What Makes a Strong Proposal

Read the full guidelines carefully
Uni Basel affiliation clearly stated
Clearly link your project to the program`s goals
Provide solid data and evidence for your concept
Book an intro call with the Innovation Office
IP preliminary check with Unitectra
Willingness to iterate & develop based on feedback
Craft a clear, concise, and compelling narrative

Common Reasons for Rejection

Weak alignment with program goals
Vague or unrealistic budgets
No startup translation plan or intention
Insufficient data or concept validation
No market analysis or differentiation
Incomplete or late submission
Proposal mostly funds basic research / materials
Poor writing or lack of clarity

Investor Relations

Facilitated introductions to relevant investors and funding networks.
Support in preparing investor-ready materials and pitches.
Access to investor-focused events and pitch sessions.

Visibility

Participation in high-profile visibility events.
Promotion through official communication channels.
"University of Basel Startup" logo for branding and recognition purposes.

Workshops

Access to thematic workshops tailored for early-stage startups, designed to help you identify and navigate key challenges in translating scientific research into market-ready solutions.

Office Space

Free access to the Innovation Garage`s co-working space and meeting rooms.
Free use of the Innovation Garage`s address for company incorporation (available for up to 18 months after receiving the grant).

Visibility

Participation in high-profile visibility events.
Promotion through official communication channels.
"University of Basel Startup" logo for branding and recognition purposes.

Office Space

Free access to the Innovation Garage`s co-working space and meeting rooms.
Free use of the Innovation Garage`s address for company incorporation
(available for up to 18 months after receiving the grant.

Investor Relations

Facilitated introductions to relevant investors and funding networks.
Support in preparing investor-ready materials and pitches.
Access to investor-focused events and pitch sessions.

Workshops

Access to thematic workshops tailored for early-stage startups, designed to help you identify and navigate key challenges in translating scientific research into market-ready solutions.

CREATE / Propelling Grant

Welcome to the Propelling Program, your gateway to transforming groundbreaking academic research into impactful societal innovations.

At the Innovation Office, we are committed to supporting researchers like you in bringing your discoveries and ideas to life. Our Propelling Program is designed to help you navigate the journey from academia to entrepreneurship, providing you with the resources, funding, and mentorship needed to succeed.

Scientific researcher showing his research to an investor

Numbers

since 2018

100+

Number of applicants

Projects Funded

Incorporation in Progress

Startups Founded

The Propelling Grant is designed to assist you, researchers affiliated with the University of Basel, in transforming your discoveries into start-ups.

Offering up to 50,000 CHF per project, this grant can propel your project forward by:

Assessing and refining your business model while developing your business plan.
Supporting you in developing a long-term vision to translate your research from the lab to the market.
Checking your product-market fit by understanding customer needs.
Guiding the development of a robust R&D roadmap through regulatory navigation.
Crafting a comprehensive incorporation plan to establish your company effectively.
Expanding your network to key experts and potential partners.

The Propelling Program Workplan

Applicants must have active affiliation with the University of Basel:

PhD candidates

Postdocs

Research assistants

Professors

University employees

Ensure affiliation is current at time of submission and for the entire time of the Propelling Grant.

If you are solely affiliated with the University Hospital Basel (USB) or the University Children’s Hospital of Basel (UKBB), you are not eligible.

Eligible projects include those that have already validated their concept or technology, as well as those that have developed their first prototype.
The grant provides up to 50,000 CHF for a period of up to six months as non-dilutive funding. You are free to propose how you will use the funds as part of the evaluation process. However, your proposed budget shouldn't mainly cover basic research, experiments and consumables.

Depending on the maturity of your project, the Evaluation Board may require you to allocate part of the funds to a specific coaching program, decided on a case-by-case basis.

Awardees are required to have regular exchanges with the Innovation Office (start, mid- and end-project) about:

the results of the scientific/technical validation;

an improved version of the strategy for the next steps (including but not limited to: business plan, market roadmap, next funding, etc.)

Submission Deadlines and Interview Dates

The call for projects is always open. Evaluation occurs twice a year, in Spring (February/March) and Fall (October/November).
Application Documents:
Propelling Grant Application Form (DOCX, 178 KB)
Propelling Grant Slide Deck Template (PPTX, 303 KB)
Evaluation Process & Timeline (DOCX, 18 KB)
To apply, complete a brief online form and upload two documents:

Propelling Grant Application Form (Word document).

Propelling Grant Slide Deck (PowerPoint template).

Please ensure that all submitted information is non-confidential.

For more details, refer to the Evaluation Process & Timeline document. While timelines might vary due to administrative processes, selected applicants will be invited for an in-person pitch/interview with the Evaluation Board.