VENTURE - Companies for Tomorrow

Venture 2012 is an initiative of McKinsey & Company, Switzerland, the ETH Zurich, the innovation promotion agency CTI and Knecht Holding. The Swiss-wide business plan competition supports young entrepreneurs in founding a company. Venture 2012 – like Venture 1998, 2000, 2002, 2004, 2006, 2008 and 2010 – aims to put to use untapped innovation potential by encouraging young entrepreneurs to develop a business idea. A number of renowned companies from Swiss industry and commerce sponsor the competition.

Experienced coaches support competition participants in the development of their business idea and the preparation of their business plans and in the search for suitable partners and the necessary capital. Participants also receive feedback from the team of highly qualified jurors. The jurors (approximately 80 people) belong to one of two groups: entrepreneurs, who evaluate the formal and business aspects of an idea, and investors, who evaluate its financial attractiveness. Venture 2012 offers total prize money of over CHF 150,000 for the winning business ideas and business plans.

Participants receive additional support in the form of various events, e.g., a series of "Founder Knowledge" seminars as well as special workshops. Comprehensive information material is also on offer, such as the business plan handbook "The New Venture Adventure – Succeed with Professional Business Planning."

Venture is addressed to budding entrepreneurs in Switzerland who have innovative business ideas. Participants may enter the competition as individuals or as a team.