Early-stage funding for start-up ideas by staff and students at DIZH universities.
The Founder Call of the Digitalisation Initiative of the Zurich Higher Education Institutions (DIZH) supports market-, society- or culture-oriented entrepreneurial projects in the context of digital transformation. Funding supports the development of a start-up idea towards a proof of concept. Existing start-ups and spin-offs are not eligible.
Eligibility
Staff and students of UZH, ZHAW, ZHdK and PHZH are eligible to apply. Applicants must be employed at a DIZH university for the entire project duration or provide confirmation of such employment.
Funding
- Up to CHF 75,000.–
- Up to 12 months
- Matching funds equal to the DIZH funding requested are required
Application process
Applications comprise a maximum of three pages and a pitch video of up to three minutes. Following an initial review, selected applicants are invited to a pitch presentation.
Timeline
- 29 September 2026: Information session at 16:00 at PHZH (room LAB-F055), registration available online
- 13 January 2027, 12:00 Swiss local time: Application deadline at 12:00 Swiss local time
- Early May 2027: Decision on the first application round and, where applicable, invitation to the second round
- 17 June 2027: Pitch presentations at PHZH
- July 2027: Funding decisions communicated