The DayOne Accelerator is a three-month hybrid program designed to support international, high-potential, early-stage ventures operating at the intersection of healthtech and pharmaceutical R&D. Based in Basel, Switzerland,a major European healthcare and life sciences hub, the accelerator aims to help startups refine their value proposition, connect with key industry players, and accelerate their growth. The program offers a unique pathway for founders seeking to establish partnerships within the pharma industry, with top-performing startups in each cohort gaining opportunities for long-term support, dedicated space, and funding.
Program Eligibility
• Target Audience: The program is designed for founders of healthtech and techbio startups focused on enabling pharma R&D.
• Funding Stage: Ventures should be at the Pre-Seed to Series A stage, having raised less than $10 million in dilutive funds to date.
• Strategic Goal: Applicants should be aiming to collaborate or partner with pharmaceutical companies.
• Geographic Scope: Individuals and teams from any country are eligible to apply, whether they are pre-incorporation or have an established company.
• Solution Focus: Ventures should be developing solutions in areas such as AI-aided drug discovery, digital or imaging biomarkers, diagnostics, clinical trials protocol optimization, patient screening and stratification, or decentralized clinical trials and remote monitoring.
• Exclusions: The program does not support basic research, therapeutic molecule discovery projects, or drug development projects like clinical trials of molecules.
Program Benefits
• Industry Access: Gain unparalleled access to pharma industry experts and key players within the Basel Area's world-class life sciences ecosystem.
• Value Proposition Refinement: Develop and refine a pharma-specific value proposition with hands-on, tailored mentorship and practical guidance.
• Equity-Free and Fee-Free: The accelerator does not take equity or charge fees, allowing founders to retain full ownership of their companies.
• Pharma-Neutral Approach: The program is agnostic, ensuring input from and access to all major pharma players in the region.
• Networking and Support: Benefit from unique in-person networking opportunities, founder exchanges, and access to DayOne’s service provider and investor networks.
• Incubation Pathway: The accelerator serves as an entry point for potential incubation in Basel, providing access to both dilutive and non-dilutive funding opportunities.
Program Structure and Commitment
• Format: A 12-week hybrid program combining in-person events in Basel with online mentoring and cohort sessions.
• Week 1 - Kick-off Bootcamp: An in-person event in Basel focused on developing a pharma-specific pitch deck, with sessions on storytelling, go-to-market planning, and negotiation skills.
• Weeks 2-12 - Hybrid Accelerator: Features over 12 hours of one-on-one mentoring with pharma executives, industry-specific coaching, cohort exchanges, and optional flex desk access at a Switzerland Innovation Park site.
• Program Close - Innovation Showcase: An in-person event in Basel where startups pitch to industry decision-makers and investors.
• Time Commitment: In-person presence is required for the kickoff bootcamp and the closing showcase. During the 12 weeks, participants should commit approximately 1.5-2 hours for weekly cohort sessions and 1 hour for weekly mentoring, plus personal work time.
• Relocation: Relocation to Basel is not required for the main program. An optional hot desk is available. For post-program funding, establishing a presence or R&D activities in the canton of Basel-Stadt is necessary.
Post-Accelerator Opportunities and Funding
• Expert-in-Residence Program: An optional offering for all cohort members to be matched with a fractional senior-level resource for a 90-day project at an exclusive price.
• DayOne NEXT Funding: Up to three startups from the cohort can be selected for a long-term support program, which includes CHF 50,000 in non-dilutive funding, personalized support valued at up to CHF 50,000, and 12 months of desk space at a Switzerland Innovation Park Basel Area site.
• Travel Grant: A grant of up to CHF 1,000 is provided to ventures to help cover travel and accommodation costs for the initial bootcamp.
• Investment Opportunities: Participants gain access to DayOne's investor community and potential investment from program partners.
Application Process and Key Dates
• Application Window: March 31 – May 31, 2026. Applications must be submitted via an online form on the Babele platform.
• Selection Days: Shortlisted applicants will be invited for virtual interviews with the Selection Committee on June 25 – June 26, 2026.
• Kick-off Bootcamp: September 7-8, 2026 (in Basel).
• Innovation Showcase: Early December 2026 (in Basel, exact date to be announced).
• Selection Criteria: Successful applicants typically have a science-backed solution with high potential, a prototype or product ready for pharma use within 12-18 months, a clear interest in refining their pharma value proposition, and are open to coaching and feedback.
The DayOne Accelerator offers a distinct opportunity for early-stage ventures to immerse themselves in a premier life sciences hub, home to global giants like Novartis and Roche. By providing direct connections to pharma innovation leaders, equity-free support, and a structured path toward industry collaboration and funding, the program is positioned to help healthtech and techbio startups effectively navigate the pharmaceutical landscape and accelerate their journey from concept to market impact.