Innovation Ecosystem

The Innovation Office is the central point of contact for all questions related to innovation and entrepreneurship at the University of Bern and the Inselspital, University Hospital Bern. The Innovation Office focuses on providing individual advice and support for your innovation project, including shaping your idea, advising and preparing you for relevant funding instruments, and networking with ecosystem players and potential partners.

The Entrepreneurship Center at the Institute of Marketing and Management focuses on teaching of and conducting research on entrepreneurship. Besides offering a CAS in Entrepreneurship, it organizes the "Business Ideas" and "Business Concept" courses mandated by Innosuisse, as well as the yearly STAGE UP competition.

Unitectra supports scientists in the commercialization of research results in terms of protection of intellectual property (patents, trademarks, copyright), licenses and contractual matters with industry partners.   

The ECB is a student association founded by students of the University of Bern and the Bern University of Applied Sciences. The association aims to create a platform for all who are interested in entrepreneurship, innovative ideas and/or a more sustainable society.

In partnership with the NCCRs (PlanetS, RNA&Disease), Bench2Biz offers workshops that help participants to move from an idea to a concept stage, shape their venture ideas, determine the commercial value and marketability of their idea or invention. 

The IVE is a student-run association that organizes various workshops teaching entrepreneurial soft skills, on topics such as “Find your values” or “Strengths Workshop”.

The School of Biomedical and Precision Engineering (SBPE) is a newly established institution promoting innovative technologies in both Precision Engineering and Biomedical Engineering. At the heart is the unique Creative Engineering Lab: A state-of-the-art learning and teaching laboratory equipped with the latest technology and machines.

CTU Bern and the Clinical Investigation Unit (CIU) work together under the DCR umbrella to provide comprehensive support for patient-centered research. Together, the DCR units have a broad expertise across all aspects of clinical trials. A cooperation with the DCR units is possible at any stage of a clinical study.

The Direktion Lehre und Forschung (DLF) coordinates and finances university research and teaching at the University Hospital Bern and the other Insel Group sites.

The «Swiss Institute for Translational and Entrepreneurial Medicine» provides infrastructure for the research and development of medical devices and biomedical technologies. In addition to access to state-of-the-art laboratories, various technology platforms, modern office space and a vibrant community, sitem-insel also offers leading educational programs in translational medicine with the sitem-school.

The Sitem StartUp Club is an investors club for MedTech startups. Members have access to expert consulting, coaching, potential investors, and low-cost workspace in the modern Sitem MedTech Hub.

Aare Ventuers is a Business Angel Club for early-stage ventures from the Bernese Mittelland. 

be-advanced offers advice, coaching, and a specific acceleration program for startups. 

be-connected is a digital platform with an overview of over 150 support offers from 50 organizations, an agenda with important events, as well as a job portal.

BeLEARN is your partner for digitalization in education. BeLEARN supports research, offers networking events, and solutions in the fields of digital skills, digital tools and data science for education.

The Impact Hub Bern catalyzes innovation and entrepreneurship by providing space, cultivating a thriving community, offering training, events and various programs.  

The BEDA supports Bernese businesses with setting up a company in the Canton of Bern. 

The Swiss Center for Design and Health is the competence center of national importance in Switzerland at the interface between design and health.

SIPBB is a private Swiss non-profit organisation that performs and supports industry-focused applied research and development.

ZID supports businesses and startups by providing space, innovation consultancy services, curated peer-to-peer sessions and a US market entry program.

The Swiss Federal Institute of Intellectual Property (IPI) is responsible for examining, granting and administering industrial property rights (patents, trademarks and designs), and offers various services and information in the field of intellectual property.

Innosuisse is the Swiss Innovation Agency. Its role is to promote science-based innovation in the interest of the economy and society in Switzerland.

The aim of SEIF is to support impact driven founders who aim to solve the world’s most pressing challenges. SEIF helps in establishing product-market-fit and scale ventures with positive impact integrated at the core of their business model.

The news portal provides daily information on company results, launch of innovations, growth, financing, exits, support services, events and award tenders.

Swissnex is a network of education, research, innovation and art outposts aimed at connecting Switzerland with the world's innovation hubs. Swissnex supports startups through the Innosuisse Internationalization Camps, the Venture Leader Program and the Academy-Industry Training (AIT) programs.

The Swiss Startup Association improves the conditions for Swiss startups on a political and educational level and provide them with the necessary viability.

Venturelab is designing and operating startup programs to support entrepreneurial talents in Switzerland, including Venture Kick, Venture Leaders, the TOP 100 Swiss Startup Award, and Innosuisse Start-up Trainings.