TSI supports you throughout your entrepreneurial journey.
You have an idea, a project, or a startup that involves wood? You need:
Coaching
We are your point of contact, evaluate your needs, connect you with the right agencies, and accompany you throughout the process.
Project partner
We connect research and industry, put together project consortia, and help you find the right partner.
Infrastructure
We provide laboratory infrastructure, allocate free space for experimentation, and guarantee that your IP remains yours.
Visibility
We arrange appearances at events, act as a hub for networking, and help with media presence.
Financing
We provide support in formulating financing applications, assist with pitching, and provide services.
This project was realized with the support of the Federal Office for the Environment (FOEN) as part of the Wood Action Plan.
Our Mission
The Timber Startup Incubator is a hub and gateway for entrepreneurial initiatives involving wood as a material. It connects stakeholders, develops project consortia for startups, and supports them in applying for funding. In addition, it identifies and mentors talented individuals with the help of partners from industry and research. It is also tasked with organizing events, increasing visibility, and promoting young talent with a view to the sustainable use of wood as a raw material.
Through its work, the TSI strengthens the wood and construction industry with innovative intrapreneurs and entrepreneurs. In doing so, it contributes to making the industry fit for the future.
“The Timber Startup Incubator creates a positive social, economic, and environmental impact. It generates jobs, drives sustainable change in the construction industry, and contributes to decarbonization.”
– Prof. Dr. Frédéric Pichelin, Head of Research and Services, Bern University of Applied Sciences, Department of Architecture, Wood and Civil Engineering
Impact
Sufficient innovation potential is required to bring about sustainable change in the industry. Thanks to the TSI, more startups can be created in the field of wood-based bioeconomy, which replace climate-damaging substances and/or permanently store bound CO2 in innovative wood products. The Timber Startup Incubator thus makes a direct contribution to achieving the UN climate goals and has a positive social, economic, and ecological impact on Switzerland.
Accelerating decarbonization
Accelerating decarbonization in the building sector thanks to critical mass of startups
Promoting innovation
Promoting the innovation potential of the next generation
Supporting knowledge transfer
Supporting the transfer of research results into concrete business models
Strengthening the economy
Creating jobs and promoting sustainable construction
Offerings
Through its comprehensive program and wide range of activities, TSI makes a significant contribution to strengthening the wood and construction industry and securing its future.
For students and researchers
- Coaching from idea to startup creation
- Building project consortia
- Access to infrastructure & services
- Transforming research applications into practice
- Connecting with funding opportunities
- Support with writing funding applications
- Networking with industry partners
- Connecting with the startup ecosystem
- Startup internship
For startups and companies
- Visibility at our own events
- Facilitating appearances at third-party events
- Networking with research institutions & emerging talent
- Connecting with the startup ecosystem
- Building project consortia
- Support with writing funding applications
- Access to award opportunities, including preparation support
- Access to events
- Access to infrastructure & services