BRIDGEPOINT: IMD × EPFL | Kickoff

​Bridgepoint Launch Event — IMD × EPFL

​Bringing together EPFL founders, IMD MBAs, investors, and operators for a structured evening focused on early-stage execution.

​This is not a standard panel. The session is designed to stress-test ideas, sharpen positioning, and connect technical founders with business and capital.

​What to expect

• ​Panel (20 min)
  IMD, EPFL, and VC perspectives on the Lausanne ecosystem
  → What works, what doesn’t, and where the gaps are between research, talent, and capital

• ​Startup × MBA reverse pitches

  • ​Pre-selected EPFL startups paired with IMD MBAs

  • ​MBAs review each company in advance

  • ​On stage: direct feedback on business model, positioning, and go-to-market

  • ​Focus: concrete, actionable input

• ​Fireside chat (closing)
  Partner at Sequoia Capital (online)
  → Europe vs US: funding, scaling, and ecosystem differences

• ​Networking
  Informal discussion with founders, investors, and operators

​Speakers

• ​Philippe Renaud — Professor Emeritus, EPFL

• ​Jim Pulcrano — Adjunct Professor, IMD

• ​Alain Nicod - Co-Founder of VI Partners

• ​George Robson — Partner, Sequoia Capital (online)

​EPFL Startup Launchpad will be present, representing the EPFL venture pipeline.

• ​Segmeridian — AI-powered MRI organ segmentation

• ​BaiO — AI-accelerated drug discovery

• ​OPTIION — Smart energy storage optimisation

• ​Windlens — Farm-specific wind energy forecasting

• ​Dual Energy — Agrivoltaic systems (energy + agriculture)

​Audience

• ​EPFL founders (pre-selected)

• ​EPFL Students

• ​IMD MBAs

• ​Investors and industry operators

​Registration

• ​Mandatory registration

• ​All external guests are pre-screened and approved