ETH Pioneer Fellowship
Fellowship
Discover how to join
ETH Pioneer Fellowship
including requirements, application process, and compensation and explore other programs to join!
Fellowship
The Pioneer Fellowship bridges academic research and entrepreneurship at ETH Zurich. The program recognizes that breakthrough innovations require both technical excellence and entrepreneurial capability. Fellows receive substantial funding, dedicated coaching, and access to ETH's research ecosystem to commercialize discoveries. The dual-track approach reflects commitment to both technological innovation (Deep-Tech) and sustainable development (Social Impact).
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The Pioneer Fellowship aims to support the commercialization of ETH research by providing funding and resources to promising startups in both deep-tech and social impact sectors.
Applications for the 2026 cycle closed on March 2, 2026. The next cycle information will be available on the ETH Entrepreneurship portal.
Fellows receive funding of CHF 120,000 for 12 months in the Deep-Tech track and CHF 150,000 for 18 months in the Social Impact track.
Participation in the program is free for selected fellows.
The application deadline for 2026 was March 2, 2026, with interviews scheduled for May 7, 2026, and final decisions made approximately three months post-application.
The program requires a full-time commitment from participants.
The program requires in-person participation at ETH Zurich.
The program has been featured in scholarship and fellowship directories and recognized as Switzerland's premier deep-tech commercialization program.
Prospective applicants should ensure they have a strong business case and support from an ETH host professor.
Q: Who can apply? A: ETH Master or Doctoral students and ETH-affiliated researchers. Q: What is the funding amount? A: CHF 120,000 for Deep-Tech and CHF 150,000 for Social Impact.
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