From idea to impact

Do you have an innovative idea that you want to explore?

Do you need help to turn it into reality?

Do you want to contribute to a sustainable future?

The UCreate program is for all members of the UNIL community : students, researchers, professors, employees and alumni. This bilingual and interdisciplinary program supports all types of projects. We particularly encourage projects with a social and/or environmental impact.

UCreate

From idea to impact

Do you have an innovative idea that you want to explore ?

Do you need help to turn it into reality ?

Do you want to contribute to a sustainable future ?

The UCreate program is for all members of the UNIL community : students, researchers, professors, employees and alumni. This bilingual and interdisciplinary program supports all types of projects. We particularly encourage projects with a social and/or environmental impact.

Join UCreate and be part of a creative, dynamic and innovative community at UNIL!

Reveal the potential of your idea

This journey will allow you to define the problem to be solved and to validate your idea with feedback from the market. You will explore your motivations, your goals, as well as your role to play in a changing world.

Benefit from support in your entrepreneurial journey

You will be supported by coaches, trainers and entrepreneurs. This interdisciplinary community will bring you their expertise, their advice and a network.

Develop your skills in innovation and sustainability

Throughout this journey you will be led to consider the economic, social and environmental impact of your project.

Join UCreate and be part of a creative, dynamic and innovative community at UNIL!

Reveal the potential of your idea

This journey will allow you to define the problem to be solved and to validate your idea with feedback from the market. You will explore your motivations, your goals, as well as your role to play in a changing world.

Benefit from support in your entrepreneurial journey

You will be supported by coaches, trainers and entrepreneurs. This interdisciplinary community will bring you their expertise, their advice and a network.

Develop your skills in innovation and sustainability

Throughout this journey you will be led to consider the economic, social and environmental impact of your project.

A stimulating ecosystem serving creativity and sustainability

12 workshops in 2 phases

You will put your concept to the test by following a field-oriented course. Discover the detailed program below.

Individual and group coaching

You will have the opportunity to be accompanied by coaches who will bring you expertise, advice and a network.

A dedicated space on campus

The Villanova is a creative and collaborative space to which you will have access during the program. It is open every day.

Support up to CHF 10’000.-

Projects selected in phase 2 will receive financial support of up to CHF 10’000.-. See FAQ for more information on the support. 

A community and a network

You can join our UCreate community, a network composed of entrepreneurs, coaches and trainers.

A certificate of participation

At the end of the program you will obtain a certificate of participation in UCreate.

A stimulating ecosystem serving creativity and sustainability

12 workshops in 2 phases

You will put your concept to the test by following a field-oriented course. Discover the detailed program below.

Individual and group coaching

You will have the opportunity to be accompanied by coaches who will bring you expertise, advice and a network.

A dedicated space on campus

The Villanova is a creative and collaborative space to which you will have access during the program. It is open every day.

Support up to CHF 10’000.-

Projects selected in phase 2 will receive financial support of up to CHF 10’000.-. See FAQ for more information on the support. 

A community and a network

You can join our UCreate community, a network composed of entrepreneurs, coaches and trainers.

A certificate of participation

At the end of the program you will obtain a certificate of participation in UCreate.

A two-phase program, which starts at the beginning of each semester

A two-phase program, which starts at the beginning of each semester

Discover UCreate in pictures

The dates of the program (phase 1)

Programme UCreate3

The dates of the program (phase 1)

Programme UCreate3

The HUB team that supports you

The HUB team that supports you

Eligibility criteria et FAQs

What are the eligibility criteria for the UCreate program ?

To be eligible for phase 1 of the UCreate programme :

  • At least one member of the team must be a member of the UNIL community (student, researcher, professor, employee or alumni) or of Unisanté.
  • Projects in the creation phase, in the test phase, but not yet in the active marketing phase, are eligible. If a company or association has been registered, it must have been registered less than 6 months ago.
  • A maximum of 40 projects can be included in phase 1. If more applications are submitted, the HUB reserves the right to make a selection based on the relevance of the environmental/social issue identified.
What is the difference between phase 1 and phase 2 ?

Phase 1 will enable you to explore your idea, transform it into a value proposition and carry out an initial validation of its desirability on the market. This inclusive phase comprises 5 modules and coaching sessions. It culminates in a presentation of your project (pitch format) to a panel of judges. Projects that wish to do so and are selected by the jury will have the opportunity to move on to phase 2 of the programme.

Phase 2 enables you to turn your project into a reality with real entrepreneurial ambitions. This selective phase comprises 7 modules and a dedicated coach for your team, as well as financial support of up to CHF 10,000. It will enable you to create a prototype to test the viability and feasibility of your project and acquire the skills needed to set up your own business. The dates for phase 2 will be announced during phase 1.

This programme takes place twice a year. Phase 1 starts in October and March. You can therefore join the programme in either October or March of each year.

Do I have to be alone or in a team to take part in the program ?

Phase 1, you can be alone or in a team.

Phase 2, you must be at least 2 people.

 

“Your expertise and mentoring have been precious in overcoming the challenges we have faced. We are grateful for the opportunities you have provided to meet with key investors and partners.”

Learn more about la carte green

Matthieu Saussaye

La carte green

“UCreate is a safe space in which you have freedom to make mistakes, without penalizing yourself financially. Thanks to the team that is always available and the well-structured program.

Learn more about Caldéfi

Anne-Marie Baronian

Caldéfi

“The UCreate programme allowed me to take my project from idea to reality. The team at the HUB offers invaluable one-to-one support that allowed me to push myself and find solutions to the challenges I faced along the way.”

Learn more about Click&Act

Matteo Bächtold

Click&Act