In 2015, the ZHAW adopted a new research strategy with the goal of attracting more funding from EU research funding programmes, making the ZHAW an attractive project partner for SMEs, industrial companies and universities from Switzerland and other European countries. The ZHAW has been participating in EU projects since the Sixth Framework Programme (FP6) and is one of the most successful universities of applied sciences in Switzerland in terms of project participation. The ZHAW stands out in particular for its involvement in projects covering a wide range of disciplines and topics: biotechnology, energy, transport and mobility, security, information and communications technology and many more. The projects cover the entire innovation chain – from basic research through to the market launch of new products.

The Euresearch network is commissioned by the State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation SERI to provide information on participation opportunities and procedures in European research cooperation. The Euresearch Office Zurich UAS is the central point of contact for members of the ZHAW, the Zurich University of the Arts (ZHdK) and the Zurich University of Teacher Education (PHZH) in connection with European research funding. It also plays an active role in supporting the private sector in the Zurich region (consisting of the cantons of Glarus, Schaffhausen and Zurich), an important aim of which is to encourage synergies between the ZHAW and private sector.