Welcome to Blaze
Blaze is the execution-focused accelerator platform for EPFL founders ready to launch and scale. We provide the professional support, resources, and environment required to bridge the gap between a functional prototype and a venture-ready startup.
A Milestone-Driven Framework
Support is structured into two distinct phases based on your project’s maturity and execution speed.
- Validation Sprint (4 Weeks): An intensive phase to stress-test your core market assumptions. This period focuses on refining your value proposition and confirming early traction before entering the full acceleration phase.
- Acceleration Phase (Up to 6 Months): Dedicated support for founders hitting critical growth milestones: securing first customers, Swiss incorporation, and preparing for follow-on funding.
Targeted Resources for Execution
We provide specific tools to solve the hurdles common in early-stage growth :
- Goal-Driven non-dilutive funding: Access to CHF 2,000 “Roadblock Remover” grants for technical development, cloud credits, or go-to-market testing.
- Founder Sparring: 1:1 sessions with industry experts and workshops on legal foundations, IP strategy, and revenue modeling.
- Ecosystem Access: access to The Station co-working space and the Microsoft for Startups program.
Is Your Project a Fit ?
Blaze is designed for fast-to-deploy solutions (e.g., Digital, SaaS, or hardware with rapid market entry). We look for founders who combine technical excellence with a clear drive for execution.
- EPFL DNA: At least one leading co-founder must be a current member or recent alumnus of the EPFL community.
- Maturity: You have moved beyond the ideation phase and have a functional prototype.
- Validation: You can demonstrate early signs of market interest, such as user sign-ups, pilot data, or letters of intent.
- Timeline: You are aiming for Swiss incorporation within 9 months and a market launch within 6 months.
Apply Now
Applications for the Validation Sprint are reviewed on a rolling basis. Introduce your project, your prototype, and your current validation milestones to Marius Conti: [email protected].
Discover the story and passions of Gustave Lapierre, a student entrepreneur who founded a BoundaryAI, a startup focused on AI-driven text data analysis. Thank you to EPFL’s Student Support Program for the video and support they offer to our students.
FAQ
We favor projects and founders who:
- work in a team, of which at least one leading co-founder is affiliated at EPFL;
- have a sound launch plan, ready for Swiss incorporation within 9 months after completing the program;
- a confirmed market traction, and ready for market launch within 6 months after completing the program;
- with a fast-to-deploy technical solution, of which a first working prototype has been built;
- a fast and scalable business model, with a potential to become a leading international startup.
Those fully fulfilling the above criteria will be favoured directly into the Acceleration Phase of Blaze. Those who still need to stress-test their market assumptions will be favoured towards the Validation Sprint, with the possibility to then progress onto the Acceleration Phase.
If you meet our eligibility criteria above, you can apply anytime. There are no deadlines and applications for the Validation Sprint are reviewed on a rolling basis.
Email us with the following information:
- introduction to your project
- your prototype
- your current validation milestones
Email:
Marius Conti
[email protected].
The Blaze Accelerator brings a unique value-gain for your project through a milestone-driven framework with targeted resources.
| Resources | Validation Sprint | Acceleration Phase |
| Founder Breakfasts & Afterworks | ✓ | ✓ |
| Open Mic Pitching for Feedback Events | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tailored 1:1 coaching with business experts | ✓ | |
| Workshops on startup fundamentals | ✓ | |
| Goal-Driven non-dilutive funding | ✓ | |
| Access to business network | ✓ |
In addition, you will be recognized as an EPFL Startup, become part of an active community of EPFL entrepreneurs, and gain a unique market credibility.
Blaze prepares you to become a professional founder.
The platform gives the training, the business formation and the tools to meet the most pressing market expectations.
By the end, you can expect your startup to be ready for incorporation, with a funnel of clients and/or business partners, and possibly engaged in active conversations with early-stage investors.
You may deploy with a finalized version of your solution, an extended business network, and a solidified data room of corporate documents.
No. Blaze can only support unincorporated startup projects at the time of admission into the program.
It is highly recommended! We believe in the power and the value of working in teams. Structuring responsibilities and roles between team members is a core aspect of startup acceleration.
No, Blaze does not offer academic credits.
Blaze trains entrepreneurs and boost the launch of startups. The accelerator is reserved for EPFL students and young alumni with a big drive to move their project to the market, and is independent from EPFL studies.
Discover in pictures the Spring 2023 Awards Ceremony, where EPFL student startups from the Changemakers and Blaze acceleration programs showcased their innovative ideas and projects to the public!
Support & Acknowledgments 2024 and 2025
The blaze startup accelerator program is supported by the Student Support Program, as part of the Equip Talent pillar. We would like to give special thanks to our donors Fondation Sylvie Rusconi, Mirabaud & Cie SA as well as the Fondation Léonard Gianadda Mécénat for their generous donations.
Global Workshop Partnership
The program proudly partners with the renowned World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) to deliver a specialized workshop designed specifically for startups (see article), now available worldwide. Essential resources featured here provide valuable insights to enrich the learning experience for aspiring entrepreneurs.