ETH Pioneer Fellowship 2027 in Switzerland

The ETH Pioneer Fellowship is ETH Zurich's flagship incubation programme for entrepreneurial students and researchers who wish to commercialize research-based technologies into marketable products and services. The programme combines non-dilutive funding with systematic mentoring, entrepreneurship training, and access to ETH's world-class infrastructure.

Fellows receive:

• Funding as a lump sum to cover salary and project expenses

• Professional business coaching from experienced serial entrepreneurs

• Support from a host professor with access to laboratories and infrastructure

• Free enrollment in the ETH Certificate of Advanced Studies in Entrepreneurial Leadership in Technology Ventures (CAS ELTV)

• Access to ETH office spaces, meeting rooms, and the entrepreneurial ecosystem

• Participation in community and networking events

• Opportunities to pitch at the annual 3Pi Competition (3.14 minutes pitching battle)

Important: You can apply for only one of the two programmes — Deep-Tech or Global Development — not both.

Related: Learn more about ETH Entrepreneurship and ETH Zurich.

Successful Pioneer Fellows receive comprehensive support, including:

• Non-dilutive funding — No equity taken by ETH during the fellowship period

• Lump sum grant — CHF 120,000, CHF 150,000, or CHF 180,000 depending on programme and field

• Employment as scientific staff at ETH Zurich — (Wissenschaftliche Mitarbeitende) with social security benefits

• Professional business coaching — From experienced serial entrepreneurs with venture capital and start-up experience

• Host professor support — Scientific expertise, laboratory access, and infrastructure

• Free entrepreneurial education — CAS ETH Entrepreneurial Leadership in Technology Ventures (CAS ELTV) tuition covered

• For Global Development Fellows only — CAS at ETH NADEL Global Cooperation and Sustainable Development

• Access to ETH infrastructure — Office spaces, meeting rooms, laboratories, and ASVZ sports facilities at reduced rates

• Networking opportunities — E³ community events, investor connections, and industry partnerships

• 3Pi Competition participation — Annual pitching event to showcase projects to investors and peers

All applicants must submit the following documents through the ETH eResearch online grant application system:

• Project Summary — Overview of planned activities, market situation, and innovation potential (non-confidential)

• Detailed Project Description — Technology, market analysis, competitor analysis, customer benefits, commercialization strategy, technical and market analysis, milestones, work packages, and expected outcomes

• Intellectual Property Situation — Patent applications, software, freedom to operate analysis

• Financial Plan — Detailed budget for salary and project costs

• Applicant CV — Full CV including relevant publications and career goals

• Publication List — Relevant publications by the applicant and ETH host professor

• Letter of Support from Host Professor — Confirming full support, laboratory access, infrastructure, and exclusive rights to patents

• Disclosure of Potential Conflicts of Interest — For both applicant and host professor

• Supplementary Information — Any additional supporting materials

• 1–2 Minute Video Presentation — Showcasing the applicant, project, and motivation; uploaded to Polybox as MP4; link pasted into eResearch

Applicants must meet the following requirements:

General Requirements

• 1–2 entrepreneurial applicants who wish to commercialize research results from ETH Zurich

• ETH Master's or Doctoral students and ETH researchers (postdoctoral researchers, established researchers I/II)

• A company has not yet been incorporated — No legal entity exists prior to the fellowship start date

• Full support from a host professor at ETH Zurich — The professor must hold an ETH position for the entire fellowship duration and provide scientific support, laboratory access, and infrastructure free of charge

• A promising business case — With clear commercialization potential

Follow these steps to complete your application for the ETH Pioneer Fellowship:

1. Read the Programme Guidelines — Download and carefully review the Pioneer Fellowship Deep-Tech or Global Development Incubation Program guidelines from the ETH website

2. Confirm your eligibility — Ensure you meet all criteria including ETH affiliation, host professor support, and timing requirements

3. Develop your project proposal — Prepare a compelling business case with clear commercialization strategy and market analysis

4. Secure host professor support — Obtain a signed letter of support confirming laboratory access and IP rights

5. Prepare all required documents — Use the provided templates and follow naming conventions

6. Create your video presentation — Record a 1–2 minute MP4 video showcasing yourself and your project; upload to Polybox

7. Complete the online application — Submit through the ETH eResearch portal

8. Submit before the deadline — Ensure all documents are uploaded and the application is complete

9. Await pre-evaluation results — Check email for interview invitation or rejection notice

10. Attend interview — Prepare for in-person presentation and Q&A at ETH Zurich

11. Await final decision — Results announced within 3 months of deadline

Important: Submit your application a couple of days prior to the deadline to ensure proper processing. The application portal closes at 5:00 PM CET on the deadline date.