Boosting Digital Health Innovations

Elevate your digital health project with funding and expertise from CSS, EPFL Innovation Park, and their extensive networks.

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Supporting the Digital Health startups in Switzerland

Health is a fundamental human right, and digital health has the potential to transform how we deliver care, making it more patient-centered, efficient, and effective. In Switzerland, we are committed to supporting innovators who are developing digital health solutions that will shape the future of healthcare. We provide grants and access to expertise to help them realize their ideas. 

The Ultimate Practical Program

Founded in 2022 by EPFL Innovation Park and CSS, the Future of Health Grant offers startups the financial and operational support they need at every stage—from concept inception to market validation. Beyond financial backing, the program offers access to a rich network of coaches, industry mentors, and paid specialists, also known as CxO as a Service (CxOaaS), who can augment the startup team. Together, we actively work with founders to accelerate growth through practical, hands-on solutions. The program bridges gaps in startup teams, ensuring personalized support through structured meetings, clear milestones, and continuous guidance.

 

Coaching

 

Health Innovations Professional Coaches

Mentoring

 

Experts from the Healthcare Industry

CxOaaS

 

Paid Specialists

Grants

 

Level 3: 50’000 CHF
Level 2: 30’000 CHF
Level 1: 10’000 CHF

CxOaaS, materials, services, etc.

Apply to Get Support

Who – The program is designed to support early-stage digital health projects, from individual PhDs still in a lab to seed-stage startups building their solution. These projects should have the potential to improve the Swiss healthcare system.

When – We have two cohorts per year. Here are the next dates:

Application Close: 31.01.2024

I

Program Start Date: March 2025

WhatOur equity-free program provides assistance to startups at three different levels of maturity: idea level, MVP level, and market validation level. Startups can cumulate grants as they move through these levels. A steering committee makes the final decision on grant awards.

 

Equity Free

N

Free to Apply and Join

LEVEL 1

THE “IGNITION” GRANT

10’000 CHF

3-month Program

Get CHF 10’000 without equity or interest and 3-month access to program support to kickstart your venture idea! 5 projects are awarded per year.

LEVEL 2

THE “POC” GRANT

30’000 CHF

6-month Program

Get CHF 30’000 without equity or interest and 6-month access to program support to develop your product, prototype, and create a proof of concept. 5 startups are awarded per year.

LEVEL 3

THE “VALIDATION” GRANT

50’000 CHF

12-month Program

Get CHF 50’000 without equity or interest and 1-year access to program support to perform
user validation or clinical trials in collaboration healthcare professionals. 3 startups are awarded per year.

Founding Partners

CSS is a major health and property insurance company that covers 1.75 million people with a premium volume of around CHF 6.75 billion. Additionally, they support the development of new, effective healthcare solutions benefiting insured persons and the healthcare system.

The EPFL Innovation Park in Western Switzerland hosts 200 high-tech start-ups, SMEs, and R&D centers. it offers unique start-up training, incubation, and acceleration programs in collaboration with industry experts, investors, venture capitalists, and government agencies.

Supporting Partners

The Future of Health Grant program collaborates with leading health industry names and recognized academics from Western Switzerland to drive impactful digital health innovation. These experts bring commitment, valuable networks, and market knowledge to ensure the program achieves its ambitious goal of helping build a healthier future for all.

Program Team

The “Future of Health Grant” program is supported by senior health industry specialists who serve as coaches, mentors, and technical experts. These individuals have extensive experience in innovation management and bringing products to market. They help startups make the right decisions, avoid costly pitfalls, and share their industry knowledge and network. This expertise is invaluable to early-stage companies who are trying to navigate the complex landscape of the health industry. With the support of the “Future of Health Grant” program, these startups have a much greater chance of success.

Nicolas Loeillot

CSS

Nicolas Loeillot

Nicolas is a Tech Entrepreneur with a large experience in health, data, A.I. and internationalization. He is co-founder of Tech4Eva, the leading FemTech acceleration program in Europe. He serves as an InnoSuisse expert and joined CSS for New Business Models and Innovation.

Mathilde Durvy

EPFL Innovation Park

Mathilde Durvy

Mathilde has twenty years of experience in innovation, technology intelligence, and R&D. She currently works as an innovation manager at the EPFL Innovation Park. Previously, Mathilde worked for Cisco, leading different innovation initiatives. The programs under her supervision have supported thousands of intrapreneurs and entrepreneurs and received multiple industry awards. Mathilde holds a PhD in Wireless Communication from EPFL.

Jan-Niklas Kramer

CSS

Jan-Niklas Kramer

Jan-Niklas works as an innovation manager at CSS. He drives innovation for CSS in the healthcare market from idea conception to validation and market entry and is an expert in startup corporate collaborations. Before joining CSS in 2020, Jan-Niklas finished his PhD in business innovation at the University of St. Gallen.

FAQ

Still not decided if you should apply? We hope you will find an answer below

Am I eligible for this grant?
If you have a startup project (incorporated or not) in Switzerland and are active in digital health, yes! Suppose your startup is not based in Switzerland but has a solution applicable to the Swiss healthcare system and a plan to develop its business in Switzerland (e.g., a pilot or a market entry). In that case, you are welcome to apply as well.
For which grant level should I apply?
It depends on the maturity of your project.
If you are an early-stage project conducting market research and building your team, go for the Level 1, 10KCHF “ignition” grant.
If you are developing your first prototype and want to get it into the hands of initial users, go for the Level 2, 30KCHF “PoC” grant.
If you are ready to validate your existing product with healthcare professionals and secure your first clients, go for the Level 3, 50KCHF “validation” grant.
Pick the grant Level that seems the most appropriate for your startup, but don’t overthink it. We will redirect your application to the right Level as needed. If unsure, start with the lower level to be eligible for higher levels later and accumulate grants up to 90K CHF.
More mature startups should consider applying for Le Club.
Can I be a partner of the program/grant?
Absolutely! We are open to collaboration with healthcare providers, pharmaceutical companies, and others. Please email us to discuss this further.
I already have a startup coach, will I still be coached?
Yes! We have a pool of industry mentors and professional coaches from which you can benefit in addition to the existing coaching program you are part of.
Can I or should I apply for Level 1 of the grant if I already have a mature startup?
You should apply directly to the grant level that best suits your startup’s maturity. If necessary, we will redirect your application to the right level.
How many startups can receive this prize?
We fund up to 13 startups per year, maybe you will be the next one? Apply now!
What is digital health?
Digital health refers to the use of digital technologies to enhance the efficiency, effectiveness, and personalization of healthcare services. It includes telemedicine, mobile health apps, wearable devices, electronic health records, and health information technology, all aimed at improving patient outcomes, healthcare delivery, and overall health management.

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Bâtiment C, 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland

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