Gebert Rüf Stiftung and Albert Koechlin Stiftung invest CHF 1.2 million in start-ups in Central Switzerland

Gebert Rüf Stiftung and Albert Koechlin Stiftung are launching a new partnership to provide targeted support for start-ups from Central Switzerland. As part of the First Ventures program, up to CHF 1.2 million will be invested in innovative start-up projects at Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts (HSLU) from 2026 to 2029.

Promotion of start-ups at universities

First Ventures supports founders in transforming innovation potential into marketable products and services. The cooperation with Albert Koechlin Stiftung strengthens the regional impact, while Gebert Rüf Stiftung contributes its national expertise and reach.

Philanthropy with economies of scale

The partnership is exemplary of a new model of philanthropic support: regional foundations combine their proximity to the region with the resources and infrastructure of a nationally active foundation. This allows start-ups to be better supported, projects to be implemented more efficiently and a greater reach to be achieved.

First Ventures plans to expand the partnership model in future with other foundations via the Kick Foundation. The aim is to create regionally anchored but nationally networked funding structures that support young entrepreneurs in an impact-oriented manner.