Startup bioeconomy Fribourg
Fribourg, The place to grow
take your business to the next level
A specific ecosystem
You are a start-up active in the bioeconomy sector with growth prospects and ambitions. Join the Fribourg ecosystem, which offers a “one-stop-shop” concept for start-ups in the bioeconomy, and make the most of your chances of success.
Our approach
A three-pronged approach to support
Business mentoring
Financing up to CHF 200,000
Networking and infrastructure
Fri Up - Bioeconomy incubation program
Financing and special support
Are you a high-potential bioeconomy start-up in the seed phase, with a working prototype and a first test customer?
We offer an incubation program providing access to CHF 100,000 in cash, as well as funding for services such as access to infrastructure and resources. This funding is then transformed into a convertible loan of a fixed amount of CHF 175,000.
This funding is often complemented by support from the canton of Fribourg’s economic development agency, which offers grants of up to CHF 100,000 for research projects, as well as up to CHF 30,000 for market development and intellectual property support, up to CHF 10,000 for office space and up to CHF 10,000 per job created.
When you reach the growth phase, Capital Risque Fribourg SA can also invest up to CHF 1.2 million through equity investments.
Interested? ➡️ To apply, send your complete business deck and financial plan to maria.lebour(at)friup(dot)ch.
Take action
Develop your project today
Submit your application and benefit from structured support to transform your innovation into a concrete, sustainable solution.
Infrastructures and laboratories
Specialized infrastructures for industrialization
ChemTech Institute | HEIA-FR
Chemistry infrastructures
The ChemTech Institute at HEIA-FR stands out for its unique ability to transform laboratory concepts into industrial processes, thanks to its sophisticated pilot plant. This facility is designed to facilitate the transition of chemical innovations from the laboratory scale to pre-industrial production.
BCC | HEIA-FR
Biotechnology infrastructure
Biotechnology and bioprocess engineering facilities, including clean rooms, to design and test your processes before transferring them to a GMP environment. Ideal for the development of high value-added biotech products.
iRAP | HEIA-FR
Bioplastics laboratories
Laboratories and expertise in bio-based polymers and bioplastics. The center supports design, prototyping and industrialization, while integrating the life-cycle and sustainability aspects of materials.
Fri Up
Business support from startup experts
Fri Up is the support organization for start-ups in the canton of Fribourg. Our coaches and experts are there to support you in your business thinking, to work with you to put in place strategies to confirm the market adoption of your technology, and to put you in touch with the right people, including potential strategic partners or investors active in your field.
The start-up ecosystem
Peer-to-peer and networking
Fribourg's start-up scene is booming. Take advantage of this dynamic ecosystem to boost your start-up.
Thematic workshops and numerous networking events are organized to encourage exchange between start-ups, but also to share expertise within the canton of Fribourg's innovation ecosystem, which includes experts, the University of Fribourg's tech-transfer, engineering school, competence centers and research institutes.
Secure your growth
Financing solutions available
The canton of Fribourg has a number of support and financing tools to help your start-up get off the ground and grow. They are often involved upstream or in parallel with fund-raising from business angels or venture capitalists.
Seed Capital Fribourg
The Seed Capital Fribourg Foundation offers seed loans of up to CHF 100,000 for start-ups in the final stages of development and market testing.</p
Capital Risque Fribourg
Capital Risque Fribourg offers equity stakes of up to CHF 1,200,000 in confirmed start-ups.
Economic development agency
PromFR can support innovative projects through a variety of financial instruments and incentives. The various support measures are granted on the basis of the business plan and the potential that the project can demonstrate for the canton of Fribourg.
Hosting
Sites conducive to innovation
The bluefactory site is an ideal place to start, with its capacity to accommodate start-ups and its proximity to Fri Up's offices. The canton of Fribourg also has other sites that are ideal for the development of start-ups in their growth phase.
bluefactory Fribourg
A central campus bringing together over 1,000 people, offering a stimulating environment for start-ups, fostering collaboration, innovation and networking with academic and industrial players.
Marly Innovation Center
7,000 m² of laboratory and technical space for the development of innovative projects. Start-ups benefit from flexible resources and an environment conducive to industrial growth.
Agrico
Site specialized in agrifood and biomass, with 100 hectares of farmland for full-scale trials. Allows start-ups to test their innovations on a real scale, while benefiting from technical support.
Frequently asked questions
Answers to key questions
Who can apply?
Any start-up active in the bioeconomy with a base or planned development in the canton of Fribourg.
What types of projects are supported?
Innovative projects that make the most of biological resources and offer both economic potential and a positive environmental impact.
How much do you support?
Support is defined according to the project’s stage of maturity, specific needs and objectives. Different forms of financing exist to support start-ups in their growth.