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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 Technological Innovation

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

Tech Seed

Loan of CHF 100'000
Interest-free loan with a personal guarantee

Tech Growth

Loan up to CHF 500'000
Interest-bearing loan (2% base +6% at final repayment), without a personal guarantee

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

Objectives: 
Prototyping, technical and commercial development of a product

Objectives: 
Commercial development by “matching” private investors

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

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

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...)

No financing terms

Financing terms: 
- 0% interest
- Repayable over 8 years
- 20% personal guarantee

Financing terms: 
- 8% interest (2% from signature + 6% kicker)
- Repayable over 8 years

Analysis & coaching:
Correspondent in an institute or university

Analysis & coaching:
Coaching entity EPFL Innovation Park and Innosuisse

Analysis & coaching:
Selection entities Virgo Ventures and Andromède Consulting

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

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

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

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 Technological Innovation (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".