open_innovation

There is currently no open call for proposals for this funding line. The next call for proposals for open_innovation projects will open in January 2026 and the deadline will be the March 15, 2026. 

Applications of this year are approved at the second meeting of the Commission for Education and Student Affairs in the Fall Semester, which takes place in October. Projects can begin no earlier than January 1 of the following year.

You can find answers to frequently asked questions here: FAQ open_innovation

The funding line open_innovation aims to enable experimental innovation at the module and course level. Everyone with an UZH account is eligible to apply. Successful projects are funded with a maximum of CHF 50,000 over two years. Applicants require the support of their study program directors. In the future, the earliest possible starting date for funding will be August 1.

The main criteria for the approval of open_innovation projects are:

• an innovative didactic idea,
• the potential transferability of the concept to other courses or study programs (model character),
• the sustainability (i.e. the longevity) of the course, and
• student involvement in the project.

Not all of the above criteria need to be met for a project to be approved.

If the time frame for an open_innovation project is too long for you, we offer the new micro_innovation funding line from January 2024. In this funding line, you can apply for up to CHF 4,000 via a short form (approx. 1 A4 page), which will then be approved within 14 days. The key criterion is that you can implement an innovation in your teaching quickly and unbureaucratically with this small amount.

Should you wish a personal consultation regarding your project idea, we look forward to receiving an e-mail from you at open@ulf.uzh.ch.