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Academia-Industry Training India

The Academia-Industry Training (AIT) India supports researchers from Switzerland and India who want to turn their science into business. Whether you are working on a startup idea or have already launched a startup based on your applied research, this program helps you explore the Indian and Swiss innovation ecosystems and brings you closer to a market-ready solution.

For over a decade, the AIT India has been empowering researchers to become sciencepreneurs. The program is funded by the Leading House South Asia. Together with our partners Swissnex in India and STARTUP CAMPUS we design this program to help participants explore the potential of their innovation in the Indian and Swiss markets.

AIT India alumni have launched successful startups and entered new markets. Many of these startups have made a lasting impact in fields such as sustainability, energy and health. This makes the program a reliable early indicator of emerging trends.

Eligibility Swiss-based applicants

Master and PhD students or postdocs at a Swiss federal or cantonal university, university of applied sciences, university of teacher education, research institute or center of technological excellence, 

If you meet the criteria above, we are very much looking forward to receiving your application!

Please check the eligible institutions in our overview.

Program information and documents

The application window for Swiss-based applicants will open in late spring 2025. Follow us and stay tuned!

10 Swiss-based startups will be selected in a competitive virtual pitching session in late summer 2025.

The AIT India 2025/26 edition will consist of the following:

In short: Academia-Industry Training India

Prize: compete for a prize to take your next step toward international success

Expenses covered: all expenses including food, accommodation, and transportation during the seminaries 

Program destinations: India and Switzerland

Call: 1 per year

Inspiration

Gain an insight into past program editions and hear directly from participants.

Catch a glimpse into the current edition of the AIT India and hear what participants say about the India Camp 2024.
In this video, Anand Verma, Founder and CEO of Perovskia Solar, talks about his participation in the 2022 edition of the program.
In this video, Prachi Kharb, Director and COO of Life and Limb (India), talks about her participation in the 2022 edition of the program.