About Us

LOCATIONS

The courses for the northern region of Switzerland are held at various locations in Basel and Olten:

Innovation Office University of Basel

Fachhochschule Nordwestschweiz FHNW

Innovation Office University of Basel

The Innovation Office serves as a central hub for entrepreneurship and innovation at the University of Basel. Driven by the complex challenges of our times, the Innovation Office team is committed to foster entrepreneurship as a means to deliver sustainable solutions by bridging the gap between academia, startups, industry, and society.

To achieve this mission, the Innovation Office offers educational programs in entrepreneurship, hosts inspiring events for talented founders, runs startup incubation and acceleration programs, and facilitates meaningful connections with industry leaders.

Founded in 2017, the Innovation Office is one of the most prominent innovation hubs in Switzerland. It maintains strong networks and partnerships with leading universities and startup ecosystems worldwide.

Fachhochschule Nordwestschweiz FHNW

FHNW, the University of Applied Sciences and Arts in Northwestern Switzerland, is a leading institution known for its innovation and practical focus in teaching, research, and continuing education. With over 11,250 students across nine departments—including applied psychology, architecture, arts and design, life sciences, and engineering—FHNW offers a diverse academic experience.

Entrepreneurship is a strategic priority at FHNW, driving applied research, international summer schools, and courses at the bachelor’s, master’s, and MBA levels. The university also hosts renowned startup awards, such as the Swiss Startup Challenge and Swiss Innovation Challenge, fostering innovation and supporting emerging entrepreneurs.

With campuses in Brugg-Windisch, Basel, Muttenz, and Olten, FHNW maintains strong industry partnerships and a global network, making it a key player in education and entrepreneurship.

Impact Hub Basel

Impact Hub Basel is a co-working space and innovation hub that supports entrepreneurs, startups, and organizations focusing on sustainability and social impact. As part of the global Impact Hub network, it offers a collaborative environment where changemakers can connect, share ideas, and promote positive change.

At its core, Impact Hub Basel provides flexible workspaces, networking opportunities, and a variety of programs designed to support early-stage businesses and projects. Through incubation and acceleration programs, it offers mentorship, resources, and expert guidance to help entrepreneurs scale their impact-driven initiatives. The hub also regularly hosts workshops, events, and community-building activities that focus on social innovation, sustainable business practices, and solving local and global challenges.

Area Business & Innovation

Area Business & Innovation is the investment and innovation promotion agency of the Cantons Basel-Stadt, Basel-Landschaft and Jura.

It is the go-to agency for launching or relocating a business venture in Switzerland’s most dynamic region. As a non-profit organization, it provides services to companies, institutions and startups interested in exploring business opportunities or innovative projects in the Basel region.

Are Business & Innovation provides consulting services, facilitates connections, manages several accelerator programs in life sciences, digital health, and industrial innovations, and offers networking events and workshops.

Contact persons

Our fully dedicated, talented team can benefit from long-standing expertise in talent support, entrepreneurial education, and experiential learning. Supercharged by a local and global network of partner institutions, trainers, coaches, and industry experts we guarantee best-in-class training for students, researchers, and innovators from the region and beyond.