How to apply
Table of contents
Eligibility criteria
The following 4 eligibility criteria apply
- The applicant is an immatriculated bachelor or master student at UZH
- The proposed project is done outside the UZH curriculum
- The project clearly aims to test a hypothesis towards the incorporation of a startup
- The project applicant will be able to participate in the market validation workshops (dates published here)
Selection criteria
The UZH Innovation Grants are awarded based on the following 3 selection criteria
- Problem: The proposed solution addresses a relevant problem (a solution for this problem could generate substantial market and/or societal value)
- Idea: The proposed idea is innovative and has potential to solve the addressed problem
- Intention: The applicant is motivated to explore the market potential of the proposed idea and has planned the necessary resources (time and knowhow).
The two elements of your application
The application process to this program is designed to be lean. Your application consists of the following two elements:
- Participant and project details in application form
- Experiment plan describing how you will test your hypothesis
Prepare your application : Step by step
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Step I: Get in Contact with the UZH Innovation Team Submit your rough project idea for Advice for startups and innovation projects to find out how your application has the best chance to succeed. |
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Stage II: Prepare your application form Describe your project briefly inUZH Innovation Explorer Grant - Application Form (DOCX, 79 KB) |
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Step III: Your experiments hypothesis Show what you want to test, with whom and how UZH Innovation Explorer Grant - Experiment Plan (DOCX, 81 KB) |
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Stage IV: Send in your application Proofread, make sure everything is in place and true to your best knowledge. Send both files to support@innovation.uzh.ch If you have questions, get in touch. |
Q&A
How can the funding be used?
The funding can be used to pay materials (e.g. for a prototype, platforms), travel (e.g. to meet with important stakeholders), data and tokens (e.g. AI), or for outsourcing (e.g. programming, design).
The funds cannot be used to purchase personal computers or pay yourself a salary.
Who is eligible to apply?
The main applicant must be a student currently studying at the University of Zurich. This includes bachelor and master level. If you are a researcher, take a look at the Innovation Grant.
Do I need a team?
No, you can apply as a solo founder. But we encourage to apply with a co-founder or a team, because the success rate is usually higher. You can bring a student from another university or without university affiliation if they are good fit.
What is expected in return?
No equity or intellectual property is claimed by UZH Innovation by attending the program. However, we expect each particpant to deliver the following minimal requirements:
- At least 10 customer interviews, documented with learnings during the market validation lab
- Placement of ULF engage_now logo on pitch decks and websites
- Presentation of the results at the end of the program during the Innovator Mornings