Summary The ETH Pioneer Fellowship is a fully funded incubation program at ETH Zurich designed for entrepreneurial Master’s, Doctoral, and Postdoctoral students. It provides a generous grant of 150,000 CHF over a period of 10–18 months. The program aims to empower candidates to transform their research-based ideas and technologies into scalable, market-ready products, services, or social impact initiatives, ultimately leading to the launch of an ETH spin-off company.
- 🌍 Opportunity: Applications are open for the ETH Pioneer Fellowship Program 2027 in Switzerland for international applicants.
- 🎓 Who Can Apply: Open to Master’s, Doctoral, and Postdoctoral researchers with entrepreneurial research ideas from ETH Zurich.
- 📍 Location & Duration: Hosted by ETH Zurich, Switzerland, with a fellowship duration of 10–18 months.
- 💰 Funding: Fully funded with a CHF 150,000 grant covering salary, project expenses, equipment, travel, software, and commercialization activities.
- 🚀 Programs Offered: Choose between the Deep-Tech Incubation Program (technology commercialization) or the Social Impact Incubation Program (research with social impact).
- 🏢 Goal: Support researchers in transforming innovative research into scalable ETH spin-off companies.
- 📚 Additional Support: Includes funding for project costs and tuition support for the Certificate of Advanced Studies (CAS) in Entrepreneurial Leadership.
- ✅ Eligibility: Applicants must have an ETH Zurich Master’s or PhD, a strong business case, host professor support, and a research project not yet commercialized.
Designation Pioneer Fellow (Scientific Employee / Wissenschaftliche Mitarbeitende)
Fellowship Overview
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Provided by | ETH Zurich |
| Duration | 10-18 months |
| Fellowship Coverage | Fully Funded (150,000 CHF lump sum) |
| Eligible Nationality | All Nationalities |
| Award Country | Switzerland |
| Last Date to Apply | September 1, 2026 |
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Research Area The fellowship is open to projects stemming from ETH Master’s, Doctoral, or Postdoctoral research, divided into two main incubation tracks:
- Deep-Tech Incubation Program: Focuses on turning deep-tech research into marketable products and services.
- Social Impact Incubation Program: Focuses on developing scalable products or services that deliver a positive social impact.
Location Zurich, Switzerland
Eligibility/Qualification
- Applicants must hold a Master’s or Doctoral degree from ETH Zurich.
- Applications are open to a team of 1–2 entrepreneurs looking to commercialize their ETH research results.
- The applicant must present a promising and viable business case.
- The spin-off company must not yet be incorporated or involved in the project.
- The candidate and project must be fully supported by a host professor at ETH Zurich, who will guarantee free access to the necessary infrastructure and support for the duration of the fellowship.
Job Description Selected fellows are employed on a grant as scientific staff at ETH Zurich. The core objective of the role is to bridge academic research and commercial entrepreneurship. Fellows will utilize the 150,000 CHF grant to cover their salary and project-specific expenses (including equipment, software licenses, pre-clinical trials, market reports, and travel/field expenses). The primary responsibility is to develop the technology, validate the business model, and prepare the foundation for a successful spin-off company.
How to Apply Applications must be submitted electronically via the web-based ETH Zurich grant application system. The application package must be written by the candidate and include:
- A brief, non-confidential project summary detailing planned activities, market situation, and innovation potential.
- A detailed description of the idea, business model, IP licensing details, financial requirements, and expense milestones.
- The candidate’s full CV, including career goals and a publication list.
- A disclosure of any potential conflicts of interest.
- A signed letter of support from the host professor.
- A 2-minute video presentation of the project and motivation, submitted in MP4 format via Polybox.
Last Date for Apply There are two intakes every year. The deadline for the upcoming intake is September 1, 2026.
