Impactful Projects
Our makerspaces are also available for EPFL recognized startups aiming to test an entrepreneurial idea. If you are already part of one of the startup launchpad program and you aim to develop a proof of concept of your idea in our makerspaces, you can write to make@epfl.ch.
Learning opportunities
Each entrepreneurial project is different and will offer different learning opportunities.
However, most entrepreneurial projects building a proof of concept (hardware) tend to offer the following learning opportunities to the participants:
- Building a team from the ground up and identifying key roles in a performant team
- Synthesizing the state of the art around a given subject
- Defining a financial plan
- Agile project management skills
- Entrepreneurial skills
Each project benefits from the expertise of the technical coaches of the MAKE network.
Typical timeline
More information is provided by the student entrepreneurship unit: https://www.epfl.ch/innovation/startup/programs/
Most innovation projects last longer than an academic semester, and a long term view is needed. You can find an example of a timeline focused on the use of makerspaces below:
Please have in mind that, due to issues of unfair competition, the makerspaces will not be able to support your project once it has been incorporated.
Roles and Responsibilities
The key roles identified to successfully run such a projects are the following:
- Student co-founders : students are at the heart of such innovative projects. From generating the idea and prototyping a proof of concept to developing a business plan and analyzing the market, you will drive the project forward. Rest assured that the coaches in the makerspaces are here to support you and provide advice when needed.
Project examples
Here are examples of ongoing projects building a proof of concept using the makerspaces:
