ETH Pioneer Fellowship

The ETH Pioneer Fellowship is an incubation program for ETH Zürich students and researchers who want to turn research-based ideas into real spin-off companies—either in Deep-Tech or with Social Impact.

What you’ll get:

• Generous funding: up to CHF 120,000 for 12 months (ICT/Engineering/Others) or CHF 180,000 for 18 months (Life Sciences / Pharma / MedTech), or CHF 150,000 for an 18-month Social Impact project

• Coaching, entrepreneurial training, mentorship from a host professor

• Full access to ETH’s infrastructure, labs, mentorship, and its innovation ecosystem

Who can apply:

• ETH students (Master’s or Doctoral), researchers, or scientific staff

• Projects where no company has been established yet

• Must have support from an ETH professor

• Social Impact track projects must serve communities living in low- or middle-income countries, especially where people live on less than USD 10/day

Why it’s a big deal:

• Helps you go from concept to prototype / product ready for market

• Lots of support = better chance of launching a successful spin-off

• Deep-Tech or Social Impact: you can choose the track that fits your passion

Key deadline:

• Next application deadline: 1 September 2025