First Ventures
01.09.2025
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Apply before 1 September 2025 to First Ventures and get up to CHF 150’000 from Gebert Rüf Stiftung
With «First Ventures», Gebert Rüf Stiftung supports bachelor’s and master’s students of Swiss Universities of Applied Sciences UAS who are developing an innovative business idea out of their studies towards the market. The support includes progressing contributions up to a maximum of CHF 150,000 as well as an individually tailored coaching program which will smooth the way to launching a startup.Start-up projects in the early phase can apply for smaller grants of up to CHF 25,000 or CHF 50,000, while advanced projects can apply for CHF 150,000 in order to be commercialised:
Essential Requirements
- Applications are open to Bachelor’s and Master’s students of all departments and disciplines and to graduates of universities of applied sciences up to six months after graduation.
- Graduates of continuing education master’s degree courses are not considered.
- Project leaders and any members of the project team are employed by the university of applied sciences for the duration of the project. They are explicitly involved in the project. An appropriate letter of support must be enclosed with the application.
- The duration of the project is between a few months to a maximum of two years, depending on the funding amount and the budget that ranges from CHF 25,000 («Proof»), CHF 50,000 («Validate») to a maximum of CHF 150,000 («Execute»). The different funding amounts can be cumulated, but up to a maximum of CHF 150,000 per project.
- Funding will be used primarily for the salaries of the project managers and project team members employed by the UAS. The use of university funds is welcomed.
- As part of and up to a maximum of 10% of the «First Ventures» budget, a voucher can be reserved for infrastructure services, supervision, expertise and coaching. This voucher can be used for services within and outside the university.
⏰ Application Deadlines: 1 September 2025 | 1 December 2025 | 1 February 2026 | 1 May 2026 | 1 September 2026
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