ZKB Pionierpreis Technopark 2026: Jury Selects Top 13 Deep-Tech Startups
The ZKB Pionierpreis Technopark 2026 has reached its next milestone: from a record 76 applications, the jury has selected 13 outstanding deep-tech startups to advance to the next stage of the competition. This represents an increase of around 40 percent compared to last year, marking the highest number of applications in the award’s history. The majority of submissions originated from the Zurich region, underscoring its role as Switzerland’s leading deep-tech hub. Almost two thirds of all applicants are working in artificial intelligence, highlighting the growing importance of AI-driven innovation across sectors.
Zurich, 20 January 2026 — Following an in-depth evaluation process, the eight-member jury shortlisted 13 startups whose technologies demonstrate strong innovation potential and clear paths toward market readiness. This group forms the basis for selecting the five finalists, who will present their projects at the award ceremony on 12 May 2026 at Technopark Zurich. The finalists will compete for the main prize of CHF 100,000, one of the most significant awarded deep-tech prizes in Switzerland.
More than half of this year’s nominated startups are developing solutions that contribute to a more sustainable future. The group includes three biotech companies and two robotics startups, reflecting the breadth of Switzerland’s deep-tech ecosystem.
The following startups have qualified for the next round (listed alphabetically):
Aseptuva (Bern), CCRAFT (Neuchâtel), Chiral Nano (Dübendorf ZH), FimmCyte (Basel), GlycoEra (Wädenswil ZH), KLARK (Landquart GR), NovaMea (Saint-Sulpice VD), RoBoa (Zurich), RTDT Laboratories (Zurich), Scrimber CSC (Thun BE), SolidWatts (Pully VD), Unbound Potential (Thalwil ZH), Winduction (Zurich).
A closer look at the entire applicant pool reveals strong academic and regional ties: 47 applications came from the Zurich region, while 16 were submitted from Western Switzerland. 36 percent of all startups have a connection to the Swiss Federal Institutes of Technology in Zurich or Lausanne, while 7 percent each are linked to the University of Zurich and Empa (Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology). Overall, 64.5 percent of applicants are active in artificial intelligence, machine learning, or related AI technologies.
About the ZKB Pionierpreis Technopark
For more than 25 years, the ZKB Pionierpreis Technopark has been awarded by Zürcher Kantonalbank and the Technopark Zurich Foundation, and is widely regarded as one of Switzerland’s leading deep-tech innovation awards. The prize recognises startups at a critical moment in their development — the transition from a validated innovation to market entry. The winning startup receives CHF 100,000, while two additional finalists are awarded CHF 10,000 each. In addition, an Audience Award worth CHF 5,000 is presented during the award ceremony.
More information: www.pionierpreis.ch
Contact
Dr. Matthias Hölling
Director Pionierpreis
Director Foundation Affairs
Stiftung TECHNOPARK® Zürich
+41 (0) 44 445 11 58
matthias.hoelling@technopark.ch