March 2026 - Diabetes Center Berne

DCB Innovation Bootcamp 2026 | Apply now!

31 Aug – 3 Sep · Emmetten, Switzerland
An immersive accelerator for diabetes technology founders in the Swiss Alps

Why this Bootcamp

For five years, DCB’s Innovation Challenge brought the global diabetes innovation community together, engaging more than 350 startups. The resounding feedback: the Bootcamp delivered the highest impact. In 2026, we’re focusing entirely on that experience – intense, practical, and personal. 

Who should apply

Startups building diabetes technology – devices, software, digital health, data/AI, UX, clinical tools. Open to all stages from MVP to early scale, with teams ready to engage deeply. Past DCB Challenge participants are welcome. 

Be a part of this impactful accelerator

Apply now!

Contact

Ema Grabenweger

Program Lead

ema.grabenweger@dcberne.com

What you’ll experience

Founders & Industry

Founder journeys – successes, failures and lessons learned 
Industry insights (e.g. mylife Diabetescare)

Product & Users

Software & UX: designing products people will actually use 
User-perspective feedback from the diabetes community

Clinical & Regulatory

Designing clinical trials 
Regulatory strategies: navigating FDA and MDR

Funding & Communication 

Go-to-market considerations 
Venture session: what VCs look for 
Professional pitch training – leave with a polished 5-minute pitch

Deep dives

1:1 expert sessions tailored to your startup

Partner spotlight 

American Diabetes Association (ADA): finalists from ADA’s Innovation Challenge join the Bootcamp.

Logistics & costs

Dates: 31 Aug – 3 Sep 2026 
Venue: Seeblick Höhenhotel, Emmetten, Switzerland 
Program fee: Covered by DCB 
Accommodation: Covered by DCB 
Travel: Covered by participants

Selection

We evaluate problem relevance, innovation, clinical impact, feasibility and regulatory thinking, team strength, traction, and cohort fit. Spaces are limited. 

How to apply

Send your pitch deck (PDF, ≤15 slides) and a 150–300 word motivation to innovation@dcberne.com by April 30, 23:59 CEST. 

Important dates

Application close: April 30, 23:59 CEST
Decisions: May 15, 2026

Bootcamp: 31 Aug – 3 Sep 2026

Apply now!

FAQs

Team size to attend:
Recommended 2 attendees per startup

Language:
English

Confidentiality:
1:1s can use NDAs on request

DCB Research AG

Freiburgstrasse 3
3010 Bern
Schweiz

Meet us at ATTD!

The ATTD congress in Barcelona is just around the corner and different members of the DCB team will be on-site. Meet us there to discuss our services, potential collaborations or just chat over a coffee!

DCB at ATTD 2026

The ATTD (Advanced Technologies & Treatments in Diabetes) congress is the leading international meeting point for all those involved and interested in diabetes technology. DCB is thrilled to participate in this prestigious event in Barcelona fostering connections with like-minded enthusiasts dedicated to diabetes technology, innovation, and research.

We will be present with different members of our team from different divisions. Additionally, members of our Lived Experience Panel will also be attending. We are looking forward to attending insightful sessions, exploring new innovative solutions and above all: networking with, you!

Also, we are excited to participate in ATTD Ignite 2026 an exclusive platform designed to foster innovation and collaboration in diabetes technology. This event, taking place on Wednesday, 11 March, from 9:00 CET to 13:00 CET in Hall 212, provides a unique opportunity for startups and researchers to connect, share insights, and accelerate breakthroughs in diabetes technology and patient care. Greta Ehlers, Partnerships & Innovation Lead at DCB, will part of the fireside chat “From Personal Pain to Global Impact: The Journey of Patient-Led Innovation” from 09:05 to 09:35. Later, the DCB spin-off Beyond Diagnostics is pitching at the session “Innovators in Action: Diabetes Tech Tank”.

Don’t miss these opportunities to gain valuable insights and engage with industry experts!

If you are attending ATTD and are eager to learn more about our services, our innovation activities, our main research areas, our community, or any other topics – please reach out to us via e-mail. We look forward to connecting with you!

Unable to attend ATTD but curious about our services and activities? We would also be happy to schedule calls after the conference to discuss potential collaborations. Feel free to reach out to individual members of our team.

Downloads

DCB Research AG

Freiburgstrasse 3
3010 Bern
Schweiz

DCB Innovation Bootcamp 2026 | Apply now!