cewas Start-up Programme call for applications

cewas is a Swiss-based non-profit competence centre combining expertise in sustainable water, sanitation and resource management with innovation in business development. Every year cewas recognises the most outstanding and creative idea in sanitation, water and resource management.

Sought for ideas might include: implementation and scaling-up an innovative sanitation technology, recycling nutrients from waste water and turn it into a product, advocating and awareness raising on sustainable water management in rural communities, improving knowledge management in water and sanitation, offering innovative consulting services so water companies can become more sustainable or revolutionising the way how we manage natural resources.

Participants in the cewas Start-up Programme will benefit from a one-year training and coaching program, which will allow them bring their sustainable business idea into practice. The programme contains 4 modules and will be held from 9 August 2017 to 15 September 2017 in Switzerland and Sweden. It further includes 10-months remote coaching by renowned international experts.

The Modules to be covered include;

• Module 1: Developing a business idea
• Module 2: Defining a winning business model
• Module 3: Testing the business idea with real customers
• Module 4: Preparation for launch: from marketing to finances and operations

Thanks to the collaboration with Swiss Re Foundation, four participants will have the chance to get a sponsorship from “Junior ReSource Fellowships”. The Fellowship covers the program fees, travel, accommodation, food costs and gives the sponsored access to a wide network of experts.

Eligible for the sponsorship are students who have graduated in the previous two years from recognised institute in Switzerland and have an innovative idea that has business potential. The applicant is also required to have an entrepreneurial spirit and a good command in English. Reference from representative of a university, research institute are scientific think tank is required.The applicant to be sponsored will be selected out of the registrants of the cewas Startup Programme.

Application deadline will close on 18 June 2017.

Pic: cewas Facebook

(RAN)