Support for start-ups
The University supports the creation of start-ups by protecting intellectual property at an early stage and by granting favorable conditions for the licensing of technologies to start-ups created by researchers from the University. The Knowledge and Technology Transfer Service can help you finding non-dilutive funding to start your innovation project.
Start-up Grant
A new start-up grant has been launched at the University of Fribourg!
This grant is intended for projects that have already received funding from BRIDGE or Innosuisse schemes.
Register here: https://www.unifr.ch/form/techtransfer/view.php?id=47739
Submission deadline: 1 December 2025
Important dates 2025/2026:
Registration opening: 30 September 2025
Submission deadline: 1 December 2025
Presentation (if pre-selected): 16 January 2026
The decision will be communicated by mid-March 2026.
Please refer to Article 4 (Sections 1 and 2) of the Directives for detailed eligibility requirements.
Proof-of-Concept Grants
Unlock Innovation with our Proof-of-Concept (PoC) Grants!
The PoC Grant supports technological feasibility and economic viability of innovative ideas.
Purpose: Prototyping, benchmarking, and identifying market opportunities.
Centenary fund 2x year up to 7’000 CHF
Submission deadlines: 1 March, 1 October
Research Pool 2x year up to 70’000 CHF
Submission deadlines: 31 January, 31 July
Funding for innovation and start-ups
Start-ups guidelines and license conditions
Spinoffs of the university
FriUP
Fri UP is the official support body for business creation in the canton of FR. Its mission is to advise anyone who wants to start a business and to support the most innovative projects.
Student Venture Program
The HES-SO Fribourg, the University of Fribourg and Fri Up offer a support program for students who wish to develop their company or innovative start-up during their studies.
HES-SO//Fribourg - Student Venture Program