The 1st Founder Call enables projects from the idea to the proof of concept that aim to establish a start-up or spin-off. The fight against disinformation, real-time robotics or the promotion of teamwork – the range of projects is diverse.
The Founder Call in the innovation program was launched for the first time in summer 2023. By funding the step from pure start-up idea to proof of concept, potential founders can show that their conceptually developed projects can be realised in practice. Funding is provided at universities during the “incubation phase”, during which questions of technical and economic feasibility can be validated. The project ideas selected in the first evaluation stage by the members of the innovation panel were presented by the applicants at a pitch final in November 2023. The pitches took place in front of mixed juries consisting not only of members of the innovation panel, but also experts from the Zurich and Swiss start-up scene.
The approved projects are characterised by their innovative strength and their contribution to digital transformation. Digital technologies and applications are used in various areas, e.g. in the development of a smartwatch to promote concentration or an app for training interpreters. Whether it is the visualisation of historical texts, the development of AI-driven user manuals, digital biomarkers for the assessment of fatigue or clinical diagnoses, all projects rely on advanced technologies to tackle challenges and create innovative solutions. Financial support for these projects is provided by the DIZH special credit with a maximum funding of CHF 75,000 per project and a project duration of up to 12 months. During this period, the approved project teams develop a proof of concept and thus lay the foundation for the establishment of their start-up or spin-off.
The application for the 2nd Founder Call is planned for autumn 2025. The 2nd Structure Call is currently being advertised. More information on the calls