CYD Proof of Concept Fellowships 2026 in Switzerland

The CYD Proof of Concept Fellowship is a program launched by the EPFL Research Office and the CYD Campus in Switzerland to fund applied research projects that develop proof-of-concept cyber-defence solutions. The program supports researchers, startups, and technology entrepreneurs to transform ideas into practical products or services with commercialization potential, hosted at CYD Campus facilities and partner institutions in Switzerland. Funding is provided per project and aims to advance security-related technologies with real-world impact.

Access to CYD Campus facilities, mentoring, collaboration opportunities with academia and industry, and pathways to entrepreneurship and commercialization networks.

Applicants from around the world may apply. They must hold or currently pursue a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Doctoral degree and be hosted by a Swiss higher education/research center, their own startup based in Switzerland, or EPFL Innovation Park.

A two-stage process: Stage 1 pre-proposal evaluation, Stage 2 full proposal submission; applicants are matched with a mentor for endorsement before advancing.