The Startup Ecosystem of Lausanne

Lausanne, located in the beautiful region of Switzerland, has emerged as a vibrant hub for startups and entrepreneurship. Known for its picturesque landscapes and renowned institutions, such as the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne (EPFL) and the University of Lausanne (UNIL).

Lausanne’s startup scene benefits from a unique blend of factors that contribute to its success. For instance, the presence of EPFL and UNIL serves as a fertile ground for entrepreneurial ventures, providing a rich pool of young, ambitious talent and cutting-edge research. These institutions offer numerous resources and programs tailored to support aspiring entrepreneurs, including incubators, accelerators, and entrepreneurship courses.

The startup ecosystem in Lausanne is characterized by its focus on various high-potential industries. The city has a strong presence in fields such as life sciences, biotechnology, cleantech, medtech, and digital technologies. Startups in these sectors benefit from the collaboration between academia, industry, and government, creating an environment conducive to breakthrough innovations and market adoption.

The local government of Vaud, known as Canton Vaud, extends several programs and initiatives to bolster startups in the region. Innovaud, a government-backed agency, takes center stage in supporting innovation and entrepreneurship. It offers an array of services to startups, including personalized coaching, access to funding and grants, market positioning assistance, and help with forging industry collaborations.

Canton Vaud has also joined forces with MassChallenge Switzerland, an international startup accelerator. Through MassChallenge, startups gain access to invaluable mentors, resources, and potential investors, with opportunities to secure non-equity cash prizes. The program acts as a catalyst for the growth of early-stage ventures while fostering a supportive entrepreneurial community.

Canton Vaud also collaborates with EPFL to operate the EPFL Innovation Park, an ecosystem that caters to startups with office spaces, research facilities, mentorship, and networking events. The park acts as a dynamic hub, propelling entrepreneurship and innovation throughout the region.

In recent years, Lausanne has witnessed the emergence of several successful startups that have gained international recognition for their unicorn status. These include companies like MindMaze, which develops virtual reality-based rehabilitation solutions, and Pix4D, a leader in photogrammetry and drone mapping technology.