Call for applications for startup teams from the academic community
NEW CALL FOR APPLICATION
As part of this call for applications, startup teams from the academic community can apply year-round for funding to commercialize their research findings.
Detailed information:
| Focus: | Transfer |
|---|---|
| Programme: | CZS Innovation Teams |
| Target group: | Scientists |
| Funding budget: | 600.000 € |
|---|
Goals
Through its call for applications for startup teams from the academic community, the Carl-Zeiss-Stiftung promotes the transfer of scientific research findings.
Funding is provided for personnel costs for potential founders as well as for expenses related to measures that specifically advance the transfer to commercial use.
The goal is to develop the technological and economic feasibility to the point where market-oriented follow-on financing by third parties becomes possible.
What are the application requirement specifications?
- The startup project must be based on the team’s own research findings.
- Initial insights into the potential business model, market potential, and customer needs are already available.
- The majority of team members must work on the project full-time.
- The team is supported by a mentor.
Who is eligible to apply?
Eligible applicants are research institutions in the CZS funding states and nonprofit technology transfer organizations (particularly technology transfer centers at universities) where potential founders can be employed during the funding period.
The target group consists of researchers who are in the final phase of their doctoral studies. Individuals are not eligible for funding.
Duration
The funding period is up to two years
Application
Applications may be submitted starting September 15, 2026, exclusively online via the Carl-Zeiss-Stiftung’s application portal. Registration is required.
The deadline for receiving applications is the last business day of February, June, and October.
Selection is carried out by a jury of experts, to whom each team presents its idea in a pitch. Up to three selection sessions are held each year, with a limited number of pitches per session.
The selection sessions will be held in person. The first session is scheduled for November 2026.
The exact date will be announced at a later time.
Questions?
For general questions, we are offering Q&A sessions on the following dates:
- August 12, 2026, 2:00 to 3:00 p.m.
- September 28, 2026, 3:00 to 4:00 p.m.
