INOS launches innovation platforms for SMEs in Eastern Switzerland

With the new platforms, the Innovation Network Eastern Switzerland promotes cross-company innovations in Eastern Swiss SMEs with free advice and start-up financing. Image: INOS

INOS, the innovation network for Eastern Switzerland, is expanding its funding offering with the introduction of three new innovation platforms that revolve around the topics of plastics, supply chains and the circular economy. “The platforms offer SMEs in Eastern Switzerland the opportunity to network with industry leaders, experts and research institutions and to implement innovations through cooperation,” says Dr. Lukas Budde, Managing Director INOS. All Eastern Swiss SMEs with an industrial or commercial base that are interested in innovation can take part.

With the help of the three platforms, SMEs can promote their own innovations and strengthen their competitiveness. The focus is on collaboration with experts and other companies – for example at specialist events, in training courses, workshops and innovation projects. Additional benefits include individual, up to 25 hours of free support from coaches and specialist experts, as well as start-up funding for innovation projects of up to CHF 30,000.

The website inos.swiss provides an overview of the innovation platforms and upcoming events. There you will also find regional contacts for initial contact.
Sustainability in the plastics industry

The topic of sustainability is particularly important in the plastics industry. The INOS platform “Plastics technology meets sustainability” supports SMEs in this industry to develop future-oriented and sustainable products and processing processes and thus become more competitive.

The head and contact person for this platform is Marco Jaggi, Managing Director ITS, Tel. 052 569 89 89, ktn@inos.swiss

Optimization of supply chains

Many factors are crucial for successful supply chain management. The INOS platform “Excellence in Supply Chains” supports SMEs in the application of digital technologies and intelligent data use to increase the efficiency, robustness and transparency of their supply chains and at the same time strengthen competitiveness.

The head and contact person for this platform is Prof. Dr. Katharina Luban, Professor of Supply Chain Management, IPEK, OST University of Applied Sciences, Tel. 058 257 46 04, scm@inos.swiss

Business models for the circular economy

A variety of external influences have put pressure on linear business models in recent years. The INOS platform “Economy in Circular Economy” supports SMEs in driving forward circular innovations, developing new business models and accelerating the economic transformation towards a circular economy.

The head and contact person for this platform is Olaf Holstein, President Next Generations, Tel. 078 760 64 61, wik@inos.swiss

INOS

INOS, the innovation network for Eastern Switzerland, promotes innovation in SMEs in Eastern Switzerland and thus strengthens their competitiveness. INOS supports product innovations, technology and process innovations, innovations in organization and financing as well as the development of business models and collaborations. INOS also provides SMEs with access to other funding programs. INOS is supported by the cantons of Glarus, Schaffhausen, Appenzell Ausserrhoden, Appenzell Innerrhoden, St. Gallen, Graubünden, Thurgau, the Zürioberland location development agency and the federal government.

SOURCE INOS, Oct 2, 2023
https://inos.swiss/