Basel-based equity-free DayOne Accelerator opens for healthtech startups
Basel’s equity-free pharma-focused accelerator programme returns to bridge the gap between healthtech innovations and pharmaceutical R&D needs.
The DayOne Accelerator, a leading pharma-neutral programme for early-stage healthtech ventures, has announced its relaunch for 2025. Based in Basel, Switzerland – Europe’s premier life sciences hub – the accelerator offers a unique opportunity for digital health, MedTech and TechBio startups looking to engage with pharmaceutical industry partners.
Programme structure and benefits
The three-month hybrid programme is specifically designed to support international ventures at the intersection of healthtech and pharma R&D. Unlike conventional accelerators, DayOne offers its services without taking equity or charging fees, allowing founders to maintain full ownership of their companies.
Participants receive hands-on support tailored to their specific needs, with access to top-tier mentors and experts from the pharmaceutical industry. The programme focuses on refining value propositions specifically for pharmaceutical applications, providing strategic guidance, and facilitating meaningful connections with key industry stakeholders.
Cécile Tardy-Srinivasan, DayOne Portfolio & Accelerator Lead, oversees the programme which has established itself as a gateway to Basel’s world-class ecosystem – home to pharmaceutical giants such as Novartis and Roche.
Previous participant outcomes
Former participants have reported significant benefits from the programme. Noam Diamant, Head of Business Development at Senseera, described it as “a transformative experience” that provided “tailored support and access to an incredible network of industry experts” which helped refine their value proposition.
Beth Rogozinski, CEO of Oncoustics, highlighted the direct contact with pharma experts as particularly valuable: “This accelerator put us in direct contact with several pharma experts who were not only excellent contacts for future partnering opportunities, but they also provided insights and feedback on the best ways to present to those potential partners.”
The programme’s focus on understanding the pharmaceutical ecosystem was emphasised by Iris Maréchal, Co-founder & CEO of Theremia, who called DayOne “the ideal platform to accelerate your growth as a startup.”
Application criteria and timeline
DayOne is seeking international healthtech startups from Pre-Seed to Series A stage that have received less than US$10m in dilutive funding. Ideal candidates will have a prototype or product that could be offered to pharmaceutical companies within the next 12-18 months.
The accelerator targets ventures developing solutions for pharmaceutical R&D challenges, from AI-powered drug discovery to decentralised clinical trials. Applications for the 2025 cohort opened on March 31, 2025, with a submission deadline of May 15, 2025.
Strategic positioning in the healthtech ecosystem
The DayOne Accelerator distinguishes itself within the competitive accelerator landscape through its pharma-neutral approach, ensuring participants receive input from and access to all major pharmaceutical companies in the region.
The programme combines theoretical knowledge with practical application, leveraging Basel’s position as a European life sciences hub to provide unique in-person networking opportunities that can lead to potential collaborations, partnerships, and client relationships with pharmaceutical companies.
- For more information, visit: DayOne Accelerator
