Digital Journey Award
Solve your SME's digital challenge with CSEM support.
CSEM's Digital Journey Award gives one Swiss SME CHF 100,000 worth of digital technology development and transfer support. Work directly with CSEM experts to define, develop, and validate a practical solution to a real business challenge, whether you need to improve quality, automate production, reduce energy use, connect products, or make better use of data and AI.
Part of CSEM TechBridge. Looking for another type of support? Explore our Start-up Elevate Program or our Spin-off Program.
Applications are closed. Check back in 2027 for updates.
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SMEs already benefited from the award
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How the award works
Bring the challenge. We will help shape the solution.
Is your SME eligible?
To apply, your company must meet the requirements below and your project must connect to at least one area of CSEM’s digital technology expertise.
You could be a fit if:
✅ You are a Swiss SME
✅ Your company has up to 250 employees
✅ Your SME was founded before June, 2021
✅ You offer a product or service already on the market
✅ You have a clear business challenge linked to a product, process, service, or operation
✅ Your challenge fits at least one of the CSEM technology areas
Technology fit:
✅ Quality and inspection
✅ Production and automation
✅ Energy and sustainability
✅ Connected products and IoT
✅ Data, AI, and machine learning
✅ Health, lab, and life sciences
✅ Tracking, localization, and logistics
Looking for a different type of support?
Our Start-up Elevate Program supports incorporated pre-Series A start-ups that need focused access to CSEM technology. Our Spin-off Program supports entrepreneurs that want to build a company around CSEM tech or know-how.
See how Swiss SMEs created impact
Explore how previous Digital Journey Award winners transformed business challenges into practical digital innovations with CSEM.
How to apply
Step 1 — Check your fit
See whether your profile, digital idea, and connection to CSEM technology match the program.
Step 2 — Apply
Click “Apply” to submit your application. In no more than three pages, introduce your company, describe your digitalization challenge and outline what you hope to achieve through the Digital Journey. See the FAQ for more detail.
Applications are closed. Check back in 2027 for updates.
Step 3 — Review
CSEM will confirm that each application meets the eligibility requirements, then assess its technology fit, innovation potential, and expected business impact.
Step 4 — Jury selection
The strongest applications will be evaluated by a jury with representatives from CSEM, EPFL, ETH Zurich, swisstopo, and Swissmem.
Step 5 — Award announcement
The winner is announced at the end of November.
FAQ
Is the award paid as cash?
Do I need a finished technical concept?
What should I include in my application?
Can I use AI to write my application?
What are the application deadlines?
Can I contact CSEM before applying?
What if my company is not selected?
