Benefits for startups

‍Date & location

‍📅 Date: March 18, 2025

🕒 Time: 14:00 - 17:30 followed by a cocktail with the program partners

📍 Location: EPFL Innovation Park

Goal

• Meeting the startups & the program's coaches
• Settling goals & milestones
• Presentation of the startups with the program's partners

Facilitators

• Eric Favre
• Cara Tobin
• Bertrand Klaiber

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Date & location

‍📅 Date: March 27, 2025

🕒 Time: 9am - 12:30, followed by optional mentoring sessions in the afternoon

📍 Location: EPFL Innovation Park

Rationale

To generate scalable and sustainable Net Positive Impact, regenerative technologies need to be combined with appropriate business models and operational strategies. 

Goal

The workshop aims at exploring innovative business approaches that are needed to finance regeneration at scale.

• Understand the importance and principles of regenerative entrepreneurship.
• Define your impact strategy with the help of well-known analysis tools, methodologies, and reporting standards.
• Turn your purpose into an inspiring vision and mission statement.
• Design a business model combining profitability and purpose in symbiosis, using specific canvases.
• Test and validate your USP and business model with key customers and stakeholders.
• Assess the regenerative impact and learn about the sustainability norms and customers' expectations that can impact your business.
• Find out how to finance your impact venture and manage shareholders expectations.

Trainers

Géraldine Fiol, Strategy and Sustainability Consultant

In 2019, while Director of Strategy Business Planning Europe for the car manufacturer Nissan, she founded besustainaball to engage companies in reinventing themselves and creating innovative business models for a more sustainable and inclusive society.

Trained in sustainable management, circular economy and climate issues, she guides organisations and their teams in structuring and implementing their sustainability strategy, enabling them to combine business performance with positive impact on ecosystems and human communities.

Bertrand Klaiber, Impact entrepreneur & startup coach

Bertand Klaiber has 30 years of experience in Cleantech and Medtech industries, where is hold several positions related to engineering and innovation management, strategic marketing and international business development.

In 2012 he co-created the EssentialTech program at EPFL and developed an impact entrepreneurship approach to harness technology and business to drive sustainable development.

From 2015 to 2022 he founded and led as the CEO the medtech startup Pristem, thus gaining experience in the whole life cycle of a startup, from scientific research to fundraising (CHF 18mio), team building, product industrialization, certification and go-to-market.

In 2023 he launched Tech4Regen program at EPFL Innovation Park.

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Date & location

‍📅 Date: April 8, 2025‍

🕒 Time: 9:30 - 12:30

📍 Location: EPFL Innovation Park

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Goals

• Principles of Fundraising, impact investing, and realities on the ground‍
• Find out how to finance regeneration, identify investors, and adapt your pitch and strategy.

Topics

• Identify appropriate sources of financing aligned with your values, missions and strategy
• Staged approach: how much to raise, what kind of investors, and what terms to offer at each stage ? Related Term sheets and shareholders agreements
• Fundraising strategies and instruments at different stages of development
• Expectations of investors : financial and impact
• How to present financial information and investment opportunity in the pitch deck and business plan
• Due diligence process and data room requirements
• Impact investing: overload or opportunity for startups ?

Trainers

‍Aymeric Jung — Impact Investing & Regenerative Economy Advisor

With over 10 years in Regenerative Economy, Aymeric developed innovative financial solutions driving the transformation of our economy toward a new paradigm that is sustainable and a catalyst for systemic change. His expertise covers direct investments and Impact funds such as NourriTerre and Regenero with Quadia in farming and circular economy, and mandates with Terre de Liens, Fondation Lunt, Fondation Carasso and Slow Food. This follows 15 years in investment banking and Fund Structuring, where Aymeric successfully led innovative solutions for institutions across Europe and the Middle East at Lehman Brothers and Nomura as Head of Fund Derivatives Structuring and Product Specialist at Crédit Suisse.

Arthur Garaud — investor at Edmond de Rothschild.

After completing a Master in Management Grandes Ecoles at ESCP Europe, Arthur joined Edmond de Rothschild 7y ago. He worked on the development of the private equity platform, direct investments for family offices, and project development. He's currently part of the team developing a systemic investment platform dedicated to the regenerative economy.

