[ Gebert Rüf Stiftung - InnoBooster | Market-oriented research ]

Gebert Rüf Stiftung (GRS) was established in 1998 by entrepreneur Heinrich Gebert as a science and innovation foundation. Its objective is to promote «Switzerland as a top location for business and as a place to live». As a private funding agency guided by its mission statement «making science effective», it supports entrepreneurial projects, which are committed to achieving an impact.

The programme InnoBooster supports university-based, high-potential business cases from the Venture Kick programme with the aim of substantially accelerating their market entry. In particular, it supports proposals where a R&D or design boost can speed up the success of the deep tech business case.

Who can apply: applicants employed at Swiss universities or research institutions (ETH Domain, cantonal university, university of applied sciences)

Your project MUST:

• Already be in the Venture Kick process
• Already be approved by a funding programme (BRIDGE PoC, Innosuisse, EPFL Innogrant or similar)
• Rooted at Swiss universities or research institutions (ETH Domain, cantonal university, university of applied sciences)
• Be beneficial to society

• For: salaries and materials costs directly related to the project.
• Does NOT cover: infrastructure or overheads.

1. Informal access: submit a 1-2 page abstract to [email protected] well ahead of the deadline for proposals.
2. Proposal: 1 February, 1 May, 1 September and 1 December (every year) at 23:59 
3. Interview: with GRS Board of Trustees (upon invitation)

1. Informal Access: Submit a 1-2pp. abstract of your project, incl. alternatives, to [email protected] well ahead of the 1st stage deadlines (listed above): GRS will assess your chances of receiving a grant and, if favourable, invite you to submit your proposal for the closest deadline.
2. Proposal: Submit your complete proposal in a single PDF to [email protected]:

• Project proposal form (max 5 pages)
• Accompanying letter
• Letters of endorsement from a funding programme (BRIDGE PoC, Innosuisse, EPFL Innogrant or similar) and from (potential) customers, investors, industry partners
• For non-independent PIs: Letter of Support from the Head of the Unit.
• Other attachments: bibliography, tables, diagrams and graphs.
• Prepare a 3-minute video pitch and send it by the call deadline to [email protected] or via DropSend or WeTransfer.