Partnership
The HEIA-FR is a research institution on a human scale. Our projects contribute to a more efficient,
resilient and sustainable society by developing market-oriented products, services and technologies across a wide range of domains. These include industrial technologies, construction and the environment, and information and communication technologies.
With highly-qualified staff and state-of-the-art facilities, our institutes and centers of competence are able to address the needs of the economy using an experimental yet practical approach.
A collaboration model for every need
Research collaborations can take on various forms depending on the objectives of our economic or institutional partners. Both the duration of the project and the partner’s expected commitments will vary according to the chosen type of collaboration.
Solve a simple technical problem, test an idea
HEIA-FR’s aR&D offer
- A student project (semester project, Bachelor’s or
Master’s thesis project)
Commitment of the partner
- Accompanying the student
- Covering the cost incurred by HEIA-FR researchers
(if any)
Indicative duration
- 3-5 months depending on the type of project (semester,
Bachelor or Master)
Solve a complex technical problem, perform an assessment or analysis
HEIA-FR’s aR&D offer
- A research mandate tailored to your needs
Commitment of the partner
- Covering the cost incurred by HEIA-FR researchers
Indicative duration
- Variable according to need
Carry out a feasibility study for an innovative idea
HEIA-FR’s aR&D offer
- A project funded by an Innosuisse innovation cheque (CHF 15'000.- maximum)
Commitment of the partner
- Ensure follow up to the study
Indicative duration
- 2-4 months
Develop innovative products, services or processes
Commitment of the partner
- Covering 40-60% of project costs, including 10% in cash and the rest as services
Indicative duration
- From a few months to 2-3 years
Take up a technological challenge or create a new value chain in collaboration with several companies
HEIA-FR’s aR&D offer
- A NRP project supported by the New Regional Policy (NRP) of the Canton of Fribourg
Commitment of the partner
- Covering 35 to 50% of project costs, with 20 to 25% provided in cash and the rest as services – to be shared between the partners
Indicative duration
- From a few months to 2 years
Conduct a project at an international scale
Commitment of the partner
- Actively participating in the project
- Covering a part of the costs or services
- Collaborating with the partners
Indicative duration
- One or several years
For an overview of the collaboration models:
Success Stories
ChemTech & Metalor
ENERGY & Romande Energie
HumanTech & Intermobility SA
iCoSys & Hieronymus SA
iPrint & Markem-Imaje
iRAP & Visval AG
ROSAS & Meggitt SA
iTEC & Charpentes Vial SA
SeSi & Swibrace
TRANSFORM : rénovation énergétique
Research Services to support your projects
The HEIA-FR’s Research Services aim to assist researchers with every stage of their project, including initial contacts with potential partners, managing contracts and intellectual property, and knowledge transfer.
Our expert team has the right combination of administrative, managerial, legal, communication and project management know-how to help researchers with the procedures involved in bringing a project to fruition.
A key advantage: platforms and networks
As a member of the University of Applied Sciences and Arts Western Switzerland (HES-SO), the HEIA-FR regularly participates in joint projects with other schools of higher education.
We are also operating INNOSQUARE, which provides services to promote collaboration between companies and universities. INNOSQUARE supports project management for research and innovation.
Finally, our in-house Research Services are a founding member of TechTransfer Fribourg, an association that brings together the HEIA-FR, the University of Fribourg, the Fribourg School of Management and the Adolphe Merkle Institute.