Academy
Innovation has a method
Innovation succeeds better with the right approach. In our training sessions, we provide the employees of the Defense Group with the knowledge and methodological skills to successfully engage in innovation work and manage it independently.
Learning Path
The Innovation Learning Path is for anyone who wants to design and advance innovation projects within the Swiss Armed Forces—from the first spark to implementation.
Whether you’re new or already running a project, this path provides the toolkit to work in a structured, user-centric, and impact-oriented way. All modules are hands-on, modular, aligned with the Army’s innovation process, and participation is certified.
The path is open to all Group Defence (Group V) personnel. Registered InnoBase users receive targeted invitations to modules based on their activity.
Certification
Depending on the number of modules you have attended and your practical progress in the innovation process, you will be certified in stages. The certificates are based on personal commitment and thus make it clear who can be the point of contact for others in the Swiss Armed Forces when it comes to innovation issues.
We distinguish between the following levels:
🌟 InnoStarter
Submitted an idea on InnoBase and completed the Design Thinking module
🌟🌟 InnoPro
Idea guided through the ‘Validate’ phase and completed the Innovation Tools module
🌟🌟🌟 InnoExpert
Project guided through the ‘experiment’ phase and a further module – agility or procurement and finance – completed
🌟 InnoStarter
🌟🌟 InnoPro
🌟🌟🌟 InnoExpert
Based on these levels and their certification status, participants know which modules make the most sense to attend next.
The complete Innovation Learning Path is structured as follows:
Modules:
Webinar
Your entry point: why innovation matters, how you can contribute, and what support is available.
Duration: 2 hours. The webinar shows how to engage on InnoBase and launch your idea. For anyone ready to get started.
Module Design Thinking und Lean Startup
For idea originators: understand problems through a user-centric lens, develop ideas, and test them with prototypes.
Over two days, learn Design Thinking methods and the Lean Startup approach in a practical training. For those who already have an idea to realize.
Module Tools
For idea drivers: from hypothesis work and user interviews to storytelling and AI—your toolkit for the validation phase.
In two days, learn and deepen tools for innovation work in your project. For those who started successfully and now want to refine.
No scheduled dates currently
Module Agility
For implementers: develop an agile mindset and learn Scrum & co. for dynamic, outcome-oriented project management.
Over two days, learn and practice agile principles and practices using Scrum. For teams implementing an idea.
Module Procurement & Finance
For those bringing ideas across the finish line: how to get your initiative implemented within Group V: funding options, procurement processes, and legal leeway—explained clearly and practically.
In two days, see how to procure your solution quickly and finance it sustainably. For those looking to roll out a solution.
All dates
Frequently asked questions
What does a training at the Academy of the Swiss Innovation Forces cost?
I am not an employee of the Defense Group, but I am a militia member of the army. Can I still participate in events?
Do I need approval from my superior?
Do you have any other questions?
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