Over the past decade, MassChallenge Switzerland has helped 950 startups grow their ideas into investable, scalable businesses. It has done so without taking equity, without handing out easy answers, and without relying on hype. Instead, it has built something more powerful: a vast network of experts—both mentors and judges—who are committed to helping early-stage founders think harder, go further, and avoid costly mistakes.
This support network has grown dramatically since the Swiss programme’s early days. In 2024 alone, 478 mentors provided 1,672 hours of guidance, while 446 judges delivered more than 9,300 feedback points across two competitive selection rounds. That feedback, founders often say, is what sticks with them—sometimes years later.
Zhanar Baishakova, a 2023 Mentor of the Year, describes her work with startups as “real conversations, not just advice-giving.” A consultant with a background in sustainability and packaging innovation, she helps founders clarify how their environmental ambitions translate into business strategy.
“Sometimes the idea is great, but the value proposition isn’t clear yet. My role is to ask the right questions, challenge assumptions, and help them find the core of what they’re building.”
That willingness to challenge—rather than cheerlead—is what many mentors see as their most valuable contribution. Pierre Morgon, a MassChallenge judge and mentor since 2017, puts it this way: “Founders often come with a sense that something isn’t working. My job is to help them step back, reassess the facts, and look at the full picture.” A veteran of both big pharma and biotech startups, Morgon now works with founders on pattern recognition and decision-making. “They may think they’ve done the diagnosis, but I help them revisit it—and see whether they’re missing something.”
He compares the process to clinical medicine: “Some issues are technical, but often it’s organizational or relational. Maybe a key hire isn’t working out. Maybe the product isn’t gaining traction. It’s rarely one thing. My role is to help them look at the whole system, not just the symptom.”
Startups say this kind of tough love pays off. “All throughout the program, mentors challenged us on our strategy, business model, pitching and so much more,” said Marwan El Chazli and Fahradin Mujovi, Co-Founders at Myriad Optics, a 2024 Platinum Winner. “It was an amazing opportunity to grow. We were pushed to constantly improve on what we had.”
That system-wide view is a recurring theme. Whether through a one-off conversation or months-long mentoring engagement, MassChallenge experts help founders ask better questions of themselves and their businesses. For Baishakova, the most successful sessions happen when the founders are open to that kind of deep exploration. “The great thing about MassChallenge is the mindset. Founders are genuinely receptive. That creates space for growth.”
Martina Drobna, Co-founder and CEO of Noovi, the 2024 Diamond Winner, agreed. “Both the mentors and the corporate partners are incredibly generous with their expertise. It’s rare to find opportunities where experts open their doors and offer you feedback for free, enabling you to pivot and adapt quickly within just a few months.”
And growth isn’t always linear. Morgon points out that even when startups don’t make it through the program, or don’t survive long-term, the relationship often continues. “Some founders stay in touch. Others invite me onto their boards. What matters most is that they know they can reach out when they need someone to challenge their thinking—or help them see the road ahead more clearly.”
The structure of MassChallenge’s expert network supports that kind of ongoing dialogue. Judges provide early, structured feedback that helps startups sharpen their ideas before joining the accelerator. Mentors then step in as flexible, collaborative guides—sometimes focusing on a specific challenge, sometimes staying engaged over months.
“It’s not about control,” one mentor said. “It’s about helping founders build their own clarity.”
That clarity typically comes from honest feedback, delivered without ego. MassChallenge’s non-equity model means mentors and judges have no financial stake in the outcome—and no reason to sugarcoat things. As Morgon says, “I offer a cold, unbiased view. I’m not emotionally involved. That’s often what they need most.”
That level of candor can be transformational—especially when it comes from multiple sources over time.
“We have learned so much from all of the contributors to the MassChallenge programme, that we now have no excuse not to go on and succeed in bringing about a positive impact on the environment and human health by reducing the use of fossil-based plastics,” said Françoise de Valera, Co-founder at Pack2Earth, a 2024 Platinum Winner.
For de Valera, the clarity came not just from one mentor or judge, but from a whole ecosystem of experts who helped sharpen both ambition and execution.
Behind the numbers—950 startups, $2+ billion raised, over 59,000 direct and indirect jobs created—is a culture of tough love and grounded advice. As the programme heads into its tenth Swiss cohort, that culture remains one of MassChallenge’s greatest assets.
Because when you’re trying to build something that lasts, a little honest support can go a long way.
Super Judge Club
The Super Judge Club is a vibrant community of industry leaders, investors, and professionals who help select the most promising startups to join the MassChallenge accelerator. By evaluating startup applications and providing structured feedback, judges play a critical role in shaping the cohort and supporting early-stage innovation.
Mentor Of The Year
The Mentor of the Year award celebrates one outstanding individual who goes above and beyond to support startups in the programme. Selected by the startups themselves, this award recognises the mentor who offered the most impactful guidance, time, and dedication throughout the acceleration journey.
To Join Us as an Expert
We’re always looking for passionate experts to join our community as mentors, judges, or speakers. Whether you’re a specialist in business development, science, operations, or sustainability, your insights can make a real difference. Get involved, share your expertise, and help shape the next generation of innovators. 👉 Join our next events here.