EPFL Investor Day 2024

The EPFL Investor Day is a unique event in Western Switzerland created to connect investors with high-potential and innovative technology startups.

While the first part of the day is dedicated exclusively to investors and high-tech startups, the second half of this year’s program opens to a wider audience, including academia, industry, government, and members of the public eager to explore the future of innovation.

Program of the Day

14:45 - Doors open & registration

15:05 – 15:35 - SICTIC Class "How to successfully invest in Swiss startups"
SICTIC's most experienced board members and investors will share insights on investing in Switzerland's thriving startup ecosystem. Discover strategies, success stories, and essential factors for effective startup investment (key points covered: Innovation landscape in Switzerland, case studies on Swiss startups, the added value of Business Angels, understanding company valuation and funding needs, building a strong startup portfolio through angel investing) followed by Q&A.

15:40 – 15:55 - Launch of the AI Startup Launchpad
Discover EPFL’s AI Startup Launchpad, a new initiative designed to be a premier incubator for startups at the forefront of artificial intelligence

16:00 – 17:15 - Keynotes and Roundtable: "Staying Ahead: Harnessing the Power of the High-Tech Ecosystem for Competitive Advantage" 
Dynamic keynotes and a roundtable session will explore how Switzerland and Europe can strengthen their high-tech ecosystems to maintain global competitiveness. Topics will include building collaborations, securing growth funding for startups, and the role of government in shaping industrial policy.

Speakers includes: 
Welcome 

• Ursula Oesterle, Vice President for Innovation, EPFL (intro and moderation)
• Martin Vetterli, President of EPFL
• Alain Conte, Member of the Executive Committee UBS Switzerland AG
• Raphaël Conz, Head of the Department for Economic Promotion and Innovation, Canton of Vaud

• "Let's Farm, Raise and Feed Unicorns" Daniel Gutenberg, Unicorn Hunter and Soonicorn Farmer 
• "Staying Ahead" Patrick Aebischer, Senior Partner ND+ Capital, Former EPFL President

• Pascal Zumbühl, Economist at UBS,
• Emile de Rijk, Co-founder and CEO of Swissto12,
• Madiha Derouazi, CSO at AC Immune

• Ursula Oesterle, Vice President for Innovation, EPFL 

• Experience a showcase of groundbreaking ideas as emerging entrepreneurs pitch their startups, offering a glimpse into the next generation of innovation.