Applications are currently being accepted for the ETH Zurich Pioneer Scholarship 2026. Interested applicants are encouraged to click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
About ETH Zurich Pioneer Scholarship
The ETH Pioneer Scholarship 2026 in Switzerland is a fully funded incubation program that enables entrepreneurial ETH Zurich students and researchers to transform research-based technologies into market-ready products and services. Participants receive substantial financial support, entrepreneurial training, and access to a world-class ecosystem over 12 to 18 months, paving the way for successful spin-off companies.
Benefits of ETH Zurich Pioneer Scholarship
- Lump sum funding of CHF 120,000 for 12 months (ICT/Space Tech/Engineering) or CHF 180,000 for 18 months (Life Sciences/Pharma/Medtech) for Deep-Tech; CHF 150,000 for 18 months for Global Development.
- Employment as scientific staff at ETH Zurich with salary covered from the grant.
- Coaching, entrepreneurial training, and mentorship throughout the fellowship.
- Full support from a host professor and access to ETH infrastructure and labs.
- Free Certificate of Advanced Studies (CAS) in Entrepreneurial Leadership in Technology Ventures (CAS ETH ELTV) for all fellows; Global Development fellows additionally receive CAS at ETH NADEL.
- Residual project funds after salary can be freely used for running costs, travel/field expenses, and industry fairs.
- No repayment required if no company is founded; equity participation options (2% equity or 1.5% fee on raised capital up to CHF 10 million) apply if a spin-off is formed.
ETH Zurich Pioneer Scholarship Requirements
- One entrepreneurial applicant (ETH Master or Doctoral student, or ETH researcher) who wishes to commercialise results of ETH Zurich research.
- A company must not have been incorporated yet.
- The project must be fully supported by a host professor at ETH Zurich.
- A promising business case must be demonstrated.
- For Global Development track only: the business case must serve people living on less than USD 10 per day in low- and middle-income countries (OECD DAC List 2025 eligible).
Application Date and Process
- Read the program guidelines carefully before applying.
- Prepare the required documents using provided templates: Project Summary, IP Situation, Applicant CV, Publication List, Host Professor Support Letter, Supplementary Information (all in PDF, max 15 MB total).
- Record a 2-minute video presentation as MP4, upload to a platform, and generate a shareable link.
- Submit the complete application online via the ETH Zurich eResearch grant application system (https://eresearch-next.ethz.ch) before the deadline.
- Application portal opens on July 1, 2026 and closes on September 1, 2026, 5 pm Swiss time.
Application Deadline
01 September, 2026
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ETH Zurich Pioneer Scholarship
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