Participation in the on-site Swiss Business Incubator Programme is competitive and subject to formal review. Submission of an application does not guarantee a place.

Applicants must submit a detailed business concept outlining their proposed venture, development objectives, and clearly defined expectations of what they intend to achieve through participation in the incubator. Applications are assessed based on feasibility, commitment, academic standing, and overall suitability for the programme.

IBAS reserves the right to grant or refuse admission at its sole discretion. Places are limited. Decisions are final and are not subject to appeal. IBAS further reserves the right to refuse admission if there is reasonable concern that a student intends to use participation primarily to extend or maintain their visa status rather than to actively engage in and benefit from the programme’s entrepreneurial objectives.

To be considered, current students must meet the following criteria:

• Maintain a minimum of 90% attendance. Students below this threshold will not be considered, as IBAS must be satisfied that participants can successfully manage both their academic programme and the incubator commitment.

• Have no history of academic or disciplinary warnings.

• Have no record of misconduct during internships or other IBAS-related placements.

• Have no ongoing or prior issues with public authorities (including, but not limited to, municipal authorities or debt enforcement registers).

Visa Conditions

Students holding a Swiss visa must ensure that participation in the incubator fully complies with the conditions of their visa. Engagement in the programme is not permitted if it would constitute a breach of visa regulations. Not all visa students may be eligible to participate, as eligibility depends on the specific terms and conditions of the individual’s visa.

The on-site Swiss Business Incubator Programme is not available to online students who require a visa to enter or remain in Switzerland.

Alumni Applicants

Alumni may apply; however, eligibility is subject to the same standards. Applicants must not have had any of the above issues during their period of study and must not have any current matters pending with public authorities.

Participation is not guaranteed for alumni.

The Business Incubator Programme cannot be used for visa or permit applications. It is therefore only available to alumni who already hold a valid Swiss residence permit or visa that legally allows them to undertake such activities in Switzerland.

Selection Process

Admission to the IBAS Business Incubator is competitive and highly selective. Places are limited and awarded only to applicants who demonstrate strong commitment, feasibility, and professional readiness.

Stage 1: Pre-Screening Concept Summary

Applicants must first submit a concise one-page concept summary outlining:

• The problem being addressed

• The proposed solution

• Target market

• Revenue model

• Current stage of development

• Founder motivation and objectives for joining the incubator

Only applicants whose concept demonstrates sufficient potential, clarity, and alignment with the incubator’s objectives will be invited to proceed to the full application stage.

Stage 2: Full Written Application

Shortlisted applicants must submit:

• A detailed business plan (market analysis, competitive positioning, financial model, operational roadmap)

• A 12-month execution plan with measurable milestones

• Clear objectives for participation in the incubator

• Evidence of progress to date (if applicable)

Incomplete or insufficient applications will not be considered.

Stage 3: Academic & Conduct Review

IBAS conducts an internal eligibility review, including:

• Minimum 90% attendance record

• Academic standing

• Disciplinary history

• Internship performance (if applicable)

• Compliance history with public authorities (where relevant)

• Visa compliance (where applicable)

Failure to meet these standards results in disqualification.

Stage 4: Panel Pitch & Evaluation

Shortlisted applicants will be invited to present their business concept to a selection panel.

The pitch includes:

• A structured presentation

• Critical questioning by the panel

• Assessment of financial literacy and risk awareness

• Evaluation of founder commitment and ability to balance academic and incubator responsibilities

Final Decision

Selection is based on overall viability, professionalism, preparedness, and alignment with the programme’s objectives.

IBAS reserves full discretion in the selection process. Decisions are final and not subject to appeal.

Participation in the IBAS Business Incubator is conditional upon continued compliance with programme standards and institutional regulations. IBAS reserves the right to terminate participation at any time if a participant fails to meet the required expectations.

Grounds for termination may include, but are not limited to:

• Failure to actively engage in the development of the approved business concept

• Failure to meet agreed milestones or demonstrate reasonable progress

• Prolonged inactivity within the incubator programme

• A decline in academic performance or attendance below the required 90% threshold (for current students)

• Disciplinary action, misconduct, or breach of IBAS regulations

• Misuse of incubator facilities or resources

• Providing false, misleading, or incomplete information during the application process

• Breach of visa conditions or any legal non-compliance

• Issues arising with public authorities that may affect suitability for continued participation

Warning Policy

Where appropriate, IBAS may issue one formal written warning outlining the breach and required corrective action. Failure to remedy the issue within the specified timeframe will result in immediate termination of participation.

In cases involving serious misconduct, legal violations, or significant reputational risk to IBAS, termination may occur immediately without prior warning.

Termination decisions are made at the sole discretion of IBAS and are final. Access to incubator facilities will cease immediately upon termination.