Enabled by Design: a platform that brings designers and entrepreneurs together

Enabled by Design is a collaborative platform created in 2019 that connects designers and entrepreneurs to create innovative products and services.

Developed by EPFL and ECAL, and with the support of Gebert Rüf Stiftung, CHF 100,000 per year will be injected for three years to ensure the sustainability of this tool.

"We are delighted to receive the support of the canton of Vaud for this exciting project. This additional funding will enable us to extend the project to other universities and companies in the region," says Alexis Georgacopoulos, Director of ECAL.

Without the input of design, entrepreneurs struggle to validate their market, create products tailored to the needs of their users, and transform lab-built prototypes into user-centric products. Enabled by Design bridges this gap by connecting and guiding the relationship between designers and start-ups.

The Enabled by Design platform connects designers with different skills (interaction design, industrial design, graphic design, video and photography) with technology start-ups with a specific need. What's more, the platform also features tools and methodologies that help create a common language between the various stakeholders, and enable start-ups to prioritize their needs and define their objectives.

Today, over 20 collaborations have already been initiated. The results can be viewed in the showcase section of the platform, demonstrating the added value of design for start-ups.

Source: EPFL Innovation Park