Context and Goals

A paradigm shift is urgently needed to reverse the negative trends in global environmental and social issues (such as loss of biodiversity, scarcity of natural resources, climatic changes, increased pollutants and wastes, economic and social disparities, etc.).

Sustainability initiatives will not be sufficient to save our civilization and the Earth as we know it today. A rapid transition towards a regenerative economy is required.

To this end, Tech4Regeneration fosters collaborations between different stakeholders to help disruptive startups deploy and scale-up their technologies through regenerative business models and strategies.

Founded and managed by the EPFL Innovation Park, the accelerator programme aims to reach a critical mass of gifted and skilled leaders, partner institutions, and corporations, to accelerate the mass adoption of regenerative solutions. This is taking place within an ambitious program project to build a “House of Regenerative Economy” physically hosted at EPFL Ecotope and connecting a large international community of like-minded pioneers.

The French-speaking part of Switzerland is a breeding ground for innovation in this area, with the emergence of numerous startups from the EPFL and the universities, and the presence of many international organizations and corporations which act as sounding boards.

Beyond Cleantech/Greentech, the focus is on technologies for the regeneration of essential resources and systems. While clean technologies aim to reduce damage to the environment, regenerative technologies aim to restore and regenerate it.

Benefit for Startups

Embark on a transformative journey of development and scale-up for your startup:

  • Join an international community of leaders and partners
  • Access invaluable resources, contacts, and expertise
  • Add your contribution to a global movement defining a new paradigm of regeneration, collaboration, and inclusive prosperity, substituting the traditional neoliberalism story and its focus on perpetual economic growth
  • Get tailored support to help refine your business model, develop effective industrialization and go-to-market strategies, connect with investors and customers, and gain international visibility

    Eligibility Criteria

    If your startup meets these criteria, we encourage you to apply and take advantage of this exceptional opportunity to propel your venture

    forward and make a lasting positive impact on Biosphere and Society.

    Company

    Less than 7 years of incorporation — We welcome registered startups that are in their early stages, recognizing the potential for groundbreaking ideas to emerge and make a significant impact.

    Innovation

    Demonstrated technological innovation — Your product or solution should be based on disruptive technology, patented IP, or scientific breakthrough, responding to a well identified problem.

    Technology Readiness

    Ready-to-market product or solution — Your startup should have a product or solution that is developed and tested, ready to be launched or already on the market. This ensures that you can take full advantage of the programme’s resources and support to accelerate your growth.

    Traction

    Customer acquisition and/or internationalization phase — You should be actively seeking to acquire customers and expand your user base. This indicates that you are ready to scale your operations and benefit from the program’s exposure and networking opportunities.

    Impact

    Alignment with our mission — Your solution should demonstrate a potential net positive impact within at least one of the application fields outlined by our program. We aim to accelerate startups contributing to the transition towards a regenerative economy, i.e. moving away from business models based on overconsumption, extraction and exploitation, to ones where social and ecological goals are integral to the company’s mission.

    Commitment

    Dedication and active engagement — We expect participating startups to attend all programme activities and foster open, collaborative exchanges with fellow participants to fully leverage the available resources, mentorship, training, and networking opportunities.

    How to Apply

    For more information and job application details, see; Tech4Regeneration Accelerator Programme