Switzerland: EPFL start-ups raising a record CHF 512 M (€535 M) in 2024

EPFL start-ups "brought in a record CHF 512 M (€535 M) in 2024, up from CHF 470 M in 2023, reflecting the fact that deeptech companies - those based on scientific and technological innovation - are seen by investors as a safe bet", reports the Swiss university on 28/02/2025.

Switzerland's broader trend in venture capital was rather downward in 2024: "According to the Swiss Venture Capital Report, the amount of capital raised by these businesses fell 8.5% - a steep decline but less than the 34.8% drop recorded in 2023."

EPFL also reports a total of 24 EPFL start-ups created in 2024: 25% in IT and communication systems, 25% in civil engineering, 25% in medtech, 17% in cleantech and 8% in biotech. "This broad range of industries reflects the scope of R&D carried out at EFPL and the School’s capacity to innovate in a variety of fields. It’s also interesting to note that a third of these start-ups integrate AI into their products and services."

In the last 50 years, EPFL reports being the birthplace of over 500 start-ups. Through its EPFL Startup Launchpad, an incubator for promising…