The Future of Health Grant (FoHG) is a collaborative initiative established in 2022 by CSS and EPFL Innovation Park. The program accelerates digital health innovation in Switzerland by combining equity-free funding with hands-on operational support. It backs founders building patient-centric, efficient, and evidence-based solutions from concept to market validation and clinical trials.
Funding and Program Structure
Level 1 – Ignition Grant (3 months): For idea-stage teams to test assumptions and refine the core value proposition. Grant: CHF 10,000 (equity-free).
Level 2 – POC Grant (6 months): For teams developing an MVP or prototype to reach a proof of concept. Grant: CHF 30,000 (equity-free).
Level 3 – Validation Grant (12 months): For market-entry preparation, user validation, and/or clinical studies with healthcare partners. Grant: CHF 50,000 (equity-free).
Cumulative Opportunity: Startups may progress across levels for up to CHF 90,000 in total non-dilutive funding.
Strategic Support and Resources
Personalized Coaching: Guidance from health-innovation and venture coaches on product, regulatory, clinical, and go-to-market.
CxO as a Service (CxOaaS): Access to paid specialists to plug gaps in leadership, tech, quality/regulatory, or operations.
Industry Mentoring: A network spanning hospitals, insurers, and academia to sharpen clinical relevance and pathways.
Pilot Factory: Real-world pilots within the Swiss healthcare ecosystem to validate solutions and generate evidence.
Network Access: Connections to research institutions, investors, and corporate partners through CSS and EPFL Innovation Park.
Eligibility and Application Criteria
Geographic Focus: Designed for projects based in Switzerland or demonstrably serving the Swiss healthcare system.
International Participation: Teams from abroad are eligible if their solution is applicable to Switzerland and they have a credible plan for Swiss market entry (e.g., local partners, pilots, or presence).
Thematic Scope: Digital health, including telemedicine, patient analytics, preventive care, digital therapeutics, MedTech, and Life Sciences.
Stage Relevance: From university spin-offs and researchers to pre-seed/seed startups—apply to the level that best fits current maturity.
Application Timeline
Cohort Frequency: The program typically runs two cohorts per year to provide continuous entry points.
Current Deadline: Applications for the upcoming cycle are accepted until 31 January 2026 (date only; no specific time communicated).
Program Commencement: Selected teams in the winter cycle generally start their tracks in March.
Collaborative Leadership
The program is overseen by a joint steering committee from the founding partners, including Nicolas Loeillot and Jade Sternberg (CSS) and Mathilde Durvy (EPFL Innovation Park), who bring deep experience in entrepreneurship, bioengineering, and R&D to select and support each cohort.
The Future of Health Grant provides a clear pathway for digital health innovators to navigate Switzerland’s healthcare landscape. By pairing grant funding with specialized expertise, pilots, and market access, FoHG helps transform strong concepts into validated, deployment-ready healthcare solutions.