Questions & Answers

Get answers on the Innovation Hub offers for students and reasearchers of the University of Zurich.

How do I know whether my startup idea is worth pursuing?

Start by defining your ideal customer and identifying the problem they are facing. 

Determine the value your idea can offer. Engage with potential customers to validate your idea and consider seeking a commitment to purchase your product or service once it will be available. 

You can receive support to evaluate the market potential of your idea in the Market Validation Lab, available for successful applicants of the Explorer Grant (students) or Innovation Grant (researchers).

How can I translate my research into real-world impact?

For certain research insights, creating a startup is one of the most impactful ways to generate value for society. However, there are many ways for research to benefit society.

Depending on the problem and the proposed solution, the best path might be a licensing agreement, an industry collaboration, an Innosuisse project, an open-source transfer, policy translation, an art installation, or something else entirely.

During a free initial consultation, we can identify the right path forward and connect you with suitable partner programs, whether within entrepreneurship or beyond it.

I wonder if I should file a patent to protect my findings?

Whether you believe your research is patentable or not, avoid public disclosure before seeking advice. Presentations, posters, grant abstracts or even website descriptions may affect patentability. 

Contact Unitectra  early with a prepared Invention Disclosure Form. Even if patent protection is not possible, it may still be worth exploring trade secrets, copyright or other intellectual property options. 

Which Innovation Hub offer is right for my stage?

We have grouped our core offers into three stages: Get Started helps you explore whether entrepreneurship is right for you. Take Action supports you in developing and testing your idea. Speed Up offers help to move towards spin-out and company incorporation.

If you are still exploring whether your idea has potential, start with a Venture Advice call or an entrepreneurship event like the Innovator Mornings to connect yourself. If you are ready to invest the time to validate the market potential, apply for the Explorer Grant (students) or Innovation Grant (researchers). 

If you are preparing  to launch a startup that is based on research, consider an Entrepreneur Fellowship. If you already have an incorporated startup with a UZH connection, check whether you meet the requirements for the UZH Startup Label.

How do I know if entrepreneurship is for me?

Learn more about what it means to be an entrepreneur in the XP-Labs and meet with other early-career researchers pursuing their career at our Innovator Mornings events. 

If you are in your master studies, the Minor in Innovation and Entrepreneurship might be for you.  

Should I contact the Innovation Hub before or after founding my company?

Contact us ideally before incorporation. Some UZH fundings are designed for projects before company foundation. If your project is already incorporated, we offer visibility, ecosystem connections or the UZH Startup Label.

Where is the Innovation Hub located and how can I get in contact?

The Innovation Hub is a conglomerate of multiple clusters and programs located across various campuses of UZH in Zurich, Switzerland. For any inquiries, please email us.

How can I get funding to turn my research into a product or service?

If you have a research-based idea that could solve a real-world problem and benefit individuals, organizations, or society through a product or service, you may be eligible for an Innovation Grant and an Entrepreneur Fellowship.
 
One team member must be employed as a researcher at UZH, and the startup should not yet be incorporated.

Can you help me get in front of investors?

While the Innovation Hub primarily supports early-stage startups and projects, we understand the challenges of securing investment. We offer guidance and have compiled a list of grants and investors as a good starting point. To get investment advice, you need to be an officially recognized UZH Startup (apply here).

Do you offer mentorship or access to experienced entrepreneurs?

We collaborate with entrepreneurs from UZH and externally. Join one of our events, apply for one of the coached programs or reach out to us to get connected.

Do you take equity for your support?

No, we do not take any equity for our support (for UZH members). If you become a successful entrepreneur, we are delighted to see you giving back as speaker, mentor, coach or sponsor to support future entrepreneurs.

Do you support student entrepreneurs or only researchers?

We support aspiring entrepreneurs at all levels, including bachelor’s and master’s students, doctoral candidates, postdocs, and other researchers. Our support includes workshops, bootcamps, funding, and individual guidance.

Bachelor’s and master’s students can apply for Explorer Grants, while researchers can apply for Innovation Grants. Entrepreneur Fellowships support research-based ideas with the potential to become products or services. 

Does the Innovation Hub support social innovation and impact startups?

Yes, the Innovation Hub supports ideas from any research disciplines and any application area. Since 2024, the UZH Entrepreneur Fellowships for a Sustainable Society support the development of science-based social innovation and impact-startups.

Can I work at UZH and launch a startup at the same time?

Yes. However, it is important that your secondary employment is disclosed and authorised. Potential conflicts of interest must be made transparent, especially if the startup interacts with your UZH role, research group, infrastructure, students, funding or intellectual property. Professors should clarify their role with the Department of Professorships before taking an executive, board or advisory role.

What is the difference between a UZH startup and a UZH spin-off?

A UZH spin-off is based on UZH research, inventions or intellectual property and translates these into new products, services or technologies. If your project is based on potentially patentable UZH research, contact Unitectra before public disclosure.

A UZH startup is a company with a relevant connection to UZH, usually through their founders, and was awarded with the UZH Startup Label. 

How can I get entrepreneurship coaching?

Our team offer initial advice on your project,  booked here. Please prepare basic information about your idea beforehand. We will give you tips on the next steps and point you to valuable resources. Participants of events and workshops get the chance to meet and work with successful entrepreneurs and win them over for their startup.

Can my startup collaborate with my UZH research group?

Yes, but collaborations between a startup or spin-off and UZH must be handled carefully. Any personal interest, equity position, advisory role, management role, consulting agreement or other involvement should be disclosed before a collaboration is started. Research agreements, including agreements without financial compensation, may need to be reviewed by Unitectra or UZH Legal Services before execution. Clinical research collaborations require particular caution and may need additional approval.

Do you provide access to facilities, labs, or equipment?

There are numerous facilities and technology platforms available for startups and innovation projects. Access to UZH infrastructure, offices, laboratories, equipment or technology platforms is not automatic. It usually requires approval by the responsible faculty, platform or infrastructure owner and may require a formal agreement. Check our Infrastructural Resources  page for further information. 

Can the Innovation Hub publish news about our startup or product?

Yes, we promote selected successes of UZH Startups on our communication channels. Typical news items include incorporation, funding rounds, grants, awards, partnerships, product launches, major milestones or founder stories. Please provide a short company description, a team picture and any relevant links. Connect with Dana Steger from our office.

What are success stories or examples of startups you have supported?

The UZH has many startups, including those using patents (spin-offs) or a founder's link to UZH.  Current numbers and a list of startups.

What are the requirements for startups to get the UZH Startup Label?

Startups bearing the official UZH Startup Label have a scalable and ethical business model, secured funding, a competent team, and a background at UZH. Apply for the label here. 

Can I work with the UZH Innovation Hub if I am an alumnus?

Yes, we are happy to collaborate with experienced entrepreneurs in workshops, as business coaches and guest speakers, or entrepreneur in residence to share your entrepreneurial journey with the new generation of innovators. Please reach out to info@innovation.uzh.ch.

How do you collaborate with service providers in the Startup Ecosystem?

We depend on collaborations with selected partners. Please reach out if you think we can build greater value together. You can reach us at info@innovation.uzh.ch.