ABOUT THE PROJECT

IDEAS Women

An AI-driven digital platform integrating research, education, acceleration, and community to scale women-led startups across Switzerland and Poland.

36
Months Duration
2
Countries (CH/PL)
4
Partner Institutions
40
Startups Accelerated
THE CHALLENGE

Why IDEAS Women?

98%

Female founders receive only 2% of global VC funding, despite leading startups with higher ROI and greater resilience.

40%

Women-led startups are 40% more resilient in challenging times, yet face systemic barriers to growth.

Female entrepreneurs face structural barriers including limited access to networks, funding, and role models. IDEAS Women addresses these gaps through an integrated ecosystem combining research, education, acceleration, and technology.

OUR APPROACH

Mission & Strategy

Our Mission

Empower female founders in Switzerland and Poland through evidence-based support, cutting-edge technology, and cross-border collaboration.

The Challenge

Systemic barriers limit female founders' access to funding, networks, and resources needed to scale innovative startups.

Our Solution

Integrated ecosystem combining research insights, educational resources, acceleration support, and AI-powered networking.

EXPECTED OUTCOMES

Impact & Key Performance Indicators

Measurable outcomes across startup acceleration, education, community building, and policy impact.

Startup Acceleration

Startups Accelerated
40total
Secured Funding
≥30%of cohort
Support Hours
≥100hper startup

Platform & Community

Platform Users
500registered
Successful Connections
≥200matches
Investor Introductions
100+total

Education & Learning

OER Modules
5-7courses
Course Completions
≥200learners
Learner Satisfaction
≥80%rating

Workshops & Events

Workshops
10events
Participants
≥250total
Role Models Featured
≥20speakers

Policy & Research

Policy Briefs
≥2published
Interviews
≥50conducted
Survey Responses
≥400collected

Economic Impact

Survival Rate
60%after 12mo
Funding Raised
12+startups
Cross-Border Expansion
≥5startups
PROJECT TIMELINE

Programme Phases

36-month journey from research to sustainable ecosystem, January 2026 – December 2028.

M1–12

Research & Ecosystem Mapping

Comprehensive needs analysis and ecosystem mapping to understand barriers and opportunities for female founders in Switzerland and Poland.

M7–18

Open Educational Resources (OER) Curriculum

Development and delivery of multilingual, open-access learning modules covering essential startup competencies.

M10–36

Binational Accelerator Programme

Intensive acceleration programme providing structured support, mentoring, and investor access to selected startups.

M13–36

AI-Powered Matchmaking Platform

Development and deployment of an intelligent digital platform connecting founders with mentors, investors, and peers.

Programme Details

GLOBAL IMPACT

UN Sustainable Development Goals

IDEAS Women directly contributes to six UN SDGs, advancing gender equality, economic growth, and innovation.

4
Quality Education
5
Gender Equality
8
Decent Work & Economic Growth
9
Industry, Innovation & Infrastructure
10
Reduced Inequalities
17
Partnerships for the Goals

Sustainability & Legacy

Beyond the 36-month project duration, IDEAS Women creates lasting impact through:

  • Open-source platform enabling continued matchmaking and community growth
  • CC-BY licensed educational resources accessible to future cohorts worldwide
  • Policy recommendations informing national strategies in CH and PL
  • Sustainable ecosystem of mentors, investors, and alumni supporting future founders

Ready to Learn More?

Explore our programmes, meet our partners, or get in touch to join the ecosystem.