EPFL and Wyss Center launch grant program for neuro technology entrepreneurs

EPFL and the Wyss Center based at Campus Biotech in Geneva have launched a new support program for entrepreneurs developing a promising technology in the field of applied neuroscience or neurotechnology. The focusses on novel technology at the interface of neuroscience and the environment (architecture, design, social environment, home environment, etc.) as well as novel technology to access or interact with the brain (hardware and/or software approaches, for example, non-invasive or minimally invasive approaches to ‘reading’ from and/or ‘writing’ to the brain, digital therapeutics, etc.)

The grant offers the opportunity to entrepreneurs to accelerate the development of their venture by funding the:

• product design, prototype development and/or minimum viable product (MVP) design and development of their future product or products
• design and development of compelling digital solutions (user interfaces/software development) for engaging user interactions
• technology de-risking and benchmarking (for example: further testing of the technology, comparative analyses, preclinical and clinical assessment, etc.)
• market assessment, startup strategy, business plan (for example : end-user feedback collection and analysis, competition analysis, market segmentation etc.).
• note: funding can be used for requester’s salary, as long as the salary is commensurate with applicant’s level of education

 Applications:

Interested entrepreneurs can learn more about the pre-requisites on EPFL special call page. Selection criteria for success include technological innovation / novelty, market impact (commercial potential and business model), entrepreneurial drive, engagement and impact of the grant funding on achieving expected outcome(s) and accelerating the technology commercialization in a meaningful way. in addition projects should be led by an entrepreneur with the ability to relocate to an EPFL lab in Lausanne or Geneva for up to one year. The total amount allocated for this initiative is 300’000 CHF.

Applications can be submitted until September 15th. Decisions will be communicated one month after. André Catana and Isabel Casado of EPFL’s Startup Unit are the contact persons for questions.

(ES)