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.
ETH Zurich is one of the world’s leading universities for science and technology. Through its Pioneer Fellowship, ETH fosters deep-tech and social impact ventures by providing funding, mentorship, and infrastructure. The program, supported by the ETH Zurich Foundation, has powered numerous spin-offs, reinforcing Switzerland’s position as a global innovation hub.
ETH Pioneer Scholarship Benefits
- 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 Pioneer Scholarship Eligibility Criteria
- 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).
Required Documents
The application must be written by the candidate and must be accompanied by a letter of support from his or her host professor. The host professor must hold an ETH position for the entire duration of the proposed Pioneer Fellowship and must provide the support and infrastructure provided within the professorship free of charge.
The application shall include the following:
- A brief project summary that should review the planned activities, market situation and innovation potential. This summary should not contain confidential information
- A detailed description of the idea based on the research results of a master’s or doctoral thesis at ETH Zurich. Special emphasis is placed on innovative aspects of efficiency and customer benefits, product or service. This includes some evidence of market relevance, a basic business model with initial details on a commercialization strategy, and technical and market analysis. patent applications and software (IP) are made available for licensing to fellowships as well as future spin-offs, etc. Milestones and more in detail Explanation of expenses. Expected results are clearly defined.
- A detailed list of financial requirements
- Candidate’s full CV including a list of relevant publications and a brief outline of their career goals
- Disclosure of potential conflicts of interest (if any) to both candidates and the host professor.
- A signed letter of support from the host professor, explaining why and how s/he wishes to support the candidate and how s/he evaluates the proposed project idea. Describing infrastructure made accessible.
- 2 minute long presentation video of project and motivation. Must be submitted via Polybox in MP4 format.
How to Apply for ETH Pioneer Scholarship
- 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.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are the most frequently asked questions about the ETH Pioneer Scholarship. These answers cover eligibility, funding, deadlines, and how to apply.
What is the ETH Pioneer Scholarship?
It is ETH Zurich’s incubation program that helps entrepreneurial students and researchers turn their research into a market-ready spin-off. It provides funding, coaching, and 12–18 months of support in two tracks: Deep-Tech and Global Development (social impact).
Who can apply for the ETH Pioneer Scholarship?
One entrepreneurial applicant who is an ETH Master’s or Doctoral student or ETH researcher, with a project not yet incorporated, fully supported by an ETH professor, and backed by a promising business case. Global Development applicants must also target people in low- and middle-income countries living on less than USD 10/day.
How much funding does the fellowship provide?
Deep-Tech fellows receive CHF 120,000 for 12 months (ICT/Space Tech/Engineering) or CHF 180,000 for 18 months (Life Sciences/Pharma/Medtech). Global Development fellows receive CHF 150,000 for 18 months. The lump sum covers salary and project expenses.
What additional benefits are included?
Beyond funding, fellows get coaching, entrepreneurial training, access to ETH infrastructure, and free participation in a Certificate of Advanced Studies (CAS) program. Surplus funds can be used for travel, consumables, and industry events.
What are the application deadlines?
The next application deadline is September 1, 2026 (5 pm Swiss time). The portal opens on July 1, 2026. Typically, there are two calls per year (March 1 and September 1).
How do I submit my application?
Applications are submitted through the ETH eResearch portal. You must upload PDF documents (Project Summary, IP Situation, CV, Publication List, Host Professor Support Letter, Supplementary Info) and provide a link to a 2-minute video presentation.
Is there an interview process?
Yes, shortlisted candidates are invited to an in-person interview at ETH Zurich in a speed-dating format. The Deep-Tech track interview is on October 29, 2026. The Global Development track date is yet to be announced. Final decisions are communicated about three months after the application deadline.
Who owns the intellectual property created during the fellowship?
As ETH employees, fellows assign IP to ETH. To commercialise results through a spin-off, a license agreement with ETH transfer is negotiated, giving the fellow rights to the IP.
What equity participation does ETH take?
If a company is founded, ETH Zurich is entitled to either 2% equity at incorporation or a 1.5% fee on raised capital up to CHF 10 million, in exchange for support received. If no company is founded, there is no repayment obligation.
Can I apply for both the Deep-Tech and Global Development tracks?
No, you may apply for only one track per call. Carefully review the program guidelines to choose the track that fits your project’s focus.
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