Validate the potential
► Application open - apply by 1 March 2026
The UZH Innovation Grants program is an early stage support for research-based innovations at the University of Zurich.
| For | Doctoral candidates, Postdocs and established researchers eager to discover pathways to create real value with their innovations. |
| Output | A quantified value proposition. This provides the basis for attracting partners, investors or innovation funding for the implementation of the research-based idea. |
| Input | Candidates for this program bring a research-based innovation in any field and a strong motivation to translate the innovation into new products, services or processes. |
| Program | The recipients of the Innovation Grants join the Market validation program |
| Funding | CHF 10’000 to support the market validation process. |
Key dates
| Call | opens in January 2026 |
| Deadline for submission | 1 March and 15 September (23:59 CET) |
| Funding decision | One month after submission deadline |
| Market validation program | Next dates on program website |
| Project duration | 6 months |
| Final presentation | Participants present their findings at the Innovator Mornings summer edition. Next date is 23 June 2026. |
What are next steps after the Innovation Grant?
Possible next steps after this program
- Bring the innovation to customers by founding a UZH Startup
- Develop the solution and business concept further with UZH Entrepreneur Fellowships
- Continue the development of the solution with an implementation partner
- Close the project or pivot towards another solution if the validation of the initial idea did not show promising results. Note that this outcome is not a failure but a natural event in innovation and the exploration of market opportunities.