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• How are Challenges generated?
  The first set of challenges in 2022 has been defined in shorter workshops with city representatives as key stakeholders and in more in-depth problem-storming workshops with a broad set of stakeholders. The current set of challenges are based on a futures literacy process. All challenges are published on https://innobooster.org.

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• Ideas Kitchen (6-8 weeks)
  The Ideas Kitchen is the Idea Submission Phase. During this phase, individuals or teams can submit their ideas via the innovation platform. Events such as make-a-thons are organized during the year by the Innovation Booster to encourage idea generation and enable exchanges between multiple stakeholders. Eventually, the ideas submitted on the platform are passed on to a jury, who will decide which projects will be financed through the Booster with CHF 17'000 (Gate 1). To be eligible, project ideas and innovations teams need to meet the requirements outlined in the Guidelines & Conditions and adhere to the Code of Conduct. For a detailed description of the stakeholders involved in the Swiss Smart Cities innovation process you may also refer to the Glossary.
   

• Project Fabric Phase (18-20 weeks)
  Together with the implementation partner, the innovation teams work on Idea Testing and Validation during this Phase. Winning teams from Gate 1 can claim their award within 2 months. Teams are required to submit progress reports to the Innovation Booster according to the contract that is established. After about 5 months, the innovation teams are evaluated a second time (Gate 2): Successful teams receive an additional CHF 8'000 to support organization of third party funds for the ramp-up.
   

• Ramp-up Phase 
  After Gate 2, the innovation teams work to secure further funding to implement / launch their solution on the market.

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