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FIT Tech

The FIT Tech programme aims to support entrepreneurs who develop technological projects in the Canton of Vaud and in the Western part of Switzerland, based on a technological innovation that is difficult to imitate and has a high growth potential. This is the historical core of the Foundation for Innovation and Technology.

Through the FIT Tech funding, FIT aims to identify and support promising start-ups, particularly those from the universities and colleges of the Canton of Vaud and Romandie. These aids also support talented entrepreneurs and the creation of the jobs of tomorrow.

For entrepreneurs, the FIT Tech programme allows them first to validate their scientific research project, then to develop their product technically and commercially, and finally to accelerate commercialisation.

Nice to know: 

For FIT Tech Grants, projects must go through the support mechanisms of FIT-accredited universities and higher education institutions:

Are you eligible for any of the FIT Tech supports?

Tech Grant

Grant of CHF 100'000 
to the project principal working in an institute or university located in the canton of Vaud

 

Objectives:  
Project validation by an institute or university (EPFL, Unil-CHUV, HEIG-VD), aimed at creating a company

 

Pre-requisites: 
- Innovation: scientific research project likely to lead to a product, a process or a service meeting a social or economic need and having a potential market

- Age of the company: Prior to start-up creation 

- Location: The grant recipient must be working in an institute or university in the canton of Vaud which is currently accredited by FIT: EPFL, HEIG-VD, UNIL/CHUV

 

 

 

No financing terms

 

 


 

 

 

Analysis & coaching: 
Correspondent in an institute or university

 

Frequency of the Selection Committee: 
2x per year for about ten projects funded each year

 

SEE THE PROCESS AND TIMELINE
 

Tech Seed

Loan of CHF 100'000 
Interest-free loan without a personal guarantee

 

 

Objectives:  
Prototyping, technical and commercial development of a product

 

Pre-requisites: 
- Innovation: prototyping and technical development phase of the product, carried out in collaboration with or emanating from an institute or university (EPFL, University, HES...)

- Age of the company: Approximately 0-12 months 

- Location: The company must be based in Western Switzerland

 


 


 

Financing terms:  
- 0% interest 
- Repayable over 7 years
- Conversion option on 25% of the loan at the next round price. Exercise of option within 10 years in the event of a liquidity event
- On maturity of the option, without prior exercise of the option, repayment of the nominal 25% + a bonus of CHF 25,000

 

Analysis & coaching: 
Coaching entity EPFL Innovation Park and Innosuisse

 

Frequency of the Selection Committee: 
5x per year for about 15 projects funded each year

 

SEE THE PROCESS AND TIMELINE
 

Tech Growth

Loan up to CHF 500'000 
Interest-bearing loan (2% base), without a personal guarantee

 

Objectives:  
Commercial development by “matching” private investors

 

Pre-requisites: 
- Innovation: development of high added value activities (product development, industrialisation, operations) in the Canton of Vaud, the product having already obtained commercial validation from the market

- Age of the company: Approximately 12-36 months 

- Location: The company must be based in the canton of Vaud 

- Link with a University: the project must have been carried out in collaboration with or emanate from an institute or university (EPFL, University, HES...)

 

Financing terms:  
- 2% interest on 75% of the loan
- Repayable over 7 years
- Conversion option on 25% of the loan at the conversion price of the round that the FIT completes. Exercise of option within 10 years in the event of a liquidity event
- On maturity of the option, without prior exercise of the option, repayment of the nominal 25% + a bonus of CHF 45k to 75k depending on the amount of the loan

 

Analysis & coaching: 
Selection entities Virgo Ventures and Andromède Consulting

 

Frequency of the Selection Committee: 
5x per year for about five projects funded each year

 

SEE PROCESS AND TIMELINE
 

To apply for FIT support, register via Innovaud (the innovation and investment promotion agency for the canton of Vaud), which is responsible for the pre-selection of candidates:

Please note: Start-ups registered in a canton other than Vaud must first apply for funding in their home canton.

ACTIVE IN FOOD & NUTRITION ?

The FIT Food Tech programme, launched by the Foundation for Innovation and Technology (FIT) in association with Nestlé, is aimed at FoodTech start-ups. The aim is to encourage collaboration and investment between food industry companies and start-ups in Vaud's "Food Valley".