ETH Pioneer Fellowship 2026- Fully Funded

Job Description

ETH Pioneer Fellowship

Are you an entrepreneurial ETH Zurich student or researcher with a groundbreaking idea? The ETH Pioneer Fellowship offers one of the strongest incubation programs in Europe providing substantial funding, world-class coaching, and direct access to ETH’s ecosystem to help you launch a successful spin-off company.

What is the ETH Pioneer Fellowship?

Running for over 15 years, the Pioneer Fellowship is ETH Zurich’s flagship incubation program. It supports visionary entrepreneurs in transforming cutting-edge research into market-ready products and scalable companies. From next-generation robotics and cancer therapies to sustainable agriculture and innovative climate solutions, Pioneer Fellows are shaping the future.

Why Apply to the Pioneer Fellowship?

This program stands out because it combines generous non-dilutive funding with deep entrepreneurial education, strong mentorship, and direct pathways to investors and industry partners. ETH retains IP ownership initially, but provides clear licensing routes for your future spin-off.

Key Details

• Application Portal Opens: July 1, 2026
• Deadline: September 1, 2026 (5:00 pm Swiss time)
• Interviews: Deep-Tech on October 29, 2026 (Global Development TBD)
• Final Decisions: Approximately 3 months after deadline

Two Powerful Tracks (Choose One)

1. Deep-Tech Incubation Program

Designed for ambitious technologies in ICT, Space Tech, Engineering, Life Sciences, Pharma, and Medtech. This track offers:

• CHF 120,000 for 12 months (ICT/Space/Engineering/Others)
• CHF 180,000 for 18 months (Life Sciences / Pharma / Medtech)

2. Global Development Incubation Program (formerly Social Impact)

For projects that create meaningful social impact for people living on less than 10 USD per day in low- and middle-income countries (OECD DAC List 2025 eligible).

• CHF 150,000 for 18 months

Important: You can apply to only one track per call.

What You Receive as a Pioneer Fellow

• Generous lump-sum funding (salary + project costs)
• Personalized coaching and entrepreneurial training
• Support from your host ETH Professor
• Full access to ETH Zurich infrastructure and labs
• Integration into the vibrant ETH entrepreneurial ecosystem
• Free participation in prestigious CAS programs (CAS ETH Entrepreneurial Leadership in Technology Ventures + Global Cooperation for Global Development track)

Who Can Apply?

Eligible candidates must meet these key criteria:

• ETH Master’s or Doctoral students and researchers
• One entrepreneurial applicant committed to commercializing ETH research
• No company incorporated yet
• Strong support from an ETH Zurich host professor
• Promising business case with clear market potential
• For Global Development track: clear focus on serving bottom-of-the-pyramid populations

How to Apply

• Applications are submitted through the official ETH Zurich grant portal: eResearch.
• Required documents include Project Summary, IP Situation, CV, Publication List, Host Professor Support Letter, and a 2-minute video presentation.
• Make sure to carefully read the official Pioneer Fellowship Guidelines before applying.
• Ready to launch your deep-tech or impact-driven venture?
• Apply for the ETH Pioneer Fellowship 2026
• Contact: pioneer@ethz.ch

Apply Now!