Blaze Accelerator: Call for Startup Applications
Event details
| Date | 04.02.2026 › 04.03.2026 |
| Category | Call for proposal |
| Event Language | English |
Applications are now open for the Blaze Accelerator.
Launched in 2021, Blaze has been uniquely crafted for EPFL students and recent alumni. To date, the program has empowered over 50 startups, with remarkable achievements—two alumni have been accepted into Y Combinator, and one has successfully exited!
About Blaze
Part of the EPFL Startup Launchad, Blaze is the execution-focused accelerator platform for EPFL founders ready to launch and scale. We provide the professional support, resources, and environment required to bridge the gap between a functional prototype and a venture-ready startup.
How does it work?
Support is structured into two distinct phases based on your project’s maturity and execution speed.
What you get
We provide specific tools to solve the hurdles common in early-stage growth :
Blaze is designed for fast-to-deploy solutions (e.g., Digital, SaaS, or hardware with rapid market entry). We look for founders who combine technical excellence with a clear drive for execution.
If you meet our eligibility criteria above, you can apply anytime. Apply Here
Launched in 2021, Blaze has been uniquely crafted for EPFL students and recent alumni. To date, the program has empowered over 50 startups, with remarkable achievements—two alumni have been accepted into Y Combinator, and one has successfully exited!
About Blaze
Part of the EPFL Startup Launchad, Blaze is the execution-focused accelerator platform for EPFL founders ready to launch and scale. We provide the professional support, resources, and environment required to bridge the gap between a functional prototype and a venture-ready startup.
How does it work?
Support is structured into two distinct phases based on your project’s maturity and execution speed.
- Validation Sprint (4 weeks): an intensive phase to stress-test your core market assumptions. This period focuses on refining your value proposition and confirming early traction before entering the full acceleration phase.
- Acceleration Phase (up to 6 months): dedicated support for founders hitting critical growth milestones: securing first customers, Swiss incorporation, and preparing for follow-on funding.
What you get
We provide specific tools to solve the hurdles common in early-stage growth :
- Goal-driven non-dilutive funding: Access to CHF 2,000 “Roadblock Remover” grants for technical development, cloud credits, or go-to-market testing.
- Founder sparring: 1:1 sessions with industry experts and workshops on legal foundations, IP strategy, and revenue modeling.
- Ecosystem access: access to The Station co-working space and the Microsoft for Startups program.
Blaze is designed for fast-to-deploy solutions (e.g., Digital, SaaS, or hardware with rapid market entry). We look for founders who combine technical excellence with a clear drive for execution.
- EPFL DNA: At least one leading co-founder must be a current member or recent alumnus of the EPFL community.
- Maturity: You have moved beyond the ideation phase and have a functional prototype.
- Validation: You can demonstrate early signs of market interest, such as user sign-ups, pilot data, or letters of intent.
- Timeline: You are aiming for Swiss incorporation within 9 months and a market launch within 6 months.
If you meet our eligibility criteria above, you can apply anytime. Apply Here
Links
Practical information
- Informed public
- Registration required