‍Date & location

‍📅 Date: April 8, 2025

🕒 Time: 16:00 - 17:30 followed by a cocktail

📍 Location: EPFL Innovation Park

Goal

• Presentation of different instruments and subsidies offered by Canton de Vaud
• Presentation of the Solar Impulse Foundation

Trainers

Iohannès Bry is currently innovation and technological watch manager at Canton de Vaud (SPEI). He was previously Program and Incubator Manager at EPFL Innovation Park, where he supported deep tech startups with mentoring, workshops, events, visibility, community and tools to help them grow.

Katell Bosser is Sustainable Economy Project Manager at Canton de Vaud (SPEI). She is an entrepreneur, author, independent administrator and speaker. She supports businesses in optimising their resources in terms of time and finance, particularly during growth crises and in adapting to change.

Florine Jacques is also Sustainable Economy Project Manager at Canton de Vaud (SPEI). She has taken on roles of increasing responsibility in marketing, communications and fundraising, and helped to develop new activities, working with different hierarchical levels and functions in changing contexts. She now aims to contribute to impact projects run by players committed to the Social and Solidarity Economy, Sustainable Development, the Environment and Transition.

Enzo Stauffner is Program Manager Partners & Ecosystem Relations at Solar Impulse Foundation. He has a background in finance at F-SCOTT as well as in Ernst & Young.

‍Date & location

‍📅 Date: May 5, 2025

🕒 Time: 14:00 - 17:30

📍 Location: EPFL Innovation Park

Rationale

Regenerative ventures need to build appropriate company’s governance, structure, and culture.

This workshop explores how to root impact in the company’s DNA through legal and organizational means.

Goal

Get an insight and some advice on several aspects related to the company's structure and legal aspects:

• Legal form of the business, articles of association, protection of the mission, ...
• Role and Duties of the Shareholders, the Board of Directors and the Executive management
• Better redistribution of benefits (within the company and all along the supply chain)
• Integration of impact & sustainability requirements or ethical rules in various contracts (procurement, partnership, distribution, licensing, etc.)
• Protecting David from Goliath, and cases of force majeure
• Human rights & Nature rights, possible impact on your business
• etc.

Trainer

Michel Jaccard is the founder of id est avocats — a certified B Corp, with a CSR certification by EcoVadis, member of the UN Global Compact, and awarded an impact label by the myclimate foundation.

For the past 25 years, Michel Jaccard has been involved in corporate finance and M&A deals in Switzerland and abroad, acting for entrepreneurs and owners, venture capital and private equity firms, industrial buyers and financial sponsors. He also advises purpose driven, hybrid companies and impact investors on governance and sustainability issues.

He is co-creator of the Impact Term Sheet, member of the working group for introduction of a new legal status of Sustainable Enterprise in Switzerland, and also Lecturer at E4S Enterprise for Society Center (UNIL, IMD, EPFL) 

Michel Jaccard holds a Ph.D. in Law from University of Lausanne and a Master of Laws from Columbia Law School (LLM’97). He is CEDR Accredited Mediator and also admitted to the New York Bar.

Date & location

‍📅 Date: June 4-5 2025

🕒 Time: 9:30 - 12:30 followed by practical mentoring sessions in the afternoon

📍 Location: EPFL Innovation Park

Rationale

To lead for a Regenerative future, brands need to deeply rethink their positioning, from a consumer centric approach towards a new communication including society and environment as key stakeholders.

Goal

This workshop takes you on a journey of how to create a sustainable brand and business from scratch, from brand concept to business strategy and its communication.

You will learn:

• Why building an efficient & adequate ecosystem is key to success
• What are the regenerative drivers of an impactful go-to-market strategy 
• How to boost visibility with a sustainable communication — insight & pitfalls

Trainers

• Chantal Baer &  Marine Gruaz-Rébuffat, co-founders and partners of Swiss House of Brands, born from the merger of a brand & business strategy consultancy and a communication agency to support multinational, SME and start-ups on a strategic and implementation level.

