EPFL has strong connections with industry, fostering collaborations that benefit both students and researchers. Here’s an overview of how EPFL engages with industry:

Innovation and Technology Transfer:

1. EPFL Innovation Park:

   • Description: A hub for start-ups and established companies to collaborate with EPFL researchers.
   • Location: Adjacent to the main EPFL campus in Lausanne.
   • Services: Offers office space, labs, support services, and access to EPFL’s resources.

2. Tech Transfer Office (TTO):

   • Description: Facilitates the commercialization of research discoveries and supports patent applications, licensing, and the creation of spin-offs.
   • Services: Provides expertise in intellectual property, market analysis, and business development.

Research Collaborations:

1. Corporate Labs:

   • Description: Several multinational companies have established research labs on EPFL’s campus, allowing for close collaboration on R&D projects.
   • Examples: Companies like Nestlé, Logitech, and Cisco have labs at EPFL.

2. Joint Research Initiatives:

   • Description: EPFL partners with industry on joint research projects, often co-funded by government and industry grants.
   • Focus Areas: Includes diverse fields such as robotics, biotechnology, nanotechnology, and sustainable energy.

Education and Training:

1. Industry-Focused Programs:

   • Description: EPFL offers specialized programs and courses designed in collaboration with industry to address current technological challenges and needs.
   • Examples: Executive education programs, professional development courses, and industry-specific master’s programs.

2. Internships and Co-op Programs:

   • Description: EPFL facilitates internships and cooperative education opportunities for students, allowing them to gain practical experience and build industry connections.
   • Partnerships: Collaborations with numerous companies across various sectors.

Career Services:

1. Career Center:

   • Description: Provides support for students and graduates in their job search and career development.
   • Services: Career counseling, job fairs, company presentations, and networking events.

2. Recruitment Events:

   • Description: EPFL organizes events where companies can meet and recruit students, such as the annual Forum EPFL, one of Europe’s largest recruitment fairs.
   • Benefits: Enables students to connect directly with potential employers and learn about job opportunities.

Entrepreneurship Support:

1. Start-Up Support:

   • Description: EPFL offers various programs to support student and faculty entrepreneurs in launching their own companies.
   • Services: Mentoring, seed funding, incubation programs, and access to venture capital networks.

2. Innogrants:

   • Description: Grants provided to EPFL-affiliated start-ups to support the early stages of their development.
   • Eligibility: Open to students, researchers, and alumni with innovative business ideas.

Partnerships and Networks:

1. Strategic Partnerships:

   • Description: EPFL has strategic partnerships with leading companies and industry associations to foster innovation and research.
   • Examples: Collaborations with companies like IBM, Intel, and ABB.

2. Industrial Advisory Boards:

   • Description: Many EPFL departments and research centers have advisory boards composed of industry leaders who provide guidance and ensure alignment with industry needs.

Useful Links:

1. EPFL Innovation Park: EPFL Innovation Park
2. Tech Transfer Office: Tech Transfer Office (TTO)
3. Career Center: EPFL Career Center
4. Start-Up Support: EPFL Start-Up Support
5. Innogrants: EPFL Innogrants

These connections and initiatives illustrate EPFL’s commitment to bridging academia and industry, enhancing innovation, and providing valuable opportunities for its students and researchers.