ETH Pioneer Fellowship 2026 in Switzerland: The Complete Guide for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

The ETH Pioneer Fellowship 2026 offers ambitious students and researchers a life-changing opportunity to turn cutting-edge research into real-world ventures at ETH Zurich, Switzerland’s top-ranked technology university. Whether your focus is deep-tech or making a global social impact, this fellowship provides the resources, training, and network to build the foundation for your ETH spin-off.

Basic Information about the Scholarship

Application Deadline: September 1, 2025 (5 pm, Swiss time).
Funding Amounts: Up to CHF 150,000 for 18 months (or 12 months for a team of two fellows).
Fellowship Duration: 10–18 months.
Next Interview Dates: Deep-Tech Track: October 23, 2025; Social Impact Track: October 28, 2025.
Final decision: Announced about 3 months after the application deadline.

University/Institution Details

ETH Zurich (Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich)

Renowned for excellence in STEM, innovation, and entrepreneurship.
Consistently ranked as a top global university.
Host of Switzerland’s most vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Study Areas (Available Program Names)

The Pioneer Fellowship is available for all research fields at ETH Zurich, with the following main tracks:

Deep-Tech Incubation Program: ICT, Space Technology, Engineering, Life Sciences, Pharma, Medtech, and other advanced technology disciplines.
Social Impact Incubation Program: Projects designed to benefit people living on less than $10 per day in low- and middle-income countries (OECD DAC List countries).

Scholarship Benefits

Fellows receive a comprehensive support package, including:

Funding up to CHF 150,000 (approx. $170,000 USD): Covers salary and project costs for up to 18 months.
Employment at ETH Zurich: As scientific staff, offering salary, benefits, and full access to university infrastructure and labs.
Coaching and Entrepreneurial Training: Personalized mentorship, business development skills, and CAS (Certificate of Advanced Studies) courses.
Support from Host Professor: Academic and entrepreneurial guidance.
Networking: Access to ETH’s innovation community, investors, and alumni.
Operational Resources: Office/laboratory space, technical facilities, and collaborative startup events.

Benefits Not Included

Health insurance.
Visa application fees.
Spin-off company incorporation costs.
Legal, patent, and tax expenses for business formation.
Personal and private expenses (outside project scope).
Additional research funds tied to employment (fund combination restrictions apply).

Eligibility Criteria for the Scholarship

To apply for the ETH Pioneer Fellowship 2026, you must meet the following requirements:

Be a Master’s or Doctoral student, or researcher at ETH Zurich (or under certain conditions, related institutions with ETH-originated IP).
Have an entrepreneurial project based on ETH research (technology, software, or IP).
Not have incorporated a company yet.
Have the support and endorsement of an ETH Zurich host professor.
Provide a promising business case.
For Social Impact Fellowship: Serve populations living on less than $10/day in an eligible country (OECD DAC List).
Demonstrate entrepreneurial mindset and project feasibility.

Required Documents for the Application

Prepare and submit the following as individual PDF files (max 15 MB each):

Detailed project summary (project proposal and market assessment).
Information on intellectual property rights (IP situation).
Applicants’ CV(s).
List of publications (if any) by applicant(s) and host professor.
Letter of support from host professor.
Supplementary supporting documents (financial plan, relevant evidence).
1–2 minute video presentation introducing the project (upload to Polybox, provide link).

File Naming Convention Example:

FamilyName_Project_Summary.pdf
FamilyName_IP_Situation.pdf
FamilyName_Applicant_CV.pdf

Scholarship Application Process (Step-by-Step Guide)

Read Program Regulations: Carefully review ETH Zurich’s official Pioneer Fellowship regulations for the Deep-Tech or Social Impact track.
Engage Host Professor: Secure support from a professor at ETH Zurich who will host and mentor your project.
Prepare Documents: Gather all required documents described above, following naming and file format instructions.
Create Presentation Video: Record a 1–2 minute video about your project and your motivation.
Access Application Portal: Go to the web-based ETH ‘eResearch’ application system.
Upload Documents: Submit all files and video links as instructed.
Submit Application: Complete and confirm submission before the deadline (September 1, 2025, 5 pm Swiss time).
Selection & Interview: If shortlisted, attend an in-person interview at ETH Zurich.
Await Final Results: Decisions are communicated approximately 3 months after deadline.

Tips for a Successful Application

Articulate Vision and Impact: Clearly state how your project solves a significant problem and its social or technological relevance.
Demonstrate Feasibility: Present a concrete plan showing technical viability, business potential, and scalability.
Showcase Entrepreneurial Drive: Emphasize your commitment, creativity, and ability to execute.
Engage Feedback: Seek early input from ETH faculty, advisors, or previous fellows to strengthen your proposal and pitch.
Be Thorough and Compliant: Follow all file formatting, naming, and submission guidelines exactly—small errors can disqualify your application.

Monthly Living Expenses for International Students in Zurich (USD Estimates)

Zurich is renowned for its high standard of living and costs. Here’s a typical monthly budget in USD:

Expense Type	Estimated Monthly Cost (USD)
Accommodation	$800–1,400
Food	$350–550
Health Insurance	$280–450 (mandatory)
Transportation	$90–130
Miscellaneous	$220–330
Total	$1,740–2,860

Why Choose This Scholarship? (Top 5 Reasons)

Generous Funding: Up to CHF 150,000 (approx. $170,000) fully supports your transition from research to entrepreneurship.
World-Class Network: Access to top-tier scientific infrastructure, expert mentors, and the vibrant ETH Zurich innovation ecosystem.
Flexible Tracks: Options to pursue deep-tech commercialization or make a social impact in emerging markets.
Career-Defining Experience: Employment as ETH staff, unique entrepreneurship training, and exposure to investors and industry leaders.
Launchpad for Global Success: High success rates for ETH spin-offs and a stamp of excellence that opens doors globally.

Frequently Asked Questions about the ETH Pioneer Fellowship

Q1. Who can apply for the ETH Pioneer Fellowship?
Only current ETH Zurich master’s, doctoral students, or researchers with a project based on ETH research/IP.

Q2. Are international students eligible to apply?
Yes, all nationalities are eligible provided the research and application are based at ETH Zurich.

Q3. Is prior business experience necessary?
No, but a strong entrepreneurial mindset and vision are essential.

Leiden University Excellence Scholarships 2026 in Netherlands:

Q4. Can I hold other scholarships simultaneously?
No, not if it’s another grant linked to an ETH employment contract, but some external supplemental funding may be permissible.

Q5. What happens if my project fails to launch a startup?
There’s no repayment required, and learning and growth are central to the fellowship’s philosophy.

Q6. Must I move to Switzerland?
Yes, as you’ll be employed by ETH Zurich and must participate in-person for training, interviews, and project work.

Q7. What is the main application language?
English.

Q8. Can I reapply if rejected?
No, repeat applications are not allowed if you were previously rejected.

Q9. When do I start the fellowship after selection?
The project must start 3–9 months after the application deadline.

Pursuing the ETH Pioneer Fellowship 2026 can catalyze your entrepreneurial journey, giving you access to world-class mentorship, funding, and Switzerland’s leading research and startup ecosystem. Ensure your application is thorough, visionary, and well aligned with global impact—for a real chance to build the future.