On Wednesday evening, October 7, the ZHAW Sustainability Booster will kick off its next round with the 2026 Kick-off Event. The program is aimed at people with sustainable startup ideas, existing startups looking for new team members, and anyone who wants to actively engage in sustainable entrepreneurship.
The ZHAW Sustainability Booster is kicking off a new round. Its kick-off event will take place on Wednesday evening, October 7, 2026. The program is aimed at people with sustainable startup ideas, existing sustainable startups looking for new team members, and anyone interested in sustainable entrepreneurship who wants to actively get involved in a project.
At the kick-off, participants will have the opportunity to learn about sustainable startups and ideas. Startups and idea creators can present their projects and specifically seek out co-founders, employees, interns, or other supporters. Following the pitches, a networking reception will provide a space for one-on-one conversations, exchanges, and the formation of new teams.
The Sustainability Booster helps participants further develop sustainable ideas and turn them into startups. In addition to startup visits, the program includes free coaching sessions, targeted workshops, and networking events followed by a reception. The goal is to turn ideas into concrete projects and advance sustainable solutions with entrepreneurial potential.
The program is looking for people from a wide variety of backgrounds. Founders of sustainable startups who want to expand their team and further develop a concrete idea as part of the Booster program are welcome to apply. Individuals with their own sustainable ideas who want to test them and advance them collaboratively with others are also encouraged to apply. Even those who don’t yet have their own idea but would like to join a sustainable startup or project are invited to participate.
In general, all topics that contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals are welcome, from ecological, social, and economic perspectives.
The program will take place on Wednesday evenings from October through November 2026. The kick-off will take place at Technopark Winterthur, and the closing event will be held at the ZKSD, the Zurich Knowledge Center for Sustainable Development. The workshops will take place at ZHAW near the main train station, and the coaching sessions will be held online. In addition, there will be optional visits to sustainable startups.
At the end of the program, teams can present their projects at a pitching event. Prizes will be awarded for the best ideas:
Participation in the entire Sustainability Booster program, the startup visits, and the networking events is free of charge. Register via this link: Sustainability Booster Application | Startup Campus CRM
Further information about the ZHAW Sustainability Booster can be found here: ZHAW Sustainability Booster | ZHAW Zurich University of Applied Sciences
