Deadline: 25 September 2023
Every year, one particularly innovative, technology-driven start-up from Switzerland receives the prestigious award. The winning companies are about to enter the market with their novel product idea.
Zürcher Kantonalbank, the largest Swiss cantonal bank, and the Foundation Technopark Zurich, a pioneer in technology transfer, are the sponsoring organizations of the award, which has been presented since 2001.
With a small budget, great ideas, and much courage they step into the unknown. To this day, cultural progress depends primarily on inventive talent and innovation. The Pionierpreis acknowledges the commitment and risk-taking of start-up founders. One of the most important innovation prizes in Switzerland, the Pionierpreis helps young companies to gain additional capital and the coveted quality label. It also gives them a stage to present themselves to the public.
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. Furthermore, students, academic assistants, academic staff, and postgraduate students preparing for their doctorate at any University in Switzerland or in Liechtenstein are eligible.
- The prize will be awarded to a project that introduces a new technology (product, process or concept) with innovative aspects at the frontier between science and industry. Emphasis is put on applicants who combine several ideas to form an innovative and competitive project. User-friendliness and marketability are additional factors considered by the jury.
Requirements
- A maximum of 6 years (prior to June 30 of the award year) applies to 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 2024, companies founded after June 30, 2018 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.
For more information, visit Technopark Zurich Foundation.
