Entrepreneurial support beyond the research environment
With UPortunity, ETH Zurich is closing a gap in its entrepreneurship support ecosystem. While researchers can benefit from programs such as the Pioneer Fellowship incubation programme and the “ETH spin-off” label, there has so far been no comparable support for graduates whose business ideas are not based on ETH research.
“There’s an incredibly large number of talents and ideas at ETH. Through this new program, we can now support individuals who have developed a promising business idea during their studies and are looking to turn it into a successful venture after graduation,” says Cornelia Walther, UPortunity Program Director.
Numerous projects with entrepreneurial potential are launched each year particularly in the Student Project House. Many students develop initial prototypes, test ideas and gain experience there. However, the step to establishing a start-up often remains challenging.
To support entrepreneurs at this stage, ETH Zurich introduced its start-up label last year. With UPortunity, these recognised start-ups now also have access to a dedicated support programme.
“Our structured support helps to bring technologies to market more quickly,” says Walther. “Many start-ups would succeed even without support. However, with the right network, mentors and financial backing, they can progress much more quickly.” ”
Which is more important: the technology or the team?
Teams with up to five members can participate. The main applicant must either have graduated with a degree from ETH within the last two years or be in the final phase of their studies.
The prerequisite is a convincing business idea with a functional prototype. The projects must also be independent from ETH research and the university’s intellectual property. UPortunity is thus addressed specifically at start-ups and not at traditional ETH spin-offs based on research results.
However, it is not just the technology that counts for selection. “For us, the people behind the venture are at least as important as the project itself,” stresses Walther. A strong team can often be more decisive than a particularly sophisticated technical solution. “With the right people behind it, even a less groundbreaking idea can become a successful company.”
A three-month fellowship and a project budget of CHF 5,000
New cohorts are launched twice a year. Up to three members of a selected team receive financial assistance and support by way of a fellowship for three months and an additional project budget of CHF 5,000. The teams work on their project at the Westhive co-working space in Zurich West – regardless of whether they have already founded their start-up or are on their way to do so. Following the intensive three-month programme they can remain at Westhive for another nine months and continue to use the network and the space, free of charge.