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.

    Directives

    Submission form

    Interim 6M report

  • 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

  • FriUP

    FriUP 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.