Thanks to the newly established “Entrepreneur Fellowship for Sustainable Society” program, talented early-career researchers are becoming entrepreneurs. The program facilitates the transfer of innovative solutions that address environmental and social challenges into the market.
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Shaping a sustainable society and economy has never been more important than it is today. By focusing on sustainability, the University of Zurich is now actively promoting another issue of great social relevance through an entrepreneurial approach. The Entrepreneur Fellowships for Sustainable Society enable innovation in the fields of renewable energy, the circular economy, and environmentally friendly energy sources, as well as social innovation.
The existing research activities at UZH in the field of sustainability and their interdisciplinary intersections provide an ideal foundation for this. The new program is aimed at young researchers with promising projects in the natural sciences—such as chemistry, earth sciences, and plant sciences—as well as in economics, the humanities, and the social sciences. Within the latter, the fields of ethics, psychology, and political science are particularly noteworthy. Here lies the potential to develop a marketable product from an idea. Researchers who are committed to a sustainable future thus become entrepreneurs. Projects with an interdisciplinary character are expressly sought, and both technical and social innovations are considered.
Through your support, you empower young researchers to become part of the next generation of entrepreneurs. In addition, you help raise awareness of sustainability in the business world and foster a greater sensitivity to environmental issues. With your commitment, you actively contribute to the promotion and development of forward-looking services and products. In doing so, you provide the fellows with the support they need to turn their ideas into reality and thus contribute to sustainable change. A positive side effect: Switzerland is promoted as a hub for business and startups, and attractive jobs are created in addition to products and services.
UZH students and doctoral candidates who have a business idea based on their research findings and can demonstrate the support of a professor serving as a mentor are eligible to apply.
A committee of experts from UZH and the private sector selects the suitable candidates for the fellowship. The selection criteria focus on whether the project demonstrates significant innovation potential, excellent scientific quality, and high economic feasibility. The personal potential and entrepreneurial spirit of the applicants are also key factors.
Interested candidates can find further information on the application process at the UZH Innovation Hub.
