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The SINGA incubator is designed specifically for people with refugee and migrant experiences who want to start their own business in Switzerland. SINGA runs a two phase incubator program in Zurich and Geneva. Let’s start with your project !
Would you like advice from one of our program managers locally?
You can book office hours (online or on site) with us!
Join our 12 week SINGA Incubator and launch your business idea in Switzerland
Here’s how you can join our 3-month incubation program:
Apply: Submit your application if you meet the eligibility criteria listed further down this page.
Selection Bootcamp: If shortlisted, you’ll be invited to a full-day Bootcamp to develop your business idea, pitch it to a jury and receive feedback from experts.
Final Selection: The jury will evaluate your motivation, entrepreneurial mindset and teamwork skills.
If selected, you’ll join our 3-month Incubator Program to develop, test and move your business idea forward!
UNDERSTAND THE PROBLEM AND YOUR CUSTOMERS
Identify the problem you want to solve and get to know your target customers. Through customer interviews, user research and competitor analysis, you will gain a better understanding of your market and your customers’ needs.
Key topics: User Research, Jobs to Be Done, Customer Interviews and Competitor Analysis.
TEST IF YOUR IDEA CAN WORK
Put your business idea to the test! Identify and validate your key assumptions through Minimum Viable Product (MVP) testing. At the end of the month, you will present your idea in a formal 3-minute pitch.
Key topics: MVP Development and Testing, Idea Validation and Pitching.
BUILD THE TOOLS TO MOVE FORWARD
Gain the practical knowledge and strategic tools you need to take your business idea to the next level. Explore key business areas and develop your own roadmap for the next steps.
Key topics: Branding, Marketing, Sales, Finance and Legal Basics.
ONGOING SUPPORT THROUGHOUT THE PROGRAM
Throughout the program, you will benefit from individual mentoring, personalised one-on-one support from our Program Managers, and access to the SINGA network, community and events.
Selection process
1. Apply online
Check our “Who can apply” section. If you fulfill the criteria you can apply using the form up for Zurich or Geneva (~ 60min).
2. Join the next bootcamp
You will be invited to a full-day selection process where you will solve various tasks individually as well as in teams and get feedback from experts about your idea.
3. Convince and Get selected
The experts select the participants in cooperation with the SINGA team and inform you of their decision. The selection criteria are based on entrepreneurship, motivation and teamwork.
Who can apply
Language
You have minimum a B1 level in German (in Zurich) / French (in Geneva).
If you do not speak the local language but speak English at a B1 or higher level, you can participate, but content is often provided in the local language.
Permit
You have a F-, B- C- or S-Permit.
Unfortunately, in Switzerland, people with N-permit are not allowed to found a business, but could join the incubator if they have team members with the mentioned permits or with Swiss passport.
Origin
You are from a non-EU/EFTA/UK country or you have a project idea to support people with refugee backgrounds.
EU/EFTA/UK citizens can participate if they team up with the target group.
Time commitment
The time required for the 3-month incubator period is around 15 to 20 hours per week (this includes workshops, coworking, mentoring and time to work on your project individually).
Cost (individuals)
With SINGA the costs of the incubator depends on your situation:
- 250 CHF if you have a limited income
- 400 CHF if you have a job or a regular income.
Cost (INSTITUTIONS)
If you receive social assistance or unemployment benefits, the institution must cover part of the program costs. The amount may vary depending on the type of support and the region.
Geneva: the contribution amounts to CHF 5,000 per participant (including all incubator program offers and mentoring).
Neuchâtel (pilot project in 2025): the contribution was CHF 3,000.
SINGA handles all details directly with your social worker.
The entrepreneurs' success is
what makeS SINGA's Impact!
Incubator program
PHASE 1 : ideation lab
The first phase of the incubator lasts 8 weeks, during which interactive workshops and coworking sessions take place every two weeks. Already in this phase you will be accompanied by a mentor.
1. Analyze
2. Validate
For a little more than a month you will test and research the feasibility of your business/project idea through different tools and methods in workshops, coworking sessions and individual working time.