Swiss Innovation Challenge ASIA

The Swiss Innovation Challenge (SIC) ASIA is an international competition and development programne designed to foster innovation, entrepreneurship, and sustainable business practices across multiple Asian nations. Launched as an expansion of a Swiss initiative, the program provides a platform for participants to pitch their business ideas at any stage of development with a strong emphasis on projects that contribute to a sustainable economy. The competition is structured to combine rigorous training, mentorship, and networking opportunities, all conducted in English to ensure broad accessibility and international collaboration.

Beyond the competition itself, SIC ASIA integrates a significant research and publication component, aiming to generate high-quality academic content through a yearly book series published by Springer. Participants benefit from educational sessions on topics such as business modeling, finance, and internationalisation, along with personalised coaching and feedback from expert juries. The programme also facilitates peer learning and potential matchmaking services, connecting innovators across borders. Through its multi-layered approach of education, competition, and research, SIC ASIA seeks to equip emerging entrepreneurs with the skills and networks needed to drive meaningful change and build resilient, future-oriented businesses.

With innovation partnerships playing an increasingly important role, the programme offers project teams across Asia the opportunity to bring their innovation to a new level, connect to the Swiss eco-system and build an international network.

The competition begins with participant registration through local partner websites, followed by a series of educational and coaching sessions delivered locally. Participants then compete in local pitching events held in each country, where they present their business ideas and receive feedback from juries.

Winning teams from each country advance to an international final pitch, where they present before a jury that includes representatives from the programme’s founding institutions. One member of each of the top three winning teams receive sponsorship for travel and accommodation to attend the final event in Switzerland and get insights into the local entrepreneurial eco-system.

More details on local programmes offered by partner universities across Asia under local partner programmes.

All dates available at local partner programmes.