Chantal Baer — The art of strategically combining her expertise as a linguist, marketing expert and sustainability consultant to build successful brands. Chantal is co-founder of Swiss House of Brand and founder of Admarka, co-author of the book “les leviers de croissance à l’ère de l’économie numérique", member of the “Cercle Suisse des administratrices “, member of different Boards, speaker & moderator.

Marine Gruaz-Rébuffat — A seasoned entrepreneur with over a decade of experience in the fields of branding, communication strategy and digital. Throughout her professional journey, Marine has founded 2 communication agencies and co-founded Swiss House of Brands, where she honed her skills in creating impactful and innovative communication strategies for various clients & industries. She furthered her commitment to sustainability by undertaking a sustainable business management program at the University of Cambridge. Marine passion lies in blending her entrepreneurial spirit with a sustainable mindset and strong communication skills, and she's always eager to explore new opportunities and collaborations that align with these values.

Innosuisse Instruments Introduction, with Pascale van Landuyt and Cara Tobin

📅 Date: June 25, 2025

🕒 Time: 9h-11h

📍 Location: EPFL Innovation Park

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This workshop is designed to help startups navigate the Innosuisse innovation funding process. It covers how to start a project, apply for the Innovation Cheque, and meet eligibility and evaluation criteria. Participants learn to build a strong financial plan and prepare for the pitch meeting, with concrete examples of approved projects.

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IP for Greentech startups, with Joël Nithardt

📅 Date: June 25, 2025

🕒 Time: 11h-12h

📍 Location: EPFL Innovation Park

This workshop is designed to help greentech startups navigate the complex landscape of intellectual property (IP) protection. It focuses on identifying, securing, and managing IP assets critical to sustainable innovation. Participants learn how to align IP strategy with business goals and funding opportunities. The workshop also covers patentability, freedom to operate, and collaboration agreements.

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‍Date & location

📅 Date: 21 August 2025

🕒 Time: 8h30-16h00

📍 Location: EPFL Innovation Park

Topics

This training module is designed to equip cleantech startups with the skills and strategies necessary to drive revenue and growth through effective sales and strategic partnerships.

Key learning objectives include:

1. Customer Discovery & Segmentation
   Learn how to identify your ideal customers, understand their needs, and segment your market effectively.
2. How to sell Disruptive Ideas — Building & Validating a Compelling Commercial Offer
   Craft a value proposition that resonates with target customers, and validate it through real-world feedback and iterations.
3. Sales Messaging & Sustainability as a Value Driver
   Develop persuasive sales arguments, leveraging your sustainability credentials as a competitive differentiator.
4. Go-to-Market Strategy: Channels & Direct Sales
   Explore different sales models, including direct and indirect channels, and determine the best approach for your solution.
5. Managing Complex Sales Cycles
   Navigate long and multi-stakeholder sales processes often found in B2B cleantech markets.
6. The Art of Negotiation
   Master key negotiation techniques to close deals effectively while preserving long-term relationships.
7. Sales Contract Essentials
   Understand the fundamental elements of sales contracts, including terms, risk management, and compliance.
8. International Sales & Strategic Partnerships
   Scale your business through international expansion and the development of strategic alliances for sustainable growth.

Trainer

• Bill Morrison, Managing Partner, Sandler, — one of the Leading Sales Training Companies in the World

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Mentoring & practicing session (14:00 - 16:00)

• The training will be followed by role-play, simulations and case studies with sales professionals from different companies

Date & location

‍📅 Date: 9 September 2025

🕒 Time: 14h00-17h00

📍 Location: EPFL Innovation Park

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Rationale

This workshop is dedicated to any IT, admin, HR or insurance questions. From 2:00 to 5:00 pm, you will have the opportunity to meet Yolanda Martinez from EPFL Innovation Park for HR at 2:00 pm, Benjamin Lechalupé for IT at 3:00 pm and the Qualibroker Swiss Risk & Care team for insurance/HR at 4:00 pm.

Date & location

‍📅 Date: 30 September 2025

🕒 Time: 8h30-16h30

📍 Location: EPFL Innovation Park

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Rationale

Your customers probably need solutions that can help decarbonize the whole life cycle of their products and services, from eco-conception to production, integration, distribution, operation, and disposal or recycling. This trend is further fueled by new environmental regulations and policies as well as market and consumers’ expectations. The same approach is required to address other planetary boundaries than the sole CO2 emissions.

