WHY SHOULD YOU APPLY ?
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Are you a highly motivated PhD or Master's Student at a Swiss University who is driven by making a positive impact on the world?
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Do you have a deep understanding of a problem space or novel technology space that you've explored and believe you can make an impact in?
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Are you a team player and aspiring leader with an entrepreneurial mindset, passion for innovation, and a “can do” attitude?
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Have you been exploring ideas for a while now and want to get serious about building your startup?
Then join our excellence program, find outstanding co-founders from complementary disciplines, and lay a stable foundation for a successful entrepreneurial career - all whilst studying!
Talent Kick is a highly selective, cross-university program that will help you find an interdisciplinary co-founder team and together get hands-on experience in the entrepreneurial career path during your studies. At Talent Kick, you are enabled to form a stable team and a strong bond with your co-founders, develop a direction, and validate first ideas hands-on. During the entire journey, you will receive 1:1 personal coaching, get a broad overview, and deep immersion into the Swiss start-up ecosystem. We will support you in broadening your network, navigating the ecosystem to prolong your runway, and finding synergies. If you show great momentum, you will convince first supporters and receive first funding.
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APPLICATION PROCESS - TK-S26 BATCH
Sept 2025
Application
Portal Opening
Beg Nov 2025
Application
Deadline
Nov - Dec 2025
Pitching session and Interview for selected applicants
Jan 2026
Final
Confirmation
Feb 2026
Program start
for TK-S26
WHO CAN APPLY ?
If you are thinking about becoming an entrepreneur, but you do not have the perfect team or idea yet, Talent Kick is for you!
We are looking for the best entrepreneurial talents in Switzerland...
Excellent academic track record
Team player with leadership ability
Master & PhD Student in Switzerland/CH
Strong desire to make an impact
Entrepreneurial mindset with a deep understanding of a problem space or novel technology.
Do you have the potential to become the next successful entrepreneur?
JOIN OUR NEXT COHORT
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Before Talent Kick the entrepreneurial world was so far away and starting a company was a huge obstacle to take. Talent Kick took away the boundaries. I got in touch with the ecosystem and understand much better how startups work. My dream of founding my own company now is much closer.
HOW TO PREPARE FOR TALENT KICK ?
Get to know yourself, your values and what drives you
Be proactive and create opportunities for yourself and others
Explore the application of your technology space and see if it’s solving a real-life problem
Test and & validate your assumptions by talking to as many people as possible
Be ready to invest energy in your entrepreneurial journey
FAQ
You are never the only one with questions!
You might even find your question among the most frequently asked questions below:
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Who can apply?Students from any Swiss university or Higher Education Institution can apply! We are looking for people who have been exploring ideas and gaining an in-depth understanding of either a technology space, problem space, or both and are now ready to get serious about building their startups. You are welcome to apply as an individual or as a pre-formed team.
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Where will the program take place?The program will take place on different locations between Zürich, Lausanne and Bern.
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What prerequisites do I need for the program?To be eligible you must be enrolled as a university student with 2-4 semesters left at the start of the program. We look for students who have demonstrated their entrepreneurial drive by exploring their areas of interest, created opportunities for themselves, tried out ideas, or otherwise have identified an area of interest or novel technology that they are passionate about. Whilst it is not a prerequisite to have a fixed idea or solution yet, an understanding of a problem/technology space is important to show us you are proactive and have what it takes to be an entrepreneur!
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In which language will the program take place?The program will be held in English to encourage cross-university and international connections.
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Do I need an idea and a team to apply?At Talent Kick, we do not focus on any idea you might have, but we do expect that you have explored in-depth a problem space or have a deep understanding of a novel technology and its potential applications. We guide you through all stages of the process of laying a stable foundation for an entrepreneurial career no matter your starting point. However, the more you have already explored, the better your chances in the selection process. What is absolutely mandatory is a burning desire to bring innovative solutions to the world and a commitment to the entrepreneurial journey! You are welcome to apply as an individual or with a pre-formed team.
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Can I apply if I already have an idea or if I already have a team?Yes, you can come into the program with an idea and/or a pre-formed team. You will go through all stages together with the other batch members to again deep dive and stabilise your team and idea. We are looking for bright minds who are open to the process and ready to grow further. You should bring an openness to accept more team members if sensible and pivot your idea if necessary.
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Can I participate in the program while I am in my studies?Yes! This is exactly what the program is designed for. We want to help you find synergies with your studies and enable you to successfully explore the entrepreneurial career path while pursuing your degree. At graduation, best participants have laid a stable foundation and can confidently decide for the entrepreneurial career path.
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Does Talent Kick take shares from me when I found a startup?No, we do not take any shares from you. The program worth around 20'000 CHF is completely free for you. We are funded by Swiss foundations interested in the development of the Swiss ecosystem and the education of the next generation of entrepreneurial minds and leaders.
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Can I go on exchange during the program?After the first semester, you can combine a semester abroad with Talent Kick. With Swissnex as our strong global partner, you can also receive support abroad!