“DARE TWO”
Mentorship Program
Supporting tech professionals with a migration background navigate the job market and build a stronger network in the Swiss tech industry.
Why join?
👩🌾 For Mentors
Share your knowledge with emerging tech talent.
Help build a more inclusive and diverse tech industry.
Gain fresh perspectives through cross-cultural exchange.
Grow your network and connect with fellow mentors and future innovators.
🌱 For Mentees
Get insights into the Swiss job market from experienced professionals.
Build a meaningful relationship with a mentor invested in your growth.
Boost your confidence to take the next step, pivot, or enter the tech industry.
Expand your network by connecting with mentors and industry insiders.
About the program
📅 Program Duration
The program last five months, from September 2026 to February 2027. The program kicks off at the ‘Dare to Shape Tech’ event on September 7th 2026 at Kraftwerk Zürich.
⏳ Time Commitment
Expect to dedicate around 8–10 hours over the five months. Sessions typically last 45–60 minutes and can be scheduled monthly or bi-weekly, virtually or in person, to suit the pair's schedule.
🤝 Events & Workshops
Participants enjoy in-person networking opportunities, including the kick-off and wrap-up events. Mentees also get access to dedicated workshops throughout.
How it works
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You receive a match recommendation based on your focus area, preferences, and goals.
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Meet in person at the ‘Dare to Shape in Tech’ event in Zurich on September 7th. There you will find out who your mentor / mentee is, and network with fellow tech professionals.
Don’t forget to sign up to the event here.
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Connect throughout the program through 1:1 meetings, 8-10 hrs in total. You can choose to meet in-person or virtually, for 45-60 minutes sessions.
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Reconnect in person at the wrap-up event in February 2027 to celebrate and reflect on your mentorship journey.
Start your mentorship journey
Grow, inspire, and connect. Join a community where everyone can thrive.
A new edition of the program will begin in September 2026 – sign up now!
Who is eligibile?
🌱 Mentees
Tech professionals who have:
A migration or refugee background
2+ years of professional experience in the tech industry
Been living in or working in the Canton of Zurich, or are interested in relocating to or working in Zurich from another area in Switzerland
The curiosity, motivation, and openness to receive feedback and guidance
👩🌾 Mentors
Tech professionals who have:
5+ years of professional experience in the tech industry
At least 1 year of professional experience in Switzerland
Successfully navigated career transitions or AI's impact on their industry
A strong professional network in Switzerland
The dedication to support a mentee over 5 months (8-10 hrs in total)
Testimonials
“Participating in the Dare Two mentorship program was an inspiring, two‑way journey. Engaging with a diverse community of women from around the world reminded me just how powerful connection and mutual growth can be. And my mentee’s curiosity and determination didn’t just motivate her, they reignited my own drive to keep learning and contributing.”
— Roxana Vintila, Mentor“The mentorship program as a whole has been extremely valuable to me. Thanks to its impeccable organisation, I have been able to make the most of it and grow as a professional.“
— Paula Fernández, Mentee“This program creates meaningful mentor–mentee relationships, empowering diverse talent to navigate opportunities and build confidence in the tech sector.”
— Enid Brun, MenteeFAQs
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For this program, we define “migration background” as having moved to Switzerland from another country—recently or in the past—regardless of nationality, citizenship status, or reason for migrating. This includes, but isn’t limited to, skilled workers, international students, refugees, or anyone seeking new opportunities in Switzerland’s tech sector.
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We match based on tech areas, preferences, language, goals, and availability.
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We aim to support 10-15 mentorship pairs.
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The program lasts for 6 months, from September to February 2026.
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No, the program is free.
You will have to purchase ticket for the ‘Dare to Shape Tech’ event.
Sign up for the event here.
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Yes, as this will be the kick-off for the program.
You will meet your mentor/mentee, network with industry leaders, and get valuable information on navigating the tech industry in Switzerland.
Learn more and register here.
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To be a mentee you have to fulfil the following criteria:Have a migration or refugee background
2+ years of professional experience in the tech industry
Have been living in or working in the Canton of Zurich, or are interested in relocating to or working in Zurich from another area in Switzerland
Bring curiosity, motivation, and openness to receive feedback and guidance
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To be a mentor you have to fulfil the following criteria:
5+ years of professional experience in the tech industry
At least 1 year of professional experience in Switzerland
Have successfully navigated career transitions or AI's impact on their industry
Have a strong professional network in Switzerland
Be dedicated to supporting a mentee over 5 months, including 5–6 one-on-one sessions and participation in key program events (approx. 8–10 hours total)
Open to sharing your insights, using your connections, and giving feedback in an inclusive, non-judgmental manner.
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No, you don’t need a migration background to become a mentor. Please check the section on mentor eligibility to see if you fit the criteria.
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Yes, you can absolutely sign up to be a mentor even if you’ve never mentored before! We encourage you to gain experience through our program—just make sure you meet the criteria above.
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Participants should allocate between 8-10 hours during the 6 month period. You are flexible to arrange the cadence and duration of your sessions. We recommend having bi-weekly sessions of 45-60 minutes.
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Registrations for the mentorship program close on August 1st.
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We try our best to find you a suitable match, however matching is not guaranteed. If we can’t match you this time, we’ll keep you informed about future rounds.
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Please reach out to our program organisers at daretwo@hello5050.world with any questions.
Supported by
Build lasting connections
Expand your horizons, share your experience, and make an impact. Join a movement of shared growth and support.
A new edition of the program will begin in September 2026!