What’s next_Project

[Translate to English:] 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.

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

Participants 2025

Para

Tabea Wschiansky

Innovative rain gear for people in wheelchairs

Tabea’s work features innovative outerwear specifically designed for wheelchair users, including an adjustable raincoat and a leg protector. Thoughtfully placed pockets and zippers ensure easy access and enhanced usability.

More about Para
 

Image: © Tabea Wschiansky

    ON FIRE

    Simona Boscardin

    Refreshing journalism
    ON FIRE is a satirical news show which aims to engage younger audiences by offering a humorous take on news and politics in Switzerland, making it easier for them to stay informed.

    More about ON FIRE
     

    Image: © Simona Boscardin

      Fresq

      Dzhuliia Kolodko

      Connecting museum curators with audiences through AI
      Reliq introduces dynamic media for a more personalized museum experience. By leveraging modern technology, Reliq redefines curatorial practices, enabling visitors to engage more deeply with artworks through background information and simplified navigation.

      More about Fresq

      Image: © Dzhuliia Kolodko

        Previous participants

        Participants 2024

        N'KO-LAB
        Klervie Mouho, MA Visual Communication

        KIM - Nachhaltige Kontrolle invasiver Mücken für urbane Gebiete
        Meret Jans, BA Industrial Design

        NEUNOI
        Narada Zürrer, BA Industrial Design

        Participants 2023

        Gaze Contemporary
        Joshua Amissah, BA Trends & Identity

        Strobo
        Susanne Barthl, Hanna Hodžić, Flavia Bienz and Jill Böhringer, MA Trends & Identity

        hooq
        Janick Zumofen (BA Industrial Design), Livia Zumofen and Beat Müller

        Participants 2022

        Flink
        Zoë Urand and Roman Engler, BA Interaction Design

        Maison Verte
        Christoph Ibrahim, BA Trends & Identity

        ARIS by ISYO
        Stella Waldvogel, BA Industrial Design

        Sai Bot
        Tobias Gutmann, MA Fine Arts

        Participants 2021

        Elements
        Timo Flury (BA Industrial Design) and Severin Meier (MSc Mechanical Engineering ETH)

        netzwerk wildi blaatere
        Johanna Benrath, Sarah Gailer, Fiona Schreier, Chloé Bourgogne, Lea Niedermann and Johanna-Maria Raimund, BA and MA Theatre

        Somebodyelse
        Eliane Zihlmann, Raffaele Grosjean (BA Industrial Design) and Pascal Felber (MA Game Design)

        Participants 2020

        5am Games
        Selina Capol, Martina Hotz and Aleksandra Iakusheva, BA Game Design

        Age Lab
        Stefan Zahler, MA Design

        Futuress
        Eliot Gisel, MA Art Education

        Participants in the pilot phase November 2017 - June 2019

        Ateliers Dätwyler
        Brigitte Dätwyler, Lecturer BA Art Education

        Null-state / Chaosflöte
        Melody Chua, MA Music Performance and MA Transdisciplinary Studies

        Sphery
        Anna Lisa Martin-Niedecken, Game Design

          Impressions Founders Night 2024