SAFT is for Switzerland-based entrepreneurs who are Sustainably Advancing Future Technologies in the fields smart cities, energy efficiency and distributed generation. SAFT allows startups to take it to the next level by going abroad to Silicon Valley. The challenge’s best 5 startups will win:Bootcamp (1 month)Together with the other teams the winners will participate in a month long boot camp in Zurich, receiving training, mentoring and coaching to strengthen their business models and prepare themselves for an international market expedition to Silicon Valley.International market expedition (1 week)Together with a representative from the other winning teams, they will spend one week in the San Francisco Bay Area. The customized trip offers winners an opportunity to evaluate the potential of their business idea in a foreign market, meet potential customers and investors, and experience the local innovation ecosystem. They will be accompanied by representatives of Swisscom, Climate-KIC and Gebert Rüf Foundation.Incubation support (3 months)After the trip, the team receives three months of incubation support at Impact Hub Zürich, including access to a stimulating co-working space, coaching services, events and workshops and connections to peer entrepreneurs and other valuable contacts.

Application requirements The  startup must be based in SwitzerlandStartup team of 1-3 people Concepts/prototypes with demonstrated customer interest and international orientation Thematic focus related to smart cities, energy efficiency or distributed generation Be physically present for the final pitch event at Impact Hub Zürich (January 28th, 2016) Participate with at least one person in the boot camp in Zurich and the market expedition trip to the San Francisco Bay Area Applications can be submitted until November 13th, 2015.

The #SAFT2050 challenge is initiated by Swissnex, Impact Hub fellowship and Impact Hub Zürich.