Fri Up has stepped up its support for start-ups in 2023
The Canton’s start-ups are showing a promising dynamic
encouraging Fri Up to continue its support and encourage
innovation. The year 2023 was marked by Fri Up’s focus on supporting high-potential start-ups, aiming to propel them
through the critical “valley of death”. Fri Up’s expanded scope of intervention now covers the development phases,
with a focus on strategy, risk management, and specific interventions such as fund-raising. This opening
promotes the dynamism of Fribourg’s start-up scene. This strategy of openness stimulates the development of a
start-up scene in Fribourg, supported by numerous events
organized by Fri Up.
Bioeconomy: a booming sector
The cantonal strategy focuses on the bioeconomy, a sector
that Fri Up actively embraces. In 2023, seven start-ups active
in this field benefited from its support, aligning Fri Up’s initiatives with the canton’s strategic priorities. Among them
are Viridhys (PlasmaSeed), Algaltek, Cormo, and others.
This orientation responds to environmental challenges and positions
Fribourg as a key player in this booming sector.
High potential and tech-transfer
Fri Up also focuses on high-potential start-ups and
the tech-transfer field. In 2023, seven projects were monitored,
including Xemperia and Neuria, targeting innovative projects with strong
growth potential. The aim is to stimulate investment,
research, and the economic revitalization of the canton.
2023: a key year for tech-transfer
Tech-transfer, with projects stemming from academic research, enjoyed positive momentum in 2023. Fri Up has helped these
start-ups define their markets and business models, with a focus on commercializing innovations. Projects such as
Xemperia illustrate this success, with the development of advanced diagnostics for the detection of cancer cells.
Outlook for 2024
The year 2024 promises to be a crucial period for strengthening the Fribourg start-up scene, by bringing together
players, showcasing innovations and creating networks. Fri Up’s objective is to continue to provide
with as many weapons as possible, so that they can move forward under the best possible conditions
and open doors at national and international level.
In parallel, strategic monitoring at cantonal level will enable
to measure the progress and impact of start-ups over the
period 2024-2027.
Ongoing, diversified support
With over 300 projects seeking Fri Up’s help every year,
continues to guide start-ups, whatever their stage of development or field of activity. The expertise of
business coaches is essential in guiding projects, while
making entrepreneurs aware of potential risks.
To sum up, 2023 was a pivotal year for Fribourg’s startup scene, with a focus on the bioeconomy, support for developing companies, and tech-transfer. The outlook for 2024 looks just as promising, with a strategy focused on growth, innovation, and integration into the wider economic ecosystem at . Whatever the stage of development of a project or its field of activity, Fri Up is there to support it.
To sum up, 2023 was a pivotal year for Fribourg’s startup scene, with a focus on the bioeconomy, support for developing companies, and tech-transfer. The outlook for 2024 looks just as promising, with a strategy focused on growth, innovation, and integration into the wider economic ecosystem at . Whatever the stage of development of a project or its field of activity, Fri Up is there to support it.