Your Startup Playground
We help you turn bold ideas into impactful innovations. Whether you need funding opportunities, expert guidance, access to EPFL Innovation Park’s deep-tech ecosystem, or a space to grow—we’re here to back your journey.
Who we are
A launchpad for disruptive technologies
La Forge is the startup incubator at EPFL Innovation Park. With strong connections to leading universities in Western Switzerland and the rich ecosystem in the region, we provide a unique platform for aspiring entrepreneurs to launch successful businesses.
Located in the heart of EPFL Innovation Park, alongside more than 200 tech companies, our incubator offers free office space as well as access to a wide range of investors and industry professionals. We are dedicated to providing personalized support, valuable resources, team-building opportunities and a strong network of entrepreneurs and investors. The goal is to assist early-stage start-ups in bringing their scientific innovations to market, increasing visibility, enhancing competitiveness, and achieving commercial success.
Over the years, La Forge has been evolving from a simple co-working space to a dynamic incubator with a multidisciplinary high tech community. Since 2013, it supported more than 300 startups, and served as a springboard of 3 vertical startup accelerators: Medtech and ICT in 2018, Tech4Trust in 2019. The later has successfully contributed to the launch of Trust Valley, a strategic initiative of the Canton.
what we offer
Our value proposition
- A collaborative co-working space with flexible desks and screens, a conference room and 7 private booths for personal meetings or calls.
- Bi-annual Demo Day which allows the startups to pitch, win prizes, and, most importantly, to get known and meet investors and customers.
- Expert coaching by seasoned entrepreneurs and assistance for getting local and federal startup support and funding.
- Enhanced visibility within the EPFL Innovation Park ecosystem, supported by exposure across its communication channels and social media platforms.
- Monthly thematic workshops on different topics covering legal frameworks, business plans, pricing strategies, and more, all relevant to startups.
- A dynamic and supportive community that fosters peer-to-peer learning, encourages knowledge sharing, and accelerates the growth of startup teams.
special credits
Support from several companies
Team
Lan Zuo Gillet
Deputy Director of the Foundation EPFL Innovation Park
Véronique Bossel
Operations & Community Manager
Amalia Da Fonseca
Marketing & Design Officer
Mentors
Antoine Bachmann
Founder of Bachmann Advisors
Laurent Haug
Founder of 200ideas & Dragon des Alps
Cedric Morel
Managing Director of Sensile Technologies
Jacob Grabowski
Head of Business Creation Support of Centre Patronal
Brigitte Baumann
Founder of Go Beyond & Efino
Christian Hugonnet
Investor and ex-CEO of OnYourMap & Novysys
Lan Zuo Gillet
Founder and Director of several start-ups accelerators at EIP
Horesh Ben Shitrit
Founder of Playful Vision
Chloé Julien
Founder & ex-CEO of BandSquare
Alexander Finger
Chief Technology Offcier of SAP
get started
Purpose fuels passion
The deeptech incubator of EPFL Innovation Park
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