Student Project Fund
Receive funding for your innovative sustainability project!
What is the Student Project Fund?
The Student Project Fund is part of the Sustainable Impact Program, aimed at establishing sustainability as an integral part of ZHAW culture and community.
The fund helps you turn your project idea into reality. Sustainable development thrives on creativity, diversity of perspectives, a willingness to experiment and continuous learning processes. That is exactly what we want to promote. Whether you work alone or in a team, this fund is about taking action, gaining practical experience, courageously trying out new approaches and learning. We offer advice and resources to support you.
Up to CHF 10'000 for your project!
- Your project can take many forms and you also have the option of combining it with your academic work, e.g. with seminar papers, bachelor's or master's theses.
- The project budget can include hourly rates (based on ZHAW rates) and material costs.
- We welcome any questions and are happy to advise and support you!
Evaluation criteria, requirements and recommendations
Evaluation criteria
- Impact for sustainable development: The project makes an effective contribution to sustainable development.
- Project management and interdisciplinarity: The project has a clear structure, an adequate schedule (compatible with everyday student life and the remaining duration of studies) and a realistic budget.
- Visibility and dissemination: The project has a clear communication plan.
Requirements
- The project manager must be enrolled at ZHAW until the end of the project (in the case of co-project management, this applies to person submitting the application).
- Your project is not purely start-up funding (projects within or in collaboration with start-ups are possible). For the targeted establishment or expansion of start-ups, you can benefit from other offers, such as Impact Entrepreneurship.
- Funding goes directly to students and their projects and is not used to finance regular tasks of ZHAW employees, such as teaching or supervising final theses. However, project-related funding for additional, clearly defined consulting or support services is possible.
- Air travel will not be financed.
Recommendations
The following points are not mandatory, but are an advantage for the evaluation process:
- An interdisciplinary project team
- Long-term perspective
- Connection to the ZHAW community
- Reflection on the social dimension of sustainability
- Inclusive communication
2025 Deadlines
- 05 October 2025
Do you have any questions? Milena can help you!
Past projects
FAQ
|
Question |
Answer |
|---|---|
| What happens if my project is selected? | Then comes the exciting part! After you have received an email from ZHAW sustainable with practical information, you can start your project and secure funding according to your project plan. |
| What is included in the financing? | The grant covers all project costs, from the pen for the project plan to the train you take to an important meeting. All we ask is that you are transparent and responsible and keep us informed about the progress of your project. Without exception, flight costs will not be covered. |
| How are the funds disbursed? | For your project, you can either have the invoices addressed to the ZHAW (processing in 1-2 weeks) or send a form for "individual compensation" (processing in 1-2 months). The direct payment of working hours is only possible for people with a valid residence and working permit in Switzerland. |
| What is considered a sustainability issue? | Sustainability has a broad spectrum: we accept submissions for all environmental, social and economic projects - and any combination in between. We like to be surprised! |
| Can I resubmit my project after it has been rejected? | Yes, you can reapply. However, make sure that you have taken into account the feedback you received with your first application. |
| Can I submit several projects? | Yes - As long as the projects you submit are different from each other, you can submit as many applications as you have ideas for! |
| How do you decide which projects you want to support? | With the support of a broad-based Evaluation Board, we pursue a balanced evaluation process based on a series of transparent criteria and application process. |
| I am studying and need help with my application. Is that possible? | If you need help with the application, coaching to refine your ideas or anything else related to the fund, please contact sustainable@zhaw.ch and we will be happy to support you! |
| I’m not sure I understand the difference between a project and a startup. | A start-up is a broad-based entrepreneurial venture characterised by an ongoing, evolving process with no defined end point and flexible outcomes. In contrast, a project is a focused initiative with a specific timeline, a clear beginning and end and clearly defined outcomes. Usually, a startup comprises several projects that contribute to its success and goals. Consequently, your startup can benefit from Impact Entrepreneurship, but (also) individual projects (such as pilot initiatives) can be submitted to the Student Project Fund. |
