What Forum EPFL does

Forum EPFL is a non-profit student association registered under Swiss Civil Code Articles 60 and following, founded in 1982 and headquartered at EPFL (École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne) in Lausanne, Switzerland. The organization operates Europe's largest student recruitment fair, a week-long annual event held at the SwissTech Convention Center on the EPFL campus. Its 44th edition runs October 5-9, 2026, attracting 188 companies, 133 start-ups, 18 NGOs/IGOs, and approximately 23,500 visitors. The committee comprises 20 student volunteers supported by an assistant committee of 8, who manage all aspects of operations year-round including company relations, start-up relations, NGO/IGO relations, student relations, communications, logistics, and catering.

The organization's product portfolio centers on the annual Forum week and a year-round program of career preparation activities. Core products include the main Forum event (with modular services for companies: stands of 6-36m2, 75 company presentations, 14 workshops, 27 interview rooms, and 10 contact luncheons), Skills Week (free CV corrections, mock interviews, professional photography, LinkedIn coaching), Mentoring Program (in partnership with EPFL Alumni), Start-Up Day, Innovation Night, NGO/IGO/Laboratories Day, an Eloquence Contest, an Opening Conference, and a closing Gala. The underlying technology is a web-based platform (platform.forumepfl.ch) that handles student registrations, CV uploads, and a searchable CV library of approximately 3,062 student profiles, supplemented by the EPFL Campus mobile app for real-time event information.

Forum EPFL generates revenue through corporate sponsorship and partnership fees (with Rolex as main sponsor, alongside BCV and FUTRUE Neurosciences), modular company participation fees detailed in the annual Salesbook, preferential-rate Start-Up Day stand packages, the Responsible Forum environmental offset add-on, and Gala ticket sales (CHF 20 party / CHF 50 VIP). Student services are free of charge, and NGO/IGO/Laboratory registration has been free since 2026. The organization holds ISO 9001 (since 2013) and ISO 14001 (since 2009) certifications, making it the first carbon-neutral event in Switzerland, with annual renewal via SQS audits.

Name

Forum EPFL

Legal name

Forum EPFL

Website

https://forum-epfl.ch

Company type

Private

Founded year

1982

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Forum EPFL is a non-profit student association that organizes Europe's largest student recruitment fair annually at EPFL in Lausanne, connecting 188+ companies, 133 start-ups, and NGOs with over 23,500 student visitors through a week-long event plus year-round career preparation programs.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Student Recruitment Events

NAICS

Convention and Trade Show Organizers (56192), Educational Support Services (611710)

akta.pro primary industry

Academic & Education Conference Organizers (THAHACAE)

akta.pro secondary industry

Education, Research & Academic Congresses (THAHAJAD)

Keywords

• Student recruitment fair
• Campus career services
• Graduate talent acquisition
• University recruitment events
• Career fair organization

Headquarters

HQ city

Lausanne

HQ country

Switzerland

HQ region

Europe

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Supply Chain, Others

Revenue model

1. Corporate Sponsorship and Partnership Fees: Companies and organizations pay to participate and sponsor the event through various tiers. Sponsorship packages provide greater visibility and branding opportunities. The main sponsor is Rolex, with additional support from BCV and FUTRUE Neurosciences. Product partners (logistics, floristry, photography, beverages) also contribute in-kind or financially.
2. Company Participation Fees (Stands, Workshops, Presentations, Interview Rooms): Companies pay for modular services including stands (6-36m2, equipped or empty), company presentations (75 sessions), workshops (14 sessions), interview rooms (27 rooms), and contact lunches. Fees vary by service type and duration, detailed in the annual Salesbook (Livret des Prestations).
3. Gala Ticket Sales: The Forum EPFL Closing Gala generates revenue through ticket sales: Party tickets at 20 CHF and VIP tickets at 50 CHF (including VIP cocktail with open bar and cocktail dinner). The Gala takes place on Saturday, October 10, 2026 from 18:00 to 02:00.
4. Start-Up Day Fees: Start-ups pay a preferential rate for a 4m2 stand during the Start-Up Day (Tuesday), including access to the Entrepreneurs Breakfast, two lunch boxes, networking cocktail, and a description on the Forum website. SME companies also benefit from preferential rates compared to larger enterprises.
5. Responsible Forum Option: Companies can opt into the Responsible Forum program (environmental offset), contributing to carbon neutrality efforts in partnership with The SeaCleaners. This is an add-on option during company registration that supports sustainability.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Forum EPFL organizes Europe's largest student recruitment fair, a week-long annual event held at the SwissTech Convention Center in Lausanne, Switzerland. The fair connects over 188 companies, 133 start-ups, and 18 NGOs/IGOs with approximately 23,500 visitors, primarily EPFL students. It also operates year-round career preparation services (Skills Week, Mentoring Program) and modular recruitment services for companies including stands, presentations, workshops, interview rooms, and contact lunches.

Product overview

Forum EPFL is a non-profit student association operating Europe's largest recruitment fair. The platform offers a comprehensive suite of products centered around the annual main event (connecting 188 companies, 133 start-ups, 18 NGOs with 23,500 visitors), supplemented by year-round career development services including Skills Week (CV workshops, mock interviews, professional photography), Mentoring Program (with EPFL Alumni), and dedicated days for Start-ups (Start-Up Day, Innovation Night), NGOs/IGOs (NGO/IGO Day), and opening ceremonies. For companies, Forum EPFL provides modular services including stands, presentations, workshops, interview rooms, and contact luncheons. The organization maintains ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 certifications and operates as a carbon-neutral event.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Quantifiable outcome

• 23,500 visitors, 188 companies, 133 start-ups, and 18 NGOs/IGOs in the most recent edition
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers6 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

14 partnerships are on record, tiered environmental partner, core sustainability partner, main sponsor, co-sponsor, logistics partner, core institutional partner, core program partner, event partner, event speaker/partner, media partner and advisory partner.

