Impact Funding Resources
Every year, as part of the jury for the ZKB Pionierpreis Technopark, I get the privilege to see some of the most exciting innovations in Switzerland. From deep-tech and medtech to cleantech and robotics.
End Date22 Sep 2025 Funding AmountCHF 100k Funding Resource TypeInnovation Award
Funding ProviderZürcher Kantonalbank (ZKB),TECHNOPARK® Zürich
Innovation Award
Zürcher Kantonalbank (ZKB),TECHNOPARK® Zürich
Who should apply?
Start-ups with smart ideas – cleverly implemented
Entitled to take part in the competition for the Pionierpreis are any Swiss companies or their designated representatives that fulfil the assessment criteria below. Furthermore, students, academic assistants, academic staff, and postgraduate students preparing for their doctorate at any University in Switzerland or in Liechtenstein are eligible.
Evaluation Points
• Creativity
• Innovative value
• Social relevance
• Marketability/business model
Additional information
A maximum of 6 years (prior to June 30 of the award year) applies to at least one the following:
• Since the company was founded (date of entry in trade register)
• Since patents for biotechnology projects were applied for
So, for the award of the year 2026, companies founded after June 30, 2020 can apply.
Ideas in project stage can be submitted if the company to realize the project will be founded in the following year. This must be clearly evident and supported by documents. The applicants’ personal contribution to the project idea must be obvious and the proposed project may not have been developed because of an assignment commissioned by a third party.
