The canton of Vaud is one of the main centers for research and innovation in Switzerland, with the largest academic and technology campus in the country and several research centers as well as internationally known industries, particularly in life sciences, micro-nanotechnologies, ICTs and cleantech. The Office for Economic Affairs and Innovation (SPEI) is the official public organization that supports companies located within the canton of Vaud, especially those involved in sectors of advanced technology and industry. Indeed, SPEI advises entrepreneurs and puts them in contact with organizations that are appropriate to their specific needs. SPEI can also provide direct financial support.

CleantechAlps, Western Switzerland’s cleantech cluster CleantechAlps is the platform dedicated to the development of the clean technology sector in western Switzerland. The region’s gateway to the cleantech field, its purpose is to bring together all the research organisations, industries and services that contribute to the protection and conservation of natural resources and the production of renewable energy. CleantechAlps is the region’s driving force for the development of the sector, promoting interaction between businesses and players in the field, and increasing their visibility. www.cleantech-alps.com/en

Innovaud is the entry door to innovation in the Canton of Vaud. It offers free of charge support to startups, scale-ups and SMEs focusing on technology-based innovations. Support includes financing, access to innovation parks, coaching, promotion and networking. Innovaud helps innovative companies in Life Science, Information and Communication Technology, Precision Industry and Cleantech. Innovaud is an initiative of the State of Vaud. It is carried by the Department of Economy, Innovation and Sport (DEIS) as well as the Department of Education, Youth and Culture (DFJC). In 2016, Innovaud created the Scale Up Vaud program and label, which aims to encourage and reinforce innovative companies in phase of high growth that are based in the Canton of Vaud. Today, 25 companies are part of the Scale Up Vaud program. Altogether, these companies generated 2360 jobs worldwide, out of which 1400 are based in Switzerland. www.innovaud.ch / www.scale-up-vaud.ch