Grants, Awards and Competitions

Grants

We offer funding to help transform ideas into the companies of tomorrow.  We provide two funding schemes to help entrepreneurs seeking to accelerate their ideas out of an EPFL lab, unlocking their true potential.

EPFL Ignition Grants

Validate your project from the beginning.

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EPFL Innogrants

Accelerate your journey from lab to market.

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FIT Grants and loans

The Foundation for Innovation and Technology (FIT) offers grants and loans to support innovative startups in sectors like energy, health, digital tech, and precision industries.

Funding Opportunities Across Switzerland

Startups in Switzerland can access a wide range of grants and support programs beyond EPFL. These include public funding from national and regional institutions, startup programs from other Swiss universities, and grants from private foundations that back innovation and entrepreneurship. Whether you’re looking for early-stage support or scaling opportunities, these resources can help you move your project forward.

BRIDGE
BRIDGE is a joint initiative by the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF) and Innosuisse, offering funding opportunities at the intersection of scientific research and innovation. The program supports young researchers and experienced scientists in turning research results into practical applications — through two funding schemes: Proof of Concept for early-stage projects and Discovery for more advanced, multidisciplinary approaches.

Learn more at bridge.ch.
Innosuisse projet without an implementation partner
Researchers who have an idea for an innovative project but who do not have a partner to help implement it can still submit a funding application to InnoSuisse.

More info
ESA Business Incubation Centre Switzerland (ESA BIC CH)
The ESA Business Incubation Centre Switzerland (ESA BIC CH) is a premier program supporting Swiss startups that leverage space technologies or data for applications both in space and on Earth. With backing from the European Space Agency and a strong network of partners, ESA BIC CH offers a comprehensive support package, including up to €200,000 in non-dilutive funding, technical assistance, business coaching, and access to a broad network of corporate and research partners .​
GebertRüf Stiftung
The GebertRüf Stiftung‘s support policy particularly favours projects of highly qualified young scientists pursuing an independent course.
Venturekick
Open to highly innovative business idea or you are transferring the results of Swiss academic research to global markets. Linked to a Swiss academic institution or research centre. You will establish your company in Switzerland and create jobs here. Only a “Swiss mailbox” will not be considered as a Swiss company. You have not yet launched (incorporated) your company by the time applying to venturekick. On going applications.
To Venturekick
The Hasler Stiftung
The Hasler Foundation may take a financial stake in start-up companies which demonstrate particular innovative strength in the field of information and communications technology (ICT).
The Coup de Pouce of Fondation René Liechti
The Coup de Pouce of Fondation René Liechti : CHF 50’000 grant to support an early phase startup.
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The Stiftung für Technologie Innovation
The Foundation For Technological Innovation (STI) provides support for innovative start-ups based in the business and residential area of the Espace Mittleland region (Cantons BE, SO, FR, NE and JU).
The Volkwirtschaft Swiss Federal Foundation for Promotion of the National Economy
The Volkwirtschaft Swiss Federal Foundation for Promotion of the National Economy provides financial support to innovative Swiss technology startups with the objective that the supported technologies and technical knowhow applications be commercially exploited.
InnoPacct
PACTT, Technology Transfer Office of UNIL-CHUV, is calling for start-up projects for the InnoTREK grant, part of InnoPACTT, a financial fund to accelerate innovation and UNIL-CHUV spin-off creation
ETHZ Pioneer Fellowships
A Pioneer Fellowship is awarded to an individual or groups of individuals intending to independently develop a highly innovative product or service to be exploited commercially and/or for the benefit of society.
EU Funding Opportunities
The European Union is also an important source of support for Innovators. Check the EU Funding Opportunities.
 

Awards and Competitions

Several prizes and competitions are open throughout the year — whether you’re a student with a bold idea, a local startup looking to gain visibility, or a Swiss startup ready to scale. These opportunities offer funding, recognition, and access to valuable networks to help take your project to the next level.

START Lausanne is a student-led association based at the University of Lausanne (UNIL) and École polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), dedicated to fostering entrepreneurship among students in the Lemanic region. As part of the START Global network, it offers a dynamic platform for aspiring entrepreneurs to develop their skills, connect with startups, investors, and corporates, and launch innovative ventures. Through events like the START Contest and hackathons, START Lausanne provides hands-on experiences to help students transform ideas into impactful startups.

The Prix du Jeune Entrepreneur (PJE) is an annual competition organized by the French Foreign Trade Advisors (CCE) in Switzerland. It aims to foster strong connections between Swiss universities and French companies operating in Switzerland. The PJE supports student-led entrepreneurial projects that have the potential for impact in France or Switzerland, offering financial assistance to help bring innovative products or services to market. The competition is open to students from participating Swiss institutions, including EPFL, ETH Zurich, EHL, HEIG-VD, and the University of St. Gallen. Winners receive cash prizes and gain access to a valuable network of industry professionals and alumni.

The Prix Entreprendre Lausanne Région (PERL) is an annual competition that recognizes and supports innovative businesses located within the 27 member municipalities of Lausanne Région. With a total prize fund of CHF 100,000, including a top award of CHF 50,000, PERL aims to foster economic development and innovation in the region. The competition is open to companies across various sectors, such as digital technologies, cleantech, social innovation, and craftsmanship. Winners benefit not only from financial support but also from increased visibility and access to a network of experts and coaches.

 

The >>venture>> competition is Switzerland’s leading startup contest, offering over CHF 500,000 in non-dilutive funding, expert mentorship, and national visibility to early-stage startups across six industry verticals. Co-organized by EPFL, ETH Zurich, McKinsey & Company, Innosuisse, and Knecht Holding, it provides a unique platform for entrepreneurs to validate, refine, and pitch their ideas to top-tier investors and business leaders.

EPFL actively supports >>venture>> by hosting events, engaging mentors, and encouraging its community to participate. The competition is open to Swiss-based startups and nonprofits under five years old, with applications typically opening in October and closing in February. Finalists benefit from tailored coaching, pitch training, and the opportunity to win up to CHF 150,000 in prizes.

For more information and to apply, visit venture.ch.

The Prix Strategis is one of Switzerland’s most prestigious startup awards, offering CHF 50,000 and significant visibility to the most promising young company in the country. Organized annually since 1993 by HEC Lausanne’s student association, HEC Espace Entreprise, the competition is open to Swiss startups less than five years old.What sets the Prix Strategis apart is its unique evaluation process: semi-finalists are assessed through in-depth reports prepared by HEC students, providing fresh perspectives to a jury of seasoned entrepreneurs and business leaders. Finalists gain exposure to a broad network of investors and media, making this award a true springboard for high-potential startups.