How to apply
Table of contents
Eligibility criteria
The following 4 eligibility criteria apply
- The applicant is a doctoral candidate, researcher or staff at UZH
- The proposed project is based on UZH research
- The proposed project clearly fits the purpose of the UZH Innovation Grants
- 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 three elements of your application
The application process to this program is designed to be lean. Your application consists of the following three elements:
- A 3 minute pitch video
- Your current CV
- Project description entered into the application form
Prepare your application : Step by step
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Step I: Create a profile on the grant platform Create a profile on the grants platform and fill in your contact information. You can leave your application as a draft and submit your application later. |
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Stage II: Prepare your video submission Prepare to present your project in 3 minutes. Note that the video needs to explain your proposed project in a stand-alone manner. Your video message should address the following points:
• Idea: Explain your idea and why it is innovative.
Record your video using the technology of your choice (smartphone, video meeting software or similar). Note that the applicant needs to be talking in the video. It is usually helpful to include a few slides/images to explain the problem and your idea. |
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Step III: Answer the questions in the application form In brief words, how will the Innovation Grant help you to move your innovative idea one step closer towards implementation? Also explain how your idea is related to your area of research. |
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Stage IV: Choose your innovation area In the application form you need to choose the area that best fits your innovation. You can choose between i) Bio&MedTech, ii) Digital Innovation, iii) Sustainable Society and iv) Other. Your choice helps us to identify the expert best suited to evaluate your project. |
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Stage V: Supervisor support letter (for doctoral students only) Doctoral students applying for the Innovation Grant need to submit a support letter from their supervising professor, confirming that he/she supports this work and that the student will have the necessary time to work on the project. If you have questions about the mentor letter, get in touch with the UZH Innovation Office: support@innovation.uzh.ch. |
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Stage VI: Submit your application Finalize your application and upload your video on the grants platform. |
Q&A
How can the funding be used?
The funding can be used to pay salaries (e.g. co-worker for project), materials (e.g. for a prototype, platforms), travel (e.g. to meet with important stakeholders) or for outsourcing (e.g. set up a website).
The funds cannot be used to purchase personal computers or related equipment.
Who is eligible to apply?
The main applicant must be a researcher with an employment at the University of Zurich. This includes doctoral candidates, Postdocs and established researchers. This criteria has administrative reasons.
Do you need a team?
We encourage researchers applying for an Innovation Grant to participate with a team or at least accompanied by another person. However, that person does not have to be a potential co-founder – a colleague or Master student interested in getting a hands-on experience of market validation would be a good fit. You can use one part of the funding to hire this person.
How can Master students be involved?
Master students with a research-based idea can build a team with a researcher at UZH in order to apply for the Innovation Grant together.
How to hire a student without an employment at the UZH?
If you use parts of your fund to hire a student without employment at the University of Zurich complete and sign this Declaration regarding Results and Confidentiality. The payment will be conducted over a lump-sum payment (Pauschalzahlung). Please contact your institute for more information.