The 2026 DayOne Accelerator applications are now open: Calling Healthtech & TechBio founders! (Sponsored)

Are you a healthtech or techbio startup looking to collaborate with pharmaceutical companies, sharpen your value proposition, and grow inside one of Europe’s strongest life sciences ecosystems? If that sounds like your company, the DayOne Accelerator could be worth a closer look.

The Basel-based programme has officially opened its new call for applications, inviting early-stage Swiss and international startups to apply for its next cohort. Launched in 2018, DayOne focuses on ventures building solutions that can accelerate pharma R&D, offering a three-month hybrid accelerator, direct access to industry experts, and tailored support without taking equity or charging fees.

What’s it about?

DayOne describes itself as a leading launchpad for startups transforming pharma R&D. Based in Basel, Switzerland, the accelerator is designed to help founders move faster by connecting them with leading life science companies, research institutions, mentors, and investors.

The programme runs over three months in a hybrid format and is built specifically for startups developing solutions for areas such as drug discovery, clinical development and clinical trials optimisation.

This can include solutions such as biomarkers or companion diagnostics, data layers that improve data flows across R&D, organ-on-chip systems, organoids, non-animal methods, lab automation, and AI tools that improve clinical trials through patient engagement, remote monitoring, patient-reported outcomes, or real-world evidence. It also includes discovery tools that provide a technology platform, rather than startups building and licensing their own asset pipeline.

The aim is not just to offer short-term momentum, but to help founders build validated partnerships, improve investor readiness, and create a clearer growth path.

Who’s it for?

The programme is aimed at early-stage healthtech and techbio startups, from pre-incorporation to Series A, that have raised less than $10 million in dilutive funding.

More specifically, DayOne is looking for ventures developing high-potential products that can transform pharma R&D and that are interested in collaborating or partnering with pharmaceutical companies.

Selected startups receive one-to-one mentorship to refine their pharma-specific value proposition, along with access to pharma experts and Basel’s wider life sciences network. The programme is equity-free and fee-free, which means founders can take part without giving up ownership or paying programme costs.

For the most promising startups in the cohort, there is also the possibility of continuing with DayOne NEXT, a longer-term support programme designed to help selected companies build, scale, and anchor their R&D in the Basel Area.

Key information

Applications for the 2026 DayOne Accelerator are open until 31 May 2026.

Here are the main dates for the upcoming cohort:

• 31 March to 31 May 2026: call for applications open
• 25 to 26 June 2026: selection days, during which 15 startups will be chosen
• 7 to 8 September 2026 in Basel: kickoff bootcamp with presentations, workshops, and networking
• Early December 2026 in Basel: innovation showcase

Beyond the accelerator itself, DayOne also offers post-programme support through DayOne NEXT. This can include up to CHF 50K in cash grant funding, up to CHF 50K in tailored services, and 12 months of office space at Switzerland Innovation Park Basel Area. The programme may also include relocation support, access to the Basel Incentive Programme, and long-term support from mentors, industry experts, and investors.

Success stories

Since its launch in 2018, DayOne says it has supported more than 128 ventures, including over 60 healthtech startups, through its pharma R&D-focused programmes.

Among the startups that have already been part of the DayOne Accelerator are InSilicoTrials, Risklick and TrialHub (cohort 2023/24); Oncoustics and Theremia (cohort 2024/25); and Lemna Bio (cohort 2025).

In 2025 alone, DayOne hosted 17 events with more than 3,500 participants across networking and thought-leadership formats, helping strengthen its position in Basel’s life sciences landscape.

For early-stage ventures developing solutions for pharma R&D, the programme offers more than mentorship and visibility. It opens the door to one of Europe’s most established life sciences hubs, with focused support designed to help startups turn promising technology into scalable business opportunities.

If you wish to take your healthtech startup to the next level, click here to apply. Remember, you have until 31 May 2026.

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