First Ventures: Funding area supporting early-stage entrepreneurial and innovation projects that aim to achieve impact Grant

About this grant

First Ventures is a support programme by Gebert Rüf Foundation for bachelor's and master's students at Swiss Universities of Applied Sciences (UAS) who are developing innovative business ideas emerging from their studies towards market launch. The programme addresses the need to translate academic innovation into viable startups by providing graduated financial contributions up to CHF 150,000 (approximately USD 165,000) combined with individually tailored coaching and business training. Applicants progress through three funding stages: PROOF (up to 3 months, CHF 25,000) for testing feasibility, VALIDATE (up to 6 months, CHF 50,000) for validating the business case, and EXECUTE (up to 9 months, CHF 75,000) for market launch and scaling. The programme seeks innovation projects with high impact potential for the economy and society that offer concrete solutions to problems. Funding is primarily used for salaries of project managers and team members employed by the UAS, material costs, and other expenses, with up to 10% available as a voucher for infrastructure services, supervision, expertise and coaching both within and outside the university.

Eligibility

Applications are open to bachelor's and master's students of all departments and disciplines at Swiss Universities of Applied Sciences, as well as graduates of UAS up to six months after graduation. Graduates of continuing education master's degree courses are not eligible. Project leaders and team members must be anchored at a UAS for the duration of the project and are explicitly involved in the work. An appropriate letter of support from the UAS must be enclosed with the application. Projects must demonstrate high impact potential and offer concrete solutions to identified problems. Applicants are distinguished by their professional expertise, willingness to take risks, and personal commitment to the project.

How it's scored

Applications are evaluated in two stages. In the first stage, applications are assessed based on submitted documentation including a project application form, UAS support letter, and elevator pitch. Applicants who successfully pass the first round are invited to present their project to the Foundation Board via Zoom, with optional pitch training provided. The evaluation and decision phase lasts three months for all applications regardless of funding level. Evaluation considers the innovation project's impact potential, quality standards of the research and development area, feasibility of achieving defined milestones, and the applicant team's professional expertise and commitment. Transition between funding stages is based on a report on milestones defined in the support agreement and a pitch to the Board of Trustees.

Key requirements

• ✓Early-stage entrepreneurial or innovation project with clear impact objectives
• ✓Project must demonstrate potential for meaningful social or environmental outcomes
• ✓Applicant must be based in or operating within Gebert Rüf Foundation's geographic scope (Switzerland)

Recent past awardees

Knowing who's won the last rounds tells you whether you're in the strike zone.

• Luya Foods
• Circleg

Funder contact

The notice names a programme contact you can speak to before applying.

Frequently asked questions

How much funding does Gebert Rüf Foundation offer?

First Ventures: Funding area supporting early-stage entrepreneurial and innovation projects that aim to achieve impact offers $28K – $165K.

Who can apply for First Ventures: Funding area supporting early-stage entrepreneurial and innovation projects that aim to achieve impact?

Eligibility covers organisations in CH; startup, sme, social-enterprise. See the eligibility criteria above for the full conditions.