FAST-TRACK YOUR BUSINESS WITH THE VANGUARD ACCELERATOR

The Vanguard Accelerator is a six-month programme for promising digital-health-oriented companies to transform their innovative ideas into market-ready products. Unlike traditional accelerators that focus on mentorship and consultancy, Vanguard encourages rapid, iterative development through extensive interaction with a diverse network of experts.

Our network includes clinicians, nurses and pharmacists, alongside regulators, investors and IT specialists. Aimed specifically at health projects involving digital technologies, the programme enables early-stage start-ups to gain valuable, actionable feedback on both their product and business strategy. Run by Biopôle SA in collaboration with Swiss Healthcare Startups, our programme managers make sure participants have the resources they need to build momentum and achieve their goals.

Are you a forward-thinking entrepreneur ready to receive constructive feedback and make fast, informed decisions to propel your digital health startup forward? Vanguard may be just what you need.

 WHO WE’VE HELPED SO FAR

Past participants benefited from access to a wide network, which often leads to pilot projects and a deeper understanding of their business environment. In just six months, participants can achieve what might take years without the programme, significantly reducing risks and enhancing their chances of success.

 WHAT’S IN IT FOR YOU?

Start-ups selected for the Vanguard Accelerator benefit from real-world insights for business hypothesis testing and networking support to bring their digital health innovations to life. They enjoy six months of desk space at Biopôle and the support of two dedicated programme managers. This support includes expert feedback, personalised follow-ups, regular meetings, access to the Digital Health Hub, and financial backing for collaborative projects with H4. Participants also receive ongoing discounted access to DH² infrastructure and additional support from partner organisations for financing, business modelling and coaching.

WHAT WE’LL NEED FROM YOU

Start-ups commit to increasing their impact in French-speaking Switzerland, ideally by maintaining a physical presence at the DH² premises or exploring collaborations with local players. They’re expected to follow up with the experts they’ve been introduced to and acknowledge the support received from the Vanguard Accelerator on their website throughout the programme’s duration.

A SWISS PARTNERSHIP

Biopôle is delighted to host the Vanguard Accelerator programme in collaboration with Swiss Healthcare Startups (SHS). SHS is a non-profit organisation dedicated to fostering innovation within the Swiss healthcare sector. It seeks to empower start-ups by increasing their exposure and facilitating access to key stakeholders. Serving as a neutral platform, it actively encourages dialogue, networking and the exchange of ideas across the healthcare landscape, with the aim of catalysing collaboration and transformation within the industry.

Swiss Healthcare Startups

METHODS PROVEN TO WORK

The Vanguard programme has been designed according to proven start-up methodologies, including Value Proposition Design (Osterwalder), Lean Startup (Ries) and Customer Development Process (Blank). The healthcare landscape is a complex one, where the notion of the ‘customer’ is not as straightforward as with other consumer products. For digital health ventures, you must understand the factors at play for a range of stakeholders, from patients to prescribers, caregivers and regulators. That’s why it’s important to access as large and varied a network of hands-on professionals as possible.

VANGUARD EXPERTS

 The Vanguard Accelerator ensures your ideas have the potential to fill a gap in the market and become an innovative solution for patients. It’s designed to challenge and hone your business model, helping your start-up become more attractive to investors, early adopters and other partners. Our experts are the people who will help you get there.