Accelerating innovation: insights from EPFL’s Soft Landing program

In today’s dynamic landscape, innovation is essential for both start-ups and large corporations. However, the journey from idea to marketable product is often complex, and navigating innovation ecosystems can provide critical support.

Antoine Jourdan introduced the webinar with a discussion on how innovation ecosystems such as EPFL’s Innovation Park can play a transformative role in accelerating the development of start-ups. Highlighting the importance of visibility, credibility, and access to resources, he explained that these parks are not just about office space but encompass incubation, mentoring, and access to investors. EPFL, with its extensive research facilities and industry connections, allows start-ups to integrate quickly and tap into a network that spans research institutions, large corporations, and investors.

The role of EPFL Innovation Park, according to Jourdan, extends beyond providing physical space. Start-ups benefit from “serendipitous opportunities” and collaborations, giving them access to markets and funding channels that would be difficult to secure independently. In fact, EPFL actively connects start-ups with potential partners, both in academia and industry, enabling a faster path from research to commercialization. One of the unique aspects of EPFL’s ecosystem is its emphasis on tailored partnerships that align with a start-up’s specific needs and business goals.

Precisia Care’s journey in the EPFL ecosystem

The experience of Precisia Care, a healthcare start-up led by Anis Ghorbel, illustrates the impact of EPFL’s Soft Landing program. Precisia Care, which leverages an AI-driven platform to provide real-time patient insights, found a home within EPFL’s ecosystem, allowing it to expedite its operational capabilities from the outset. Ghorbel emphasized that EPFL’s integrated approach provided his team with immediate access to academic partners, industry mentors, and potential clients, all of which were instrumental in fast-tracking the company’s growth.

For Precisia Care, visibility within EPFL’s network was vital. As a start-up in the healthcare sector, Ghorbel’s team needed access to high-quality industry contacts and academic resources. EPFL’s network allowed Precisia Care to engage with the right partners quickly, enabling the company to avoid the typical delays start-ups face when entering a new market. The collaboration with EPFL and the broader Switzerland Innovation network also provided Precisia Care with a competitive edge by embedding the start-up in a well-recognized innovation ecosystem.

Soft Landing program: a launchpad for start-ups

The Soft Landing program is part of the SIP Network West EPFL initiative, which includes EPFL Innovation Park as one of its hubs. The Soft Landing program, specifically designed for non-Swiss start-ups, offers an attractive, low-risk entry into Switzerland’s innovation ecosystem. For CHF 1,500 a month, start-ups can secure office space within EPFL’s Innovation Park and access a range of services. This fee includes a dedicated account manager who helps participants navigate academic and industry connections, access workshops, and tap into funding opportunities. Notably, the program allows foreign start-ups to test the Swiss market without having to establish a legal entity immediately, making it easier for them to evaluate Switzerland as a long-term base for operations.

According to Jourdan, one of the main objectives of the Soft Landing program is to enable start-ups to connect with Switzerland’s robust research and innovation resources quickly and efficiently. Many start-ups have taken advantage of the program to establish themselves within Switzerland’s thriving innovation environment, benefiting from EPFL’s close ties to venture capital firms, industry leaders, and research partners.

Support from local partners and funding opportunities

Throughout the webinar, Jourdan underscored the importance of leveraging local resources such as Innosuisse, Switzerland’s innovation agency, which provides funding for research projects in collaboration with Swiss academic institutions. By collaborating with EPFL and securing Innossuise grants, start-ups not only benefit from financial support but also gain credibility, making them more attractive to potential investors.

For Ghorbel, the grants and coaching provided by organizations like Innovaud and Vaud’s innovation agencies were instrumental. These organizations, closely linked to EPFL, help start-ups navigate the Swiss innovation landscape, providing coaching, funding guidance, and connections to local industry players. This holistic approach helps ensure that start-ups have the necessary resources to scale effectively.

Challenges and opportunities

Despite the advantages, integrating into the EPFL ecosystem poses challenges, especially for foreign start-ups. Ghorbel acknowledged that building trust and establishing credibility can take time, but the support of programs like Soft Landing eases this transition. He noted that being part of EPFL lends start-ups additional credibility, helping them secure partnerships and investment opportunities more readily.

Ultimately, the discussion highlighted that while raising funds is a universal challenge for start-ups, EPFL’s network, research collaborations, and structured programs help mitigate some of these obstacles, enabling start-ups to focus on growth and commercialization.

A unique environment to accelerate start-up’s innovation journeys

In conclusion, EPFL’s Innovation Park and Soft Landing program provide start-ups with a unique environment to accelerate their innovation journey. With access to a diverse network of industry partners, academic resources, and funding channels, EPFL offers a conducive ecosystem for start-ups to thrive. For innovators and entrepreneurs looking to enter the Swiss market, EPFL’s offerings provide a practical path to integration and growth, enabling them to connect with the right partners and scale their businesses effectively.