Industry 4.0 is the name given to the next phase of the Industrial Revolution that focuses heavily on interconnectivity, automation, machine learning, real-time data, teams and organization, and new business models.
Making the move from traditional production models into the next generation of smart technology shaped by increased connectivity, Internet of Things (IoT) applications, and data-driven solutions is essential for businesses that don’t want to get left behind.
Industrial transformation is already seeing factories become increasingly automated and self-monitored as machines are given the ability to analyze and communicate with each other. But Industry 4.0 isn’t just about investing in new technology and tools to improve manufacturing efficiency—it’s about revolutionizing the way your entire business operates and grows while still meeting customers and supplier’s expectations.
The i4Challenge
The i4Challenge is an acceleration program for SME, startups, and new projects focused on innovative solutions, new approaches, and next-generation products or services for Industry 4.0 transformation in the following themes:
- Customer-focused innovations
- Digital transformation
- Digital factory
- Smart factory
- Digital business transformation
- Robotics; IoT; AI; VR; AR
- Information technology
- 3D printing
Key dates
SME and Startup tracks:
Deadline: 17 July 2020
Pitch days: 25 to 26 August 2020
Winners announced: 29 September 2020
BE 4.0 Mullhouse: 17 to 18 November 2020
New ideas track:
Deadline: 2 November 2020
Winners announced: 16 December 2020
Personalized coaching: January to June 2021
Program benefits
SME and Startup tracks
Projects accepted through these i4Challenge categories receive a number of benefits to help foster successful commercial launch and business success of Industry 4.0 projects. These include:
- an exhibition space at the BE 4.0 trade fair in Mulhouse
- exposure through Basel Area Business & Innovation online channels
- access to the Basel Area Business & Innovation Industry 4.0 network of experts, innovators, businesses, investors and more
- mentoring from industry experts
- access to a coworking space for six months in one of our three Switzerland Innovation Park Basel Area sites
- possibility to appear as key note speaker at one of our events
- a free one-year membership to the Société Industrielle de Mulhouse (SIM)
- privileged access to the network and activities of the partners of the Interreg Upper Rhine 4.0 project.
New ideas track
Projects accepted through the i4Challenge “new ideas” category receive a number of benefits to help to bring the idea to market readiness:
- Access the Basel Area Business & Innovation network
- Preferential access to the network and to the activities of the partners of the Interreg Upper Rhine 4.0 project
- Tailor-made mentoring from industry experts
- Funding for further development of the idea
- access to a coworking space for six months at the Switzerland Innovation Park Basel Area Site Jura