AI with purpose? Start here.

• Foster creation of new AI startups at EPFL with the potential of fast deployment.
• Accelerate the development of AI-based technologies with potential for impact in society, industry, or science.
• Support teams working between early technical validation and first user or market validation.
• Provide access to key resources that enable faster iteration, testing, and learning.

We support early-stage AI projects that show strong technical foundations and clear potential for real-world applications. Projects should meet the following criteria:

• One founder is already part of the EPFL community

At least one of the founders is a current student, researcher, postdoctoral fellow, or alumni who graduated within the last five years. A strong plus to have a lab on your side. Preference for projects that have identified a lab.

• You have moved beyond the idea stage

You’ve started developing and testing your AI-based solution, with early results, simulations, or a working prototype, even if limited in scope.

• You are exploring how your solution creates value

You are actively investigating the practical use case and collecting feedback from potential users, clients, or industry partners. You may not have market traction yet, but you are focused on solving a meaningful problem.

• AI is at the core of your innovation

Your project relies on AI technologies (e.g., machine learning, computer vision, NLP) as a central component. AI-enabled tools are accepted only if they demonstrate early signs of market validation.

• Your team is ready to develop further

You have the technical and operational capacity to move the project forward over the next 6 months, including research, prototyping, and testing.

Funding amount: up to CHF 50,000

Duration: up to 6 months

Eligible costs:

• Salaries for project team members.
• Cloud computing credits and AI infrastructure.
• Technical outsourcing (e.g., software & hardware prototyping, data annotation, user testing, UX & UI Design…).

Please note:

• This initiative is powered by UBS and provides selected AI startup projects with targeted, flexible support – with no strings attached. There are no specific constraints on how you structure your team or roadmap. However, recipients may be invited to:
  • Participate in shared communication activities with EPFL and UBS
  • Provide updates and insights that may inform future AI innovation support programs
• Legal fees, IP costs, and marketing expenses are not eligible.
• This support cannot be combined with EPFL grants such as Ignition or Innogrants.

Selected teams will also receive:

• Access to the Station
• Connections to EPFL researchers, labs, and academic mentors
• Opportunities to interface with EPFL industrial partners
• Design coaching (UX/UI or customer research support)
• Integration into the EPFL startup community and peer events

All submissions will be evaluated by a jury. Projects will be assessed based on their overall potential, the clarity and relevance of budget allocation, and the team’s capacity and commitment to execute the project over the support period.

Applicants must apply using the following form:

• Submission deadline: Friday, July 18, 2025 (fill in this application form and send it to Marius)
• Shortlist announcement: a shortlist of 8 projects will be announced by Friday, August 23, 2025
• Pitch sessions: shortlisted project teams will pitch to the jury during the week of August 25, 2025
• Final decision: four projects will be selected to receive the support. Final decisions will be communicated by Friday, August 29, 2025