The "First Ventures" program empowers Swiss university students to turn academic ideas into startups. It offers up to CHF 150,000 in funding and coaching across a three-stage model, bridging the gap between an early concept and a market-ready business.
Imagine sitting in a lecture when suddenly you have a flash of inspiration – a brilliant idea on how to overcome a current challenge. You feel the enormous potential of this idea and dream of turning it into your own project or even a successful startup.
But often, initial enthusiasm is followed by disillusionment: you lack the necessary know-how and have no idea how or where to actually start. This is exactly where the "First Ventures" program by the Gebert Rüf Stiftung comes in, offering you the chance to turn your vision into reality.
First Ventures
First Ventures is the ideal stepping stone for visionary Bachelor's and Master's students, as well as recent alumni of Swiss Universities of Applied Sciences, who want to take the bold step from campus into entrepreneurship. Because brilliant business ideas from practice-oriented theses often end up in a drawer due to a lack of resources, this program bridges the critical early phase. It combines a substantial financial boost of up to CHF 150,000 in total with top-notch business coaching. This provides you not only with the necessary freedom for your research but also the methodological tools to build a viable business model with genuine social added value from an innovative concept.
You can be sure: Every Idea is welcome. Following chart shows the amount of projects that could have come from the department you are studying in.
Funding Model
The path to your own startup funding follows a structured three-stage model that accompanies you step by step to market readiness. In the "PROOF" phase, you test feasibility and develop initial prototypes over three months with up to CHF 25,000. This is followed by the "VALIDATE" phase, where you validate your business model through pilot projects and user feedback over six months with up to CHF 50,000. Finally, in the "EXECUTE" phase, you focus on market entry and scaling for nine months with an additional CHF 75,000. Depending on the maturity level of your idea, you can go through these phases sequentially or jump directly into a higher level.
Requirements
To receive funding, you must be a student or alumi (max 6 month) at your University of Applied Sciences and provide a letter of support from your university – the best approach is to contact your head of degree program directly. After a successful application you will be employed by your University. The funding flows primarily into your team's salaries and material costs, though you can cleverly reserve up to 10% of the budget for external expertise.
Next Steps
When you are ready, you can start at any time:
First, submit a short abstract by email for an initial assessment. Upon a successful initial assessment, you must involve your head of degree program or lecturers at the latest. Afterwards, you write a proposal. The official application is submitted via a web portal with four annual deadlines: February 1st, May 1st, September 1st, or December 1st.Those who pass the pre-selection process receive professional pitch training before presenting the project via Zoom to the Board of Trustees. The best part: the final funding decision is often made within one to two days after the pitch. Take the leap – your idea deserves to change the world!
Should you receive funding, it is important that you start the ZHAW spin-off process.
Mirco Egloff (mirco.egloff@zhaw.ch) is available to answer any questions you may have.
Important Links
Spin-offs - ZHAW Intranet | First Ventures | Example of Project application
FAQ
How do I get employment for my project at ZHAW?
Your supporter/head of degree program will contact ZHAW HR for this. You will receive an employment contract at XY% that corresponds to the salary in the funding agreement.
What should be included in a letter of support?
The letter will be written by your ZHAW supporters. It should include that the ZHAW supports your project and thinks it is valid. Additionally, they have to confirm to employ you in the case of a successful First Ventures application.
Here is an example of a letter of support
I'm not sure if my idea is good. How can I find out?
Before you write a complete application you should write a short abstract to First Ventures. They will guide you if an application makes sense.
Who receives the funding money if I am funded?
The financial funds are transferred to ZHAW. You will receive an employment contract from ZHAW for your salary. Additionally, a project will be set up and a PSP element will be created. You can then invoice a wide variety of expenses through this PSP element. The funding is completely at your disposal. You do not need to budget for overheads or reserves (as is usually required for projects at ZHAW).
What is a funding agreement?
A funding agreement clarifies the terms of funding between First Ventures and you/ZHAW.
