What is the FIT (Foundation for Innovation and Technology)?
Founded back in 1994, the FIT, or Fondation pour l’Innovation et la Technologie, is all about supporting the creation and growth of new businesses in the Canton of Vaud and the wider French-speaking part of Switzerland. It’s a foundation that really champions innovation—offering scholarships and loans to help startups push forward with positive, impactful ideas. Whether it’s tech, digital, or even low-tech projects, FIT is there to back early-stage ventures that show promise and potential.
Main Benefits of FIT Support
Here’s a quick snapshot of what FIT brings to the table:
- In 2024, FIT supported 49 projects with a total funding of 6.445 million Swiss francs.
- Support is tailored through several focused programs: FIT Tech, FIT Digital, FIT Food & Hospitality Vertical, and FIT Impact.
- Funding amounts range from CHF 10,000 up to CHF 500,000 depending on the program and project stage.
- Programs include scholarships (grants) and loans designed to help startups at different growth phases.
- Focus on projects that are hard to imitate and have high growth potential or significant social/environmental impact.
FIT’s Support for Early-Stage Startups
FIT zeroes in on early-stage startups, especially those in technological, digital, and low-tech sectors. The foundation’s goal? To nurture innovation that can really make a difference in the Canton of Vaud and French-speaking Switzerland. Whether it’s a cutting-edge tech invention or a digital business model that’s fresh and scalable, FIT is there to provide the financial boost these startups need to get off the ground and grow.
Exploring FIT’s Different Programs
FIT’s support is neatly divided into several programs, each catering to different types of innovation:
- FIT Tech: For startups based on technological innovations that are tough to copy and have strong growth potential. Funding ranges from CHF 100,000 to CHF 500,000, including grants and seed or growth loans.
- FIT Digital: Targets digital startups with innovative business models and high growth potential. Funding here ranges from CHF 20,000 to CHF 200,000, also through grants and loans.
- FIT Food & Hospitality Vertical: Focuses on projects in nutrition and hospitality sectors, supporting innovation in these vital fields.
- FIT Impact: Supports low-tech projects that create significant social, environmental, or economic impact. Grants and awards range from CHF 10,000 to CHF 20,000.
How FIT Drives Technological Innovation
The foundation’s mission is crystal clear: to promote and support technological innovation across a variety of sectors. FIT encourages research, development, and the implementation of new technologies that tackle societal challenges, improve quality of life, and fuel economic growth. From renewable energy and biotech to healthcare and transportation, FIT’s scope is broad, embracing both breakthrough innovations and incremental improvements that push industries forward.
Project Impact and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
- SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
- SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
- SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
- SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
- SDG 13: Climate Action
- SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
Contact and How to Reach FIT
For startups and innovators interested in FIT’s programs, getting in touch is straightforward. The Secretariat is based at the Chambre vaudoise du commerce et de l’industrie in Lausanne. Here’s the contact info:
Avenue d’Ouchy 47
CP 315
1001 Lausanne
Phone: +41 21 613 36 38
Email: info@fondation-fit.ch
Whether you’re looking for a grant or a loan to kickstart your innovative project, FIT is ready to listen and support. It’s a solid partner for anyone aiming to make a real impact in the tech and innovation landscape of French-speaking Switzerland.
