The third round of WinLab funding has begun. Companies, universities, associations, and other organizations have until August 19, 2026, to submit innovative project ideas and develop them further in collaboration with the City of Winterthur.
The WinLab digital living lab is launching its third call for proposals. Companies, universities, associations, and other organizations now have the opportunity to use their ideas to boost Winterthur’s innovative strength and appeal as a location. The call seeks co-creative projects that contribute to the Smart City Strategy 2030. Selected projects will be further developed in collaboration with the City of Winterthur and partners from the regional innovation ecosystem. Project ideas can be submitted via the WinLab co-creation platform through August 19, 2026.
Developing Project Ideas Together
WinLab is an open innovation model of the City of Winterthur. It brings together government, business, academia, and other stakeholders so that innovative ideas can be introduced early on, developed collaboratively, and tested under real-world conditions.
The co-creation platform serves as a digital meeting place for innovators from Winterthur. It facilitates exchange, networking, and the collaborative development of new solutions.
Once the submission phase is complete, the WinLab management team reviews the submitted projects based on the applicable funding criteria. The highest-rated project teams are then invited to a pitching event. The next pitching event will take place on September 7, 2026.
There, the teams will present their ideas to the WinLab community and answer questions. Afterward, the community will vote on the submitted projects. The selected projects will be proposed to the City of Winterthur for co-creative funding.
Five Projects from the First Two Funding Rounds
Approximately 50 project ideas were submitted during the first two funding cycles. Five of them were selected for funding.
The selected projects include an AI tool for city mapping, a digital model for urban greening, and a citizen network for measuring air quality. Also receiving support are an open living lab for physical AI and robotics, as well as an interactive learning and experience center focused on biodiversity.
The projects can begin once funding has been approved by the City of Winterthur and a performance agreement has been signed. The WinLab project team will provide support throughout their implementation.
Project ideas for the third funding round can be submitted through August 19, 2026.
Further information and participation:
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