First Ventures

First Ventures is a funding programme by the Gebert Rüf Stiftung that supports university of applied sciences students who develop an innovative business idea as part of their final thesis. Projects are submitted to one of three funding stages (PROOF, VALIDATE, EXECUTE) and evaluated by the foundation. Shortlisted applicants present their projects to the foundation board and may receive pitch training prior to the online presentation.

Project funding; opportunity to present to the foundation board; optional pitch training and online presentation via Zoom.

University of applied sciences (Fachhochschule) students who develop an innovative business idea within their final thesis may apply; applicants indicate the relevant funding stage (PROOF, VALIDATE, EXECUTE).

Send an abstract by e-mail for initial assessment, then submit the full project application and supporting documents via the foundation's web portal; successful applicants present via Zoom.