’s sectorally-focused NEXT networks of companies, experts, and investors are driving these sectors to commercialize innovation and progress toward climate goals.This presentation will delve into how the country’s commitment to environmental stewardship and technological innovation makes Canada a world-class market for innovation, investment, and partnerships.
Session 2: Startup Pitch Workshop
Paul Brassard
Co-founder, Volition
Volition has served 2400+ founders and companies across 100+ programs in 5 countries including for climate solutions and women in cleantech. In this interactive workshop, Volition will help startups to target their pitch for the Canadian market including: Knowing the key elements of an investor pitch, understanding the (Canadian/Impact) investor mindset and how to incorporate structure and storytelling into their pitch design, being able to apply Volition’s proven pitch building and delivery methodology, and understand how to approach framing your pitch for the/your audience.
Session 3: Pitch Showcase & Networking
Selected Startups
High potential Swiss startups with an eye on North America
Based on the outcomes from the Session 1 masterclass and Session 2 pitch preparation workshop, up to 10 startups will present their solutions for investors, judges, and the public for the chance to get exposure to the Canadian market and win exclusive prizes. The session includes Q&A, and the opportunity to connect with other attendees.
Prizes
Pitch winners will receive exclusive prizes in technology, consulting, and funding introductions offered by our network partners based on rank by the judges and fit for the startups.
$5K Tech Development
Velocity will help build, prototype or scale your product or architecture.
Growth Advisory and Acquisition Introduction
Consulting hours on proven methods to scale exponentially, and be considered for acquisition.
Startup Visa Support
Priority consideration by ISM for your company to immigrate to Canada.
International Business and Global Project Management
Complimentary sessions with Ariane Hibo -Consultant at ISM, and Project Manager at Google.
Investor Introduction
Learn about funding in Canada and be considered for VC referrals.
Business Development, Operations, Strategy, and Expansion
Complimentary sessions with Jasmin Rehmani - Consultant at ISM and former global lead at Expedia Canada & Airbnb.
