Implementing Innovation Projects
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Are you developing new products or services, leveraging new technologies, and looking to collaborate—for example, with a university or an innovation hub? The Canton of Zurich offers targeted support for innovation projects. Here you can find out what services are available and how to proceed.
Key Points at a Glance
- SMEs in the Canton of Zurich receive support for their innovation projects from selected experts through the AHEAD innovation program
- Innovation projects carried out in collaboration with universities can receive financial support through Innosuisse.
What support options are available?
AHEAD Innovation Consulting
AHEAD supports founders and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the development and implementation of innovations. The focus is on practical support: from the initial idea through feasibility studies and on to implementation.
DIZH: Digitalization Projects in the Canton of Zurich
The Digitalization Initiative of Zurich Universities (DIZH) supports research and innovation projects related to digitalization. Funding is provided for projects developed in collaboration with a Zurich university. The DIZH is aimed at companies that develop digital solutions or fundamentally rethink existing processes.
ETH Exploration Lab
The ETH Exploration Lab brings companies together with researchers and students at ETH Zurich to identify, test, and develop innovative technologies. The focus is on practical collaboration across multiple levels: strategic dialogues, hands-on projects, and access to talent.
ZHAW Institute for Innovation and Entrepreneurship
The ZHAW Institute for Innovation and Entrepreneurship supports companies and stakeholders in the economic system of the Canton of Zurich in developing entrepreneurial initiatives as well as in analyzing, designing, and managing innovation processes.
Innosuisse: Innovation Projects with University Partners
The Swiss Agency for Innovation Promotion (Innosuisse) supports innovation projects between companies and universities. The focus is on the development of new products, processes, or services .
Zurich Innovation Ecosystem: Networking and Consulting
Through Innovation.Zurich and the cantonal business development agency, companies receive consulting and networking support. These organizations help identify suitable funding programs and establish contacts with universities, companies, and startups.
What are the requirements?
Requirements vary by program. Typically, projects must meet the following criteria:
- Demonstrate a verifiable level of innovation
- Demonstrate economic potential
- Have clearly defined project objectives
- For Innosuisse and DIZH: demonstrate a partnership with a university or research institution
How to proceed
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Describe your project as precisely as possible: What is to be developed or improved? What benefits will the project bring to your company and the market? A clear project concept is the foundation for any discussion with funding organizations or universities.
Determine early on whether collaboration with a university or research institution is advisable or necessary for the desired program. Innovation Zurich and the Canton of Zurich’s economic development agency can help you find suitable partner institutions.
Check whether your project fits with AHEAD, DIZH, ETH Exploration Lab, Innosuisse, or another program. Pay attention to submission deadlines and the required documents.
Note: The information on this page is for guidance only and is not exhaustive. Details should be clarified with experts or the relevant authorities as early as possible.
Contact
Amt für Wirtschaft – Standortförderung
Montag bis Freitag
8.00 bis 12.00 Uhr und
13.30 bis 17.00 Uhr
