Compared to other countries, Switzerland has one of the highest levels of innovation. CTI has a budget of around CHF 100 million. "Science to Market" is the CTI credo. Companies work with universities to generate new knowledge that can be used to develop products and services and bring them to market.

CTI provides funding to

• Market-oriented R&D projects, which companies and universities work together on to develop products and services.
• The creation and expansion of scientifically-based companies
• Knowledge and technology transfer through platforms and networks

R&D project grants are available in all disciplines where scientific innovation is possible. Project applications are submitted on the basis of the bottom-up principle. Grants are awarded to innovative projects that have considerable market potential.

CTI helps entrepreneurs get started by putting them through Venturelab training modules. These modules provide entrepreneurs with the tools and methods they need to successfully implement their business ideas in a company; Newly formed companies and new entrepreneurs can also request professional coaching. Support is given to knowledge-intensive and technology-based companies with great market potential.

The CTI's KTT initiative strengthens regional knowledge and technology transfer between universities and regional industries. Local professionally run KTT consortiums provide assistance to SMEs and universities by facilitating contacts and helping them to develop projects. Innovative Swiss companies and researchers also gain access to international programmes and networks such as IMS, ESA and EUREKA.