Entrepreneurship
Helping entrepreneurs accelerate their journey from bench to market

EPFL and the Wyss Center have joined forces to invest in the neurotechnologies of tomorrow, and accelerate the journey from bench to market. The partnership will provide funds to selected projects for up to 100 000 CHF per project, as well as access to the combined network and resources at both institutions. The total amount allocated for this initiative is 300 000 CHF.
What is the purpose of the grant?
The grant offers the opportunity to entrepreneurs to accelerate the development of their venture by funding the:
Note: Funding can be used for requester’s salary, as long as the salary is commensurate with applicant’s level of education.
What are the pre-requisites to apply?
Area A: Novel technology at the interface of neuroscience and the environment (architecture, design, social environment, home environment, etc.)
Area B: Novel technology to measure or modulate brain function (molecular technologies, non-invasive or minimally invasive hardware, wetware and/or software approaches to ‘reading’ from and/or ‘writing’ to the brain, digital therapeutics, etc.)
What are the selection criteria for success?
How do I apply?
Applicants must complete the online form and generate a pitch presentation, have it approved by the EPFL professor hosting the project, and send it to – startup@epfl.ch
Submissions will be reviewed by a selection committee comprising experts from the Wyss Center, EPFL and industry.
What is the deadline?
June 30th, 2021 – Last date to submit applications
July 7th, 2021 – Shortlist communicated
July 30th, 2021 – Final decisions communicated
I still have a question, who do I ask?
André Catana, Head of EPFL Start Up Unit – andre.catana@epfl.ch / 021 693 55 81
Isabel Casado, Business Developer, EPFL Start Up Unit – isabel.casado@epfl.ch / 021 693 77 01
Tracy Laabs, Chief Development Officer, Wyss Center – tracy.laabs@wysscenter.ch / 058 201 03 01
The grants under this call are co-funded by the Wyss Center and the EPFL Startup Unit.
The Wyss Center partners with the ALBA Network to raise awareness and advocate for increased equity, inclusion and visibility of scientists from underrepresented groups in brain research.
The appointment follows a funding commitment of CHF 120 million from the Wyss Foundation to further strengthen the Center’s mission to accelerate innovative therapies to the clinic to transform the lives of people with brain disorders.
We welcome new opportunities to exchange ideas and to explore collaborations
Collaborate with usWe are searching for innovative and driven people to make a difference
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