The Future of Health Grant, founded in 2022 by EPFL Innovation Park and CSS, is a program designed to elevate digital health projects by providing funding, expertise, and access to extensive networks. It offers startups the financial and operational support needed at every stage, from concept inception to market validation. The initiative aims to support innovators developing digital health solutions that will shape the future of healthcare in Switzerland, making it more patient-centered, efficient, and effective.
Program Structure and Funding
- Level 1 - The "Ignition" Grant: Offers CHF 10,000 and a 3-month program to kickstart a venture idea. 5 projects are awarded each year.
- Level 2 - The "POC" Grant: Provides CHF 30,000 and a 6-month program to develop a product, prototype, and create a proof of concept. 5 startups are awarded each year.
- Level 3 - The "Validation" Grant: Delivers CHF 50,000 and a 12-month program to conduct user validation or clinical trials in collaboration with healthcare professionals. 3 startups are awarded each year.
Comprehensive Support and Benefits
- Holistic Approach: Beyond financial backing, the program offers access to a rich network and practical, hands-on solutions to accelerate growth.
- Personalized Coaching: Guidance from professional coaches specializing in health innovations.
- Industry Mentoring: Access to experts from the healthcare industry.
- CxO as a Service (CxOaaS): Support from paid specialists who can augment the startup team and bridge operational gaps.
- Market Feedback: Insights from a network of healthcare professionals.
- Media Exposure: Increased visibility for participating startups.
Eligibility Criteria
- Stage: Early-stage startups, typically at the pre-seed or seed level.
- Sector: Active in the digital health field.
- Location and Focus: Projects or startups based in Switzerland (incorporated or not) are eligible. Startups from outside Switzerland are also welcome if their solution is applicable to the Swiss healthcare system and they have a concrete plan for business development in Switzerland, such as a pilot project, collaboration, or market entry.
Application Timeline
- Cohort Frequency: The program operates two cohorts per year.
- Application Deadline: January 31, 2026
- Program Start Date: March 2026
Program Leadership
- Nicolas Loeillot (CSS): A Tech Entrepreneur with extensive experience in health, data, and A.I. He is an InnoSuisse expert and co-founder of Tech4Eva.
- Mathilde Durvy (EPFL Innovation Park): An innovation manager with 20 years of experience in innovation and R&D. She holds a PhD in Wireless Communication from EPFL.
- Jan-Niklas Kramer (CSS): An innovation manager who drives innovation from idea conception to market entry and is an expert in startup-corporate collaborations. He holds a PhD in business innovation from the University of St. Gallen.
- Jade Sternberg (CSS): A digital health expert and open innovation manager. She is a board member of the Swiss Health Data Space Association and holds a Master’s in Bioengineering from EPFL.
This initiative provides a structured pathway for early-stage digital health ventures to secure non-dilutive funding and critical support. By bridging gaps in startup teams with personalized coaching, expert mentorship, and specialized services, the program actively works with founders to address challenges and accelerate growth within the Swiss healthcare ecosystem.