Become a Sciencepreneur

A Sciencepreneur designates an entrepreneur actively incubating a startup within a lab. It is a job category which establishes the conditions to support their incubation journey and access gap funding opportunities.

Dedicated grants provide Sciencepreneurs with money to pay salaries and other project costs while they incubate and de-risk their startup. These grants are offered by gap funding programs. They allow entrepreneurs to focus on developing their startup, both in terms of technology and market readiness. 

Sciencepreneur status is granted exclusively to those whose salary is covered by one of the following gap funding schemes: 

• EPFL Startup Launchpad Ignition
  
• BRIDGE PoC
• EPFL Startup Launchpad Innogrant 
• Innosuisse without Implementation Partner Projects
• Gebert Rüf Innobooster 

These programs vary in length and support different types and maturity of projects but are all designed to help Sciencepreneurs in the creation of their startup.

• For general advice in defining your Sciencepreneur journey at EPFL, or information on Ignition or Innogrants, contact the Startup Launchpad.
• For more information about BRIDGE PoC, Innosuisse WIP, and Gebert Rüf Innosbooster, contact the Research Office.

In order to be designated as a Sciencepreneur, you must meet the following criteria:  

• You demonstrate clear entrepreneurial motivation and have a plan for building a startup.
• Your startup project must be hosted in an EPFL lab. 
• You must be fully dedicated to the startup project—this is a full-time commitment and cannot be pursued alongside studies. 
• Your salary must be covered by a grant from one of the above-mentioned gap funding programs. You will not be able to get Sciencepreneur status with any other funding sources.   
• You must be eligible for a Swiss work permit.

Entrepreneurs planning to incubate a startup must apply for Sciencepreneur status. Eligibility is based on the criteria outlined above. 

Steps to Apply

1. Identify the Appropriate Gap Funding Opportunity
   Each program has specific requirements, durations, and application timelines. If you need assistance, please contact the EPFL Startup Launchpad for support in defining your incubation roadmap and funding strategy.
   
   
2. Submit Your Sciencepreneur Status Application
   Submit your application via the relevant applicant portal:
   (links will be provided once the call opens)
   

   BRIDGE PoC Applicant Portal

   Innosuisse Without Implementation Partner Project Applicant Portal

   Gebert Rüf Innobooster Applicant Portal

   Innogrant Applicant Portal

   Ignition Applicant Portal

3. Application Review

   Once you’ve registered, your application will be reviewed by the Startup Launchpad or the Research Office, and by HR. 
   
   HR: Adherence to EPFL-HR guidelines.
   Startup Launchpad: Validation of the entrepreneurial journey need.
   Research Office: Alignment with third-party funding programs

   If your application meets the criteria, you will be notified and informed about the expected duration of your Sciencepreneur status. 
   
   

4. Activate Your Sciencepreneur Status

   Your status will become active once you secure your first gap funding grant as the main applicant.

• Your Sciencepreneur status begins as soon as you receive your first gap funding grant and can not be postponed.  
• You can hold this status for up to 36 months within EPFL-HR regulation provided that you secured gap funding for that period of time.
• Your salary will be determined by EPFL-HR based on standard rates.
• Obtaining Sciencepreneur status will depend on a valid work permit.