Business Incubator Y-START

Accelerate Your Growth with the Y-START Incubator

The Y-START incubator offers turnkey facilities (offices and workshops) for technology start-ups, available as private modules (starting from 15 m²) or within a coworking space.

In addition to an all-inclusive package covering all amenities (internet, cafeteria, conference rooms, printers), start-ups benefit from tailored support services to develop their activities, opportunities to participate in thematic workshops, and networking events.

  • The missing link

    Created in 2011 by Y-Parc Swiss Technopole SA with the support of its economic and academic partners, the Y-START incubator is the link between the worlds of research and industry.

    Pictogramme "The missing link"

  • A generalist technology incubator

    In keeping with Y-PARC's vocation, the incubator is positioned in the field of innovation and new technologies. Open to all business sectors, the richness of the incubator lies in the diversity and complementarity of the skills it houses. At Y-START, we see differences as the ideal breeding ground for innovation.

    Pictogramme "A generalist technology incubator"

  • Y-START is a public incubator

    In contrast to a private incubator, Y-START does not seek to make a return on its investment by acquiring shares in start-ups. The incubator pursues a public purpose: the creation of jobs and added value!

    Pictogramme "Y-START is a public incubator"

  • Plug & Play Facilities

    Over 1,000 m² consisting of private modules (furnished offices and workshops) and shared spaces (cafeteria, conference rooms) offered under flexible conditions tailored to the evolving needs of start-ups.

    • Spaces starting from 15 m²
    • Initial commitment of 3 months, renewable on a monthly basis
    • All-inclusive rate of CHF 260/m²/year, covering all amenities (furniture, internet, printers, cleaning services, and access to shared areas)
    Meeting interne dans un incubateur

  • Workshops, Coaching, and Networking

    In addition to thematic workshops (human resources, communication and marketing, intellectual property, etc.) and regular project follow-ups, incubated start-ups benefit from personalized coaching and connections with experts.

    Regular activities are also organized for start-ups and alumni to foster cohesion and experience sharing.

  • Access to the Industrial Network and R&D Institutes

    The Y-START incubator leverages numerous synergies with businesses established in the park, creating a pool of expertise and know-how that offers extraordinary collaboration opportunities.

    Furthermore, start-ups enjoy privileged access to technical, scientific, and entrepreneurial expertise available within the applied research and development institutes of the School of Engineering and Management of the Canton of Vaud (HEIG-VD). Finally, within a 50-kilometer radius, there is a wealth of internationally renowned universities (EPFL, UNIL, HES-SO, IMD, UNINE, etc.).

    Toiture solaire Y-park

Admissions

Eligibility criteria

Access to the Y-START incubator is reserved for companies:

  1. Incorporated less than a year ago
  2. Registered with the Registre du Commerce du Canton de Vaud (or in the process of being registered)
  3. Active in the qualified sectors of Medium and High Technology (MHT) or Knowledge Industry (KI) according to commonly accepted definitions.
  4. That collaborate with a teaching and research institution (IER)

Procedure

Acceptance is decided by an ad hoc Selection Committee, which examines the following criteria on the basis of the application file and an oral presentation by the project promoters:

  • Degree of technical/technological innovation
  • Economic potential (job creation)
  • Relevance of business model / Financing capacity
  • Capacity/motivation of project leaders

Incubation time

The service contract is concluded for a minimum of 3 months, tacitly renewable from month to month. However, incubation is limited to 2 years, with no possibility of renewal.

Write to us or request eligibility

    Y-PARC Swiss Technopole is dedicated to hosting technological activities in Research & Development, industrial production, and training that complement the ecosystem.

    Each application for establishment is reviewed by an eligibility commission, which ensures that the proposed on-site activities meet the criteria of the Plan Partiel d’Affectation (PPA).

    To verify your eligibility, we invite you to contact us or submit your application by completing the form available below directly. You will receive a response within 30 working days.