New FinTech accelerator initiative to launch in Zurich
ZURICH, March 17, 2016
An international FinTech accelerator programme is set to launched in Zurich, Switzerland by leading organisations in the country.
Two leading Swiss banks UBS and Credit Suisse, leading ICT provider Swisscom, the provider of comprehensive retirement provisions and financial solutions Swiss Life and consultancy firm Ernst & Young (EY) are joining forces to put Switzerland on the map as a top location for establishing a FinTech start-up, said a statement.
The partner companies are launching the programme with an international target audience, it said.
The initiative is supported by two local FinTech associations ‘Swiss Finance Startups’ and ‘Swiss Finance and Technology Association.
The programme, which will start in the summer of this year, aims at developing promising business ideas in Zurich.
It will be many focused on wealth management, digital identity and block chain, for which Switzerland offers location advantages.
The programme is part of the Kickstart Accelerator, an initiative of DigitalZurich2025, which aims at promoting Switzerland as one of the leading locations for digital companies.
The Kickstart Accelerator will run three other focus programme in parallel, in the fields of food, smart and connected machines, and future and emerging technologies.
Among the four programs, an active exchange will take place and synergies will be used.
The programme has been set up to run for several years and will serve as a flagship project to strengthen the attractiveness of Zurich as a location for digital innovation, said the statement.
To take part in the accelerator programme, teams from all over the world will have to go through a rigorous application process.
Successful applicants will receive financial assistance for three months, a workplace in Zurich, mentoring by leading professional experts as well as experiences entrepreneurs, and will be introduced to investors.
In additions, the start-ups will benefit from the expertise of the partner companies and will get direct access to the financial industry. - TradeArabia News Service
