Basel is increasingly investing in information and communication technology (ICT) and launching a new support program for startups. As reported by the Basler Zeitung, the Basel Chamber of Commerce (HKbB) and the cantons of Basel-Stadt and Baselland launched the Digital Accelerator Basel in October.
The program is aimed at young companies in an early stage of growth. Four selected startups will receive services worth CHF 10,000, including consulting, market analysis, and support with patent applications. Applications will be accepted until the end of November.
Focus on supply chain and logistics
Each year, the accelerator focuses on a new industry. To kick things off, the focus is on logistics and supply chain – an industry that is particularly relevant to the region. “We deliberately chose logistics because it strengthens an industry that is important to the region,” explains Deborah Strub, member of the HKbB management board. Strub describes the program as “an important building block for strengthening digital competence in the Basel region.”
Network and expertise
The startups will benefit not only from services, but also from the network of the Chamber of Commerce and the Basel Area location promotion agency. Alexander Becker, member of the Executive Board of Basel Area and responsible for Innovation & Entrepreneurship, emphasizes: “If a company needs support with a patent application or market analysis, for example, we can draw on a network of experts to assist the company.”
Becker also points to the need for a functioning innovation ecosystem: “It requires interaction between various players: in addition to established companies, there must also be sufficient professionals, university research, and startups that deliver new ideas.”
Strong starting position
The region already has more than 2,000 ICT companies and important infrastructure such as Quantum Basel’s first commercially used quantum computer, Phoenix Technologies’ supercomputer (Ion Q), and North C’s new data center. Research is also strongly represented – Basel-based quantum physicist Daniel Loss is considered a Nobel Prize candidate. In addition, the FHNW School of Computer Science, which will begin training ICT specialists next year, is set to further pave the way for the future.
Conclusion
Basel has the potential to establish as a major digital hub. The new ICT Accelerator is a building block for achieving this goal and promoting start-ups as drivers of innovation.
Source (German): Basler Zeitung – „ICT Accelerator Basel: Handelskammer fördert Start-ups“
