The Evolution of the Program

From

SABII
Swiss Africa Business Innovation Initiative
(2018-2020)

over

SASBI
Swiss African Science and Business Innovators Program
(2021-2023)

to

AIT Swiss Africa
Academia Industry Training
(since 2024)

AIT Swiss Africa

Academia Industry Training
(Since 2024)

For our current program efforts visit: Alumni 2024

The AIT Swiss-Africa Program is a pioneering initiative that bridges the gap between academia and industry, fostering innovation and entrepreneurship across Switzerland and several African nations, including South Africa, Rwanda, Nigeria, Kenya, and Ghana.

Since 2007, this program—backed by the Swiss State Secretariat for Education, Research, and Innovation (SERI) and supported by African institutions—has empowered start-ups, researchers, and industry leaders to collaborate, scale businesses, and drive technological advancements. It has been instrumental in launching successful ventures and building lasting networks among universities, entrepreneurs, and investors.

The AIT Swiss-Africa Alumni Meeting 2024 in Stellenbosch marks a decade of groundbreaking partnerships. It brings together alumni, industry leaders, and key stakeholders for knowledge exchange, panel discussions, and investment opportunities, reinforcing a dynamic ecosystem of innovation and impact.

This program isn’t just about business—it’s about shaping the future of research-driven entrepreneurship in Africa and beyond.

SASBI

Swiss African Science and Business Innovators Program
(2021 – 2023)

On 30th of June, the Directors’ Roundtable on Innovation kick-started this new phase by bringing together stakeholders from Tech Transfer and Innovation Offices. Under the name of SASBI, the Swiss African Science and Business Innovators Program, joint activities are launched and a greater understanding is targeted of each other’s know-how transfer ecosystem. This program is part of the Swiss-African Academia – Industry Training (Sensitization Phase) financed by the Swiss Ministry for Education, Research and Innovation (SERI).

Advisory Sounding Board
Prof. Christine Volkmann UNESCO Chair Entrepreneurship U Wuppertal Prof. Nosa O. Egiebor DVC Academic Affairs and Research U Rwanda Dr. Theophile Nyonzima Center for Entrepreneurship U Rwanda Prof. Oyedunni Arulogun Director Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation University of Ibadan Ms. Senisha Moonsamy Director Skills Development TIA Ms. Pauline Koelbl CEO AfriProspect Dr. Norah Clarke Director Entrepreneurship Development in Higher Education (EDHE) USAf Dr. James Educational Principal East African Community Jowi

SABII

Swiss Africa Business Innovation Initiative
(2018 – 2020)

Click on a step in the interactive info-graphics below for more details.

 

SABII was a joint program to foster startup entrepreneurship and cooperation in Sub-Saharan Africa and Switzerland. In a competitive scheme science-based business founders are selected based on their prior experience (own company incorporation, MOOC certificates, course attendance certificates at Higher Education Institutions or proof of business coaching through agencies).African startups are invited to attend the Advanced Workshop in Africa in the environment of the Afrilabs Annual Gathering. During the 3-days workshop, mentoring is provided by experienced Swiss and African entrepreneurs. At the end, the eight most promising and innovative pitches to a Swiss-African jury are selected and the business heads invited to Switzerland for a one-week stay with business peers. Insights into the local startup ecosystem and creation of linkages and synergies with local stakeholders are provided by our partner Venturelab.

Swiss Startups are invited to attend the Afrilabs Annual Gathering where a Swiss – African Business Corner allows to showcase own products and business ideas to peers of one’s own field. In a preparatory workshop roughly one month before departing to Africa major stakeholders of the Swiss and African markets provide an overview and introduce to market opportunities. Participants of the Innosuisse Coaching program are very much welcome to apply!