ETH Pioneer Fellowship 2025 in Switzerland

The ETH Pioneer Fellowship 2025 allows aspiring entrepreneurs to transform their innovative ideas into impactful startups. The Fellowship supports entrepreneurial ETH students and researchers in transforming research-based technologies into marketable products and launching ETH spin-offs. Fellows receive CHF 120,000 for 12 months (ICT/Engineering/Others) or CHF 180,000 for 18 months (Life Sciences/Pharma/Medtech). Five to six Deep-Tech Incubation Pioneer Fellowships can be granted per call.

Hosted by ETH Zurich, this fellowship provides funding, mentorship, and resources to bridge the gap between academia and industry. Benefits include coaching, entrepreneurial training, professor support, ETH infrastructure access, and an innovation ecosystem. The ETH Zurich Foundation provides funding. The application portal will open on February 3, 2025. The application deadline is 3 March 2025

Institution Details

• Name: ETH Zurich (Swiss Federal Institute of Technology)
• Location: Zurich, Switzerland
• Ranking: Consistently ranked among the top 10 universities globally for engineering and technology.
• Programs: Supports postgraduates and researchers in creating technology-driven startups.
• Duration: Up to 12-18 months.

Study Areas

The ETH Pioneer Fellowship supports innovative projects across a wide range of disciplines, including:

• Engineering and Technology: Robotics, Artificial Intelligence, and Electrical Engineering.
• Computer Science: Software Development, Cybersecurity, and Data Science.
• Life Sciences: Biotechnology, Bioinformatics, and Medical Devices.
• Material Sciences: Nanotechnology, Advanced Materials, and Manufacturing.
• Environmental Sciences: Renewable Energy, Sustainable Solutions, and Climate Change Technologies.
• ICT
• Entrepreneurship

ETH Pioneer Fellowship Benefits

Funding and Employment

• Funding Amount: CHF 120,000 / 150,000 / 180,000 (covers salary and project expenses).
• Employment Status: Fellows are employed as ETH Zurich scientific staff (Wissenschaftliche Mitarbeitende).
• Certificate of Advanced Studies (CAS)

Usage of Funds

• Residual funds (after salary deductions) can be used for project-related expenses, such as:
  • Running costs.
  • Travel, field expenses, and industry fairs.
• Expenses must strictly support the project (refer to guidelines for detailed rules).

Others:

• Access to ETH Zurich’s cutting-edge infrastructure and labs.
• Personalized mentorship from industry experts and ETH professors.
• Opportunities to network with investors and industry leaders.
• Training in entrepreneurship and business development.

Key Highlights

Intellectual Property

• Intellectual property (IP) developed during the fellowship is owned by ETH Zurich.
• Fellows can commercialize their results through a license agreement with ETH transfer.

Equity Participation

• If a spin-off is created, ETH Zurich acquires 2% equity at incorporation.
• No repayment is required if a company is not founded.

3 Pi Competition

• A flagship event where Fellows pitch their projects in 3.14 minutes to compete for recognition and prizes.

Benefits Not Included

• Health insurance.
• Visa application fees.

Eligibilities of ETH Pioneer Fellowship

• Entrepreneurial Applicant: Must aim to commercialize research results from ETH Zurich.
• Eligibility: Open to ETH Zurich Master’s or Doctoral students and researchers.
• No Existing Company: The applicant must not have already incorporated a company.
• Host Professor Support: The project must have full backing from an ETH Zurich professor.
• Promising Business Case: Demonstrates strong potential for commercialization.
• Social Impact Projects (Optional): For social impact fellowships, the business must serve individuals living on less than $10/day in low- and middle-income countries

Required Documents

• Detailed project proposal.
• Curriculum Vitae (CV).
• Letters of recommendation from ETH Zurich faculty or industry professionals.
• A detailed list of financial requirements
• Potential conflicts of interest (if any)
• 2-minute-long presentation video of project and motivation. Must be submitted via Polybox in MP4 format.
• Proof of previous research or academic achievements.
• Business model canvas or startup roadmap (if available).

ETH Pioneer Fellowship Application Process

1. Visit the official ETH Zurich website to access the application portal.
2. Complete the online application form with all necessary details.
3. Upload required documents, ensuring they meet specified formats.
4. Submit the application before the deadline.
5. Await confirmation and, if shortlisted, prepare for an interview or presentation.

Tips for a Successful Application

• Highlight the societal or technological impact of your project.
• Ensure your proposal demonstrates feasibility and scalability.
• Seek feedback from ETH faculty or mentors before submission.
• Showcase your entrepreneurial mindset and commitment to innovation.
• Prepare a strong pitch to present your vision clearly during interviews.

Monthly Living Expenses for International Students in Zurich

Zurich is one of the most expensive cities in the world, so budgeting is essential. Here’s an estimate of monthly expenses:

• Accommodation: CHF 700–1,200 (shared apartments are more affordable).
• Food: CHF 300–500 (cooking at home saves costs).
• Transportation: CHF 80–120 (monthly public transport pass).
• Health Insurance: CHF 250–400 (mandatory in Switzerland).
• Miscellaneous: CHF 200–300 (entertainment, clothing, etc.).
• Total (approx.): CHF 1,530–2,520 per month.

Why Choose This Opportunity?

The ETH Pioneer Fellowship offers a unique platform to turn your research into reality while gaining invaluable entrepreneurial experience. It combines financial support, mentorship, and global exposure, empowering you to make a tangible impact in your field.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Who can apply for the ETH Pioneer Fellowship?
   Graduate students and researchers affiliated with ETH Zurich with an innovative project idea.
2. Can I apply if I am not an ETH Zurich alumnus?
   No, the fellowship is exclusively for ETH Zurich graduates and researchers.
3. Is prior entrepreneurial experience required?
   No, but candidates must demonstrate a strong entrepreneurial mindset.
4. What happens if my startup fails during the fellowship?
   The fellowship focuses on learning and growth, so failure is considered a valuable part of the process.
5. Can I work on my project part-time during the fellowship?
   No, the fellowship requires full-time commitment to ensure project success.

Official Link for More Details and Application

Visit the official ETH Zurich website for detailed guidelines and application:
ETH Pioneer Fellowship