Transfer for new initiatives

DRIVE | transfer supports researchers, early career researchers and staff to launch innovation initiatives aiming at strategic activities generating lasting value through  

• building active interdisciplinary communities and networks;

• fostering collaboration between academia and industry, public sector, foundations, startups and players from the innovation ecosystem;

• transfering research into novel solutions or improvements in products and processes. 

Applicants may submit their proposals in English or German on the grants platform.
The full proposal includes the filled application form and the upload of the following documents:

• Questionnaire (executive summary, co-applicants, expected outcome, impact)blank application form (PDF, 286 KB)
• Description of work (project plan and timeline) project plan template (DOCX, 72 KB)
• Budget (incl. information on other funding sources)budget template (XLSX, 204 KB)
• Applicant's CV

The call is now closed. The next application deadline will be in Fall 2026.

The proposal resonates with the Innovation Hub‘s mission. The new initiative contributes to one or more of the four pillars «inspire, build, empower, nurture»see Annual report.  

• The initiative fits within the existing UZH ecosystem; other relevant initiatives and activities are mentioned and potential synergies are outlined

• The initiative addresses an interdisciplinary target group at UZH and/or practice partners

• The initiative will draw attention from industry, politics and/or the startup ecosystem

• The proposal convincingly describes how the initiative will create impact

• The proposal clearly outlines the sustainable, structural added value that the initiative is intended to achieve.

• The intended structure relies on excellent research, implies a high potential for translation, is future oriented and relevant to society and/or industry. 

The final selection is made by the VP Research, Prof. Dr. Elisabeth Stark, together with the board of Innovation Ambassadors.

• The funding can be used to cover personnel and material costs, as well as subcontracting.

• The funding is transferred yearly and can only be spent in the designated year. 

• No funding will be given for coordination only.

• The funding does not come with FTEs (full-time equivalents). 

• It is expected that the applicant co-finances the initiative with own funds from institutes, sponsors, partner institutions etc.; to be specified in the application. 

Can someone affiliated with an external institution apply?
Applicants must be affiliated with the University of Zürich (UZH). External co-applicants can be included, but the main applicant should be employed by UZH.

Can the awarded person be paird by a third party or receive salary as an in-kind contribution (in addition to DRIVE funding)?
Yes, this is possible, as long as the funding conditions are met and the applicant is eligible.

Are international partners allowed?
Yes, international partners are welcome if their involvement makes sense for the initiative.

Does the project need to be interdisciplinary?
Yes, the project should involve multiple disciplines within UZH to strengthen the internal ecosystem, even if external partners bring additional diversity.

Can an existing initiative be submitted, or does it need to be a completely new idea?
Existing initiatives can be submitted and scaled up using this funding.

Are there limits on the number of university or external partners?
There is no maximum number of partners, but each project must include at least one collaboration partner from UZH.

Can I clarify in advance if the initiative fits the purpose of the program?
Yes, you can contact the Innovation Office for a preliminary review before submitting a formal application.

When will I know if the application has been successful?
Eligibility is considered until the end of the calendar year, with final funding decisions communicated by early February.