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Z-Kubator

What’s next_Project

The incubator programme for entrepreneurial projects

The call for applications for What's next_Project 2026 is available here. Application deadline: 14 September 2025

What's next_Project is aimed at ZHdK graduates and research staff who wish to develop projects with an entrepreneurial focus in the arts, design and education. The programme is supported by the Zürcher Kantonalbank.

Which kind of projects can be supported?
Innovative projects with a pioneering character that were started as part of a study or research project, are to be further developed with an entrepreneurial strategy and have the potential to achieve a positive impact

The programme offers the following support:
_Financial support
_Campus Card allowing access to infrastructure in the Toni Campus
_Mentor/s with relevant industry knowledge and experience
_Coaching by subject matter experts
_Peer-to-peer feedback from programme participants
_Programme workshops on topics related to entrepreneurial thinking and action
_Opportunities to network and to showcase projects

For whom?
Applications are open to ZHdK bachelor's and master's graduates from all disciplines up to a maximum of two years after graduation (graduation in 2023 and later) as well as current ZHdK junior researchers wishing to commercialise a research development and/or found an organisation.

Jury

Sandro Alvarez-Hummel, Communications & Crowdfunding Expert, wemakeit and Stiftungslabor
Yves Burgener, Programme Manager Z-Kubator
Jill Kayser, Future Designer & Co-Founder Strobo Futures, What's next_Project Alumna
Philipp Kotsopoulos, Head of Z-Kubator
Nadja Stäubli, CEO & Creative Director Sula

Applications
Application deadline: 14 September 2025

The complete call for applications with the link to the online application form is available here.

Any questions?
We encourage you to join one of the following online Q&A sessions to learn more about the programme and to find out whether your project is good fit.

Thursday, 21 August 2025, 12:00 - 13:00
https://zhdk.zoom.us/j/66772696937?pwd=C8AuXXw6xAJsEw9wGXmEbh1vMQqFUi.1
Meeting ID: 667 7269 6937
Password: 281206

Thursday, 4 September 2025, 12:00 - 13:00
https://zhdk.zoom.us/j/61737554977?pwd=MozjwUcX3j94gUIaaCCbw4rWOL3IpN.1
Meeting ID: 617 3755 4977
Password: 104469

Z-Kubator contact
Yves Burgener, +41 43 446 20 87

Call for applications What's next_Project 2026

Call for applications What's next_Project 2026

Participants 2025

Para

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Fresq

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