FIRST VENTURES

Youtube Playlist «First Ventures»

«First Ventures» focuses on entrepreneurial UAS students such as Sarah Harbarth (FHNW) who want to pursue their innovation projects during their studies or immediately after graduation. The project contributions of a maximum of CHF 150,000 pave the way for the establishment of their own spin-off. For the duration of the First Ventures project, the project managers are employed by the University of Applied Sciences and have full budget autonomy.

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:

The evaluation and decision phase takes one month for «Proof» or «Validate» applications and three months for «Execute» applications.

The «First Ventures» program not only provides financial support, but also individually tailored business training and coaching sessions as well as access to a broad start-up network. The curriculum is designed to equip the potential company founders with the tools they need to successfully put their business idea into practice.

• 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.

We are looking for innovation projects with high impact potential for the economy and society that offer concrete solutions to problems and at the same time meet the quality standards of the respective research and development area. The applicants are distinguished by their professional expertise, willingness to take risks and personal commitment.

​​​​​Before submitting a proposal, applicants interested in participating are requested to contact the First Ventures program management.

Projects can be submitted to Gebert Rüf Stiftung by one of the quarterly deadlines (1 February, 1 May, 1 September, 1 December) in accordance with the guidelines for submitting an First Ventures proposal.

Please use our web portal for your first stage application and upload all the required documents there (project proposal form «First Ventures», support letter of UAS and elevator pitch).

Applicants for «Proof» or «Validate» grants of up to CHF 50,000 are invited to present their project to the board of trustees via Zoom within one month of submitting their project. The funding decision will be communicated within 1-2 days of the presentation.

Applicants applying for an «Execute» grant of CHF 150,000 will be invited to present their project to the board of trustees after the first round of evaluation. The funding decision will be communicated within 1-2 days after the presentation. These selected candidates can complete a pitch training programme:

• A support agreement will be concluded with the project managers whose applications are approved.
• All copyrights will be retained by the projects.

Approved projects can find more information on the support agreement, reporting and project communications here.

Dr. Marco Vencato, Deputy Director, Gebert Rüf Stiftung, St. Alban-Vorstadt 12, 4052 Basel, marco.notexisting@nodomain.comvencato@grstiftung.notexisting@nodomain.comch, tel. +41 61 270 88 20

Postcard
First Ventures-Startup «Circleg»
Youtube Playlist «First Ventures»