Companies which are based in the canton of Vaud, and in particular those in the industry and advanced technology sectors, can ask for support from the canton’s Office for Economic Affairs and Innovation (SPEI), which provides information and advice for companies and entrepreneurs at every stage in their development. SPEI guides them through the canton’s various administrative requirements and recommends organizations which will be able to help with their specific needs, be it coaching, financing, innovation or export, for example.

SPEI can also provide direct financial support for small and medium-sized companies and startups in the industry and advanced technology sectors. This financing is designed to support innovation-based projects, the development of R&D, and production capabilities or expansion into international markets. For example, it is possible to obtain financial support for acquiring intellectual property rights, developing new products or markets, training newly hired scientific or technical staff, and for trade fairs and exhibitions abroad.

This support can be at least CHF 100,000 per company over a five-year period. As a general rule, businesses which have R&D and/or industrial production activities are eligible to benefit from financial support from SPEI.

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