The Swiss Innovation Challenge is an innovation funding program with competition, in which 25 finalists and one winner ("Award Winner") are selected from over 100 innovation projects within the framework of three elimination rounds ("pitches"). The participants in the competition are SMEs and start-ups from all over Switzerland. In addition to the award, the participants can win special prizes in the areas of "internationalization", "life sciences" and "construction". The competition lasts eight months. During this time, participants can take part in free, user-oriented seminars. In addition, the participants have access to mentoring and coaching, where they are supported and promoted with practical knowledge. In addition to these advantages, the participants and their innovation projects benefit from network events and various publicity measures. The award ceremony will take place in front of more than 3,300 spectators on the occasion of the "Tag der Wirtschaft" in the St. Jakobshalle Basel.