• Association pour la Sauvegarde du Léman (ASL)environmental partnerStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2026The ASL (Association for the Protection of Lake Geneva) is the designated environmental cause for the 2026 Responsible Forum initiative. Companies supporting the Responsible Forum option contribute to ASL's work protecting Lake Geneva's waters and aquatic ecosystems through scientific research and conservation projects.
• The SeaCleanerscore sustainability partnerStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2009The SeaCleaners is a key sustainability partner for Forum EPFL's carbon-neutral certification. They help establish the event's carbon footprint according to ISO 14064 standard and propose voluntary carbon offset mechanisms to achieve net-zero climate impact. The partnership covers all transport, logistics, and communication emissions.
• Rolexmain sponsorGTM or Marketing PartnerRolex is the principal/main sponsor of Forum EPFL. The partnership provides significant financial support and brand visibility for the event. Rolex's logo appears prominently on the Forum EPFL website and marketing materials as the Main Sponsor.
• BCV (Banque Cantonale Vaudoise)co-sponsorGTM or Marketing PartnerBCV (Banque Cantonale Vaudoise) is a co-sponsor of Forum EPFL, contributing to the event's financial sustainability. The partnership provides brand visibility among the EPFL community and Swiss business sector.
• FUTRUE Neurosciencesco-sponsorGTM or Marketing PartnerFUTRUE Neurosciences is a co-sponsor of Forum EPFL. The partnership supports the event's funding and provides visibility for the neurosciences company among EPFL's research-focused community.
• Seloralogistics partnerChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorSelora serves as the logistics partner for Forum EPFL, providing logistical support for the event. Their partnership ensures smooth operations during the fair week.
• Enzo Locationlogistics partnerChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorEnzo Location is a car rental and logistics partner for Forum EPFL, supporting transportation and logistics operations during the event.
• EPFL (École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne)core institutional partnerStrategic or Co-development PartnerEPFL is the host institution for Forum EPFL. The event takes place on EPFL's campus at the SwissTech Convention Center. EPFL provides institutional support, access to facilities, and integration with EPFL's communications. EPFL President Martin Vetterli has publicly endorsed the event. The event serves EPFL's student body of over 10,000 students.
• EPFL Alumnicore program partnerStrategic or Co-development PartnerEPFL Alumni co-organizes the Forum EPFL Mentoring Program with the Forum EPFL committee. The program connects graduating Master and PhD students with experienced EPFL alumni mentors. EPFL Alumni also co-hosts conferences during Skills Week, including 'How to leverage the Alumni network to find an internship or a job?'
• Club de Débat Genevoisevent partnerStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe Club de Débat Genevois (Geneva Debate Club) partners with Forum EPFL to organize the annual Eloquence Contest (Concours d'Éloquence) during the Forum week. The competition takes place at the SwissTech Convention Center on Tuesday evening with prizes for winning students.
• ITER (International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor)event speaker/partnerStrategic or Co-development PartnerITER participated in the Innovation Night 2025 event at Forum EPFL, presenting on nuclear fusion research alongside the Swiss Plasma Center (which operates the tokamak on the EPFL campus).
• Talendomedia partnerGTM or Marketing PartnerTalendo is a media partner of Forum EPFL, providing press coverage and media support. Talendo has published articles about the Forum including organizational features and speaker interviews.
• Paolo Baracchini (Professor, QS&P)advisory partnerStrategic or Co-development PartnerDr. Paolo Baracchini, Professor of environmental management and director of QS&P consulting firm, provided technical guidance and support in obtaining the ISO 14001 environmental management certification for Forum EPFL.
• CED (Centre d'Employabilité et de Développement)core program partnerStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe CED (Center for Employability and Development) at EPFL co-organizes the Skills Week program with Forum EPFL. CED counselors provide career guidance, LinkedIn profile optimization advice, and interview preparation support during the Skills Weeks.

Scale indicators9 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Emerging players

• Handshake: Leading university recruitment platform providing CV databases, job boards, and career fair infrastructure to universities. Compares to Forum EPFL's CV Library and platform.forumepfl.ch, though at vastly broader scale.

Direct peers

• TU Munich Career Fair (TUM): Hosts large-scale corporate recruitment events for engineering and science students at one of Germany's top technical universities. Comparable audience and corporate sponsorship dynamics.
• Stanford Career Education: Runs the major recruitment events for Stanford engineering and science students, attracting top global employers. Comparable in serving elite STEM talent at a world-leading technical institution.
• Imperial College London Career Service: Operates the principal career fairs at Imperial College London, a leading European STEM university. Comparable in audience, employer mix, and premium positioning.
• ETH Zurich Career Center: Operates the major annual career fair at ETH Zurich, Switzerland's other top technical university. Direct comparable as a leading European technical university recruitment event serving STEM talent.
• Polytechnique Montréal Career Fair (Salon Carrefour): Major annual student-organised recruitment fair at a leading French-speaking technical university in Canada. Comparable event structure, engineering audience, and corporate sponsorship model.
• MIT Career Fair: MIT's flagship student-run recruitment events connect top-tier engineering and science talent with global employers. Direct comparable in scale, audience quality, and corporate sponsorship model.

Others

• EPFL Career Services: Internal EPFL unit providing year-round career counselling and events. Adjacent rather than competitive; collaborates with Forum EPFL on Skills Week and student career programming.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/forum-epfl
• Instagraminstagram.com/forumepfl

Compliance2 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles13 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Forum EPFL