Financing
start-ups and innovation
The canton of Fribourg offers a wide range of services for start-ups (innovation projects) in the form of financial assistance, loans and equity investments, expertise and networking.
Seed Capital Foundation Fribourg
Loans up to CHF 100,000
Is your project innovative or high value-added, in the canton of Fribourg, and can it demonstrate economic viability and sustainability? Are you in the pre-seed or seed phase, i.e. confirming technical and commercial validity, and your market is not yet confirmed?
This funding of up to CHF 100,000 will enable you to make progress in validating your market, defining product specifications, finalizing an initial prototype or improving your product to demonstrate its real commercial potential.
These loans are granted in tranches, based on milestones achieved, to support the launch of innovative projects and start-ups.
Fri Up is responsible for the operational management of the foundation and for the files submitted.
Some of the start-ups that have benefited from this seed loan: Bcomp | Gradesens | KANREY | Odytics | See the full portfolio
Capital Risque Fribourg SA
Participation up to CHF 750,000
Have you already made your first sales? Does your product or service have strong growth potential? Is your start-up now accelerating its development? Capital Risque Fribourg SA is for you!
It offers financing through equity participations and convertible loans. The first financing can be up to CHF 300,000 (maximum total of CHF 750,000).
Consecutive financing is possible in subsequent rounds, up to a maximum of CHF 750,000 per company.
Some of the start-ups supported by CRF Bcomp | Bionomous | Bloom biorenewables | Cortexia | Epos | Rommz | Seprify | View full portfolio
Promotion économique (PromFR)
PromFR can support innovative projects through a variety of instruments and financial incentives: rent subsidies, job creation bonuses, training bonuses, R&D projects (Innosuisse or validated by an expert), new markets, potential tax relief, etc.
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.
Bioeconomy incubation program | pilot project
Support up to CHF 350,000
Are you a high-potential bioeconomy start-up? Are you in the seed phase, already have a working prototype and a first test customer?
Fri Up is now offering an incubation program for bioeconomy start-ups, with the aim of accelerating their pre-industrialization and commercialization phase. The program offers privileged access to financing, infrastructure and expertise.
How does it work?
If your start-up is accepted into the program, it gains access to cash financing of up to CHF 100,000, as well as in-kind benefits of up to CHF 250,000 for 2 years.
The cash and in-kind contributions are valued for the start-up in the form of a convertible loan of CHF 175,000.
The program includes comprehensive support, including business coaching, access to specialized networks and onboarding in the Fribourg ecosystem, with particular emphasis on the bioeconomy. It provides pre-industrialization laboratories and workshops, office space and an R&D grant for InnoSuisse projects. It also offers assistance with market development and patent registration, as well as access to legal and accounting services.
Interested?
To submit your application, send a 3-minute video pitch based on the template below and a 3-year financial plan to the following e-mail address: maria.lebour(at)friup(dot)ch
➡️ Pitch format available here.
Start-up in the bioeconomy?
The canton of Fribourg is offering a One-Stop-Shop with services and access to infrastructure for startups active in the bioeconomy, particularly those dealing with biomolecules.