The whole supply chain shall be considered as it typically induces far greater environmental costs than the company’s own operations, often accounting for more than 80% of greenhouse-gas emissions and more than 90% of the impact on air, land, water, biodiversity, and geological resources.

Goals

• How to quantify CO2 emissions of your solution, and implement CO2 reduction strategies to reach net zero target.
• How to quantify other environmental impacts of your solution through the whole life cycle (circularity, resources, wastes and pollutions, etc.)
• How to set up relevant targets and KPIs and integrate non-financial data into your reporting.
• How to comply with relevant certifications and labels.
• How to work closely with your suppliers to lessen your overall environmental impact and position yourself for sustainable impact.

Trainer (morning session)

• Jérémy Rodrigues, Senior Consultant, dss+

With a PhD in process engineering, Jérémy worked for seven years in several research institutes, where he carried out life cycle assessments (LCA) of processes and chains linked to the circular economy, waste management, urban planning and brownfield redevelopment. He has helped to make LCAs more comprehensible, in particular by identifying the impacts to be reduced as a priority. Jérémy joined Sofies, now dss+, in 2021, where he mainly collaborates on projects related to environmental assessment and metrics.

Trainers (afternoon session)

• Guillaume Bourgault, Innovation Manager, ecoinvent

ecoinvent is a trusted global resource for environmental data. As Innovation Manager, Guillaume guides the development of new products and features in alignment with the needs of users, data providers, and software.

• Dr. Cara Tobin, founder, C Greene Solutions

Cara founded a successful blended climate finance platform in 2015. She mentors dozens of climate tech and cleantech startups for various accelerator programs and VC funds. She provides support to identify KPIs, quantify their impacts on the SDGs, improve pitches and financial projections and  find paid pilots and investment. Cara is also an Energy and Environment expert for Innosuisse and accredited Special Coach for Sustainable business strategies and impact measurement (SDGs).

• Vincent Sommer D'Yvoire, Head of Alliances and Customer Success, kShuttle.io

kShuttle.io offers SOC-certified software for reporting and compliance with new international regulations.. Vincent has several responsibilities, from heading a Customer Success office to having a strong focus on program delivery, developping in all different facets of customer success roles.

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Rationale

Captivate your audience from the very first second, grab their attention and leave a lasting impression. Here's how to rework your introduction and pitch, whether for online courses and presentations, conferences or networking events.

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Time & Location

📅 Date: 7 October 2025

🕒 Time: 9h-16h

📍 Location: EPFL Innovation Park

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Goals

• Create a compelling opening line that captures attention and entices the audience to keep listening or watching.
• Clearly communicate why the topic matters to your audience. Highlight the benefits they will gain from engaging with you.
• Show passion for the subject matter through your tone, energy, and body language to inspire a positive response from your audience.
• Develop a unique hook or story that resonates with your audience, ensuring they remember you long after the introduction or pitch.
• Invite audience participation through questions, prompts, or engagement activities to foster a sense of connection and involvement.
• Share relevant experience, qualifications, or success stories to build trust and establish authority in your field.
• Keep your introduction and pitch concise, focusing on the key points that align with your overall goal.
• End with a clear call to action, guiding your audience on the next steps to take and encouraging further engagement.

Trainer

• Elsa Duperray, Founder – Narrative & influence Advisor, La Boucle

Convinced that words have the power to transform the world, she explores their ability to innovate, connect, and influence with precision.

Passionate about public narration and influential discourse, she founded La Boucle to help businesses, startups, and entrepreneurs clarify their vision and communicate with precision, emotion, and impact. With 25 years of deep listening and analysis, enriched by extensive experience in startups, media, and collaborative facilitation, she transforms words into powerful tools for action and persuasion. Her expertise lies in structuring speeches, strengthening presence, and crafting narratives that captivate. Committed to sustainability and innovation, she blends storytelling and strategy to bring forth powerful stories that drive change and authentic connection.

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