The project has original and unexpected aspects, ideally revealing a degree of simplicity. An audacious, genuinely novel approach will be valued higher than complex engineering.
Application
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 below. 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.
The deadline for applying for the ZKB Pionierpreis Technopark 2025 has elapsed on 23 September 23 2024. Nominees and Finalists will be announced early in 2025 and on 20 May 2025 the Pionierpreis will be awarded to one of the over 50 applicants. After the 20 May 2025, applications will open up again for the award of the year 2026.
The project has a unique value proposition because it addresses a user-oriented problem. Often the fact that someone is willing to pay for this product or solution indicates a need.
The sales targets point to broad usage of the final product or service. For non-profit projects, the corresponding value creation must be documented. The project is in line with ethical standards and UN sustainability goals.
The business will need to be elaborated and must have added value for users. A realistic financing plan must be presented. Regarding the stage of development, the jury expects a functioning software for IT projects (no mock-ups), if possible, with first users; a working model for hardware projects and successful animal trials for pharma-related projects. The older the company is, the more is expected in terms of technology maturity and business traction.
Additional information
A maximum of 6 years (prior to June 30 of the award year) applies to at least one 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 2025, companies founded after June 30, 2019 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.
Items appended to the application
The following documents are to be enclosed with the application:
- A one-page resume of the applicant
- A list of the main people operationally involved in the project, including their affiliations
- A 3–4-page description of the project with a focus on the technology and how it will create value, emphasizing its unique selling propositions and describing its market potential
- A business plan or corporate presentation (addressing product, market, management team, finances, business model, distribution, and marketing)
- A list of patents (if any) for the project, including publication numbers
- One or two letters of reference emphasizing the uniqueness of the product or idea and assessing its potential
- The contact details of at least two more people who can potentially provide references if shortlisted
Additional information
The application documents may be submitted in English or German. Defective or incomplete application documents will not be considered. All applications will be treated confidentially. However, we do not sign any confidentiality agreement. The jury will contact applicants if they consider it necessary to pass the documents to additional certified experts. There is no right of appeal against the jury’s decision.
Each finalist’s projects will be portrayed in a short video. The company that is portrayed may use the video for its own purposes. The copyright lies with the Technopark Zurich Foundation and Zürcher Kantonalbank and may be displayed on their websites and for advertising purposes.
Timelines
| 21 May 2024 | Beginning of application period for Pionierpreis 2025 |
| 23 September 2024 | Deadline for submitting applications for Pionierpreis 2025 |
| March 2025 | Announcement of 3 finalists for Pionierpreis 2025 |
| 20 May 2025 | Award ceremony for Pionierpreis 2025 |
Application Form
The deadline for applying for the ZKB Pionierpreis Technopark 2025 has elapsed on 23 September 23 2024. Nominees and Finalists will be announced early in 2025 and on 20 May 2025 the Pionierpreis will be awarded to one of the over 50 applicants. After the 20 May 2025, applications will open up again for the award of the year 2026.
Contact
Please submit your documents using the application tool. For inquiries contact:
Dr. Matthias Hölling
Team Leader Foundation Areas
Technopark Zurich Foundation
Technoparkstrasse 1
8005 Zurich
Switzerland
Unfortunately, some people seem to have trouble with the provided online form. Should this be the case, please, use the e-mail address hc.kraponhcet@sierpreinoip to submit your application.