For start-ups · Edition 2026–27 · Construction
Building something new in construction? Test it on the US market.
We will bring your project all the way to San Francisco - at Swissnex - to open doors and build a bridge between your idea and the American market
01
What we are looking for
- Start-ups based in Switzerland, in the construction sector, ready to explore new ideas and enter the American market.
- Companies motivated to collaborate with students and gain fresh insights for international expansion.
02
How it works
- No cost for participating start-ups.
- Three start-ups selected, each working with a multidisciplinary student team: Business Administration, Engineering & ICT, Media Engineering.
- The students conduct field research and present your project to local businesses in San Francisco.
- Two compulsory meetings in Yverdon-les-Bains: 07.12.2026 and 18.01.2027.
03
Your benefits
- Motivated students who help you analyse, strategise and innovate to enter the American market.
- New perspectives, market analyses and solutions tailored to your internationalisation goals.
- Connections with potential clients, businesses and investors in San Francisco.
Any questions?
Feel free to contact us at iim@heig-vd.ch
Project schedule
The main stages of the program, from your application to the students’ field study in San Francisco.
OCTNOVDECJANFEB
Applications
Selection of 3 start-ups
Desk research
Meetings in Yverdon
◆◆
Design sprint
San Francisco
◆ Compulsory meeting with the start-up · exact dates: 07.12.2026 and 18.01.2027
Opportunity rarely knocks twice. Open the door now.
Before you apply
Is your start-up a fit?
We pre-select applications on these five criteria. If you tick all of them, go for it.
- 1Swiss-basedLegal headquarters in Switzerland.
- 2A start-upAn innovative company with strong growth potential.
- 3ConstructionYour core business is part of the construction value chain: design, materials, renovation, building sites, PropTech…
- 4US ambitionYou want to expand into the US market.
- 5EnglishA working knowledge of English — the project is run in English.
Takes about 10 minutes · 4 short steps · Free for selected start-ups
Please submit this form by clicking the "Submit" button. Uploading a video is optional but recommended if you want to include additional information.
If you choose to upload a video, please use the "Upload your video" section below.
If you choose to upload a video, please use the "Upload your video" section below.
📹
Upload your video
Present your startup and motivations in a video of up to 3 minutes.
Click the button below to securely upload your video.
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