The CYD Proof of Concept Fellowship Program 2026 is now accepting applications from talented innovators, researchers, and future entrepreneurs with groundbreaking ideas in cyber-defence and security technologies.
Jointly launched by the EPFL Research Office and the Cyber-Defence (CYD) Campus in Switzerland, this prestigious fellowship supports applied research projects that aim to develop proof-of-concept solutions capable of addressing real-world cyber-security challenges.
The program is part of the broader CYD Fellowships initiative and is specifically designed to help innovators transform research ideas into practical products or services with strong commercialization potential.
With funding of up to CHF 130,000 per project, the fellowship offers a unique opportunity for researchers, startups, and technology entrepreneurs from around the world to work in Switzerland’s advanced cyber-defence ecosystem.
About the CYD Proof of Concept Fellowship
The CYD Proof of Concept Fellowship is a specialized research and innovation initiative focused on strengthening cyber-defence capabilities through applied scientific and technological development.
The fellowship encourages applicants to build innovative solutions that can contribute to:
- Cyber-security enhancement
- Digital trust technologies
- AI-driven cyber-defence systems
- Data science for security applications
- Privacy-preserving technologies
- Information-sharing systems
- Cyber-physical system protection
Selected fellows will conduct their projects at the CYD Campus facilities located within the campuses of EPFL and ETH Zurich, as well as at the CYD headquarters in Thun, Switzerland.
The program is ideal for entrepreneurs and researchers who want to bridge the gap between academic research and real-world cyber-security solutions.
Fellowship Objectives
The CYD Proof of Concept Fellowship aims to:
- Support innovative cyber-defence research projects
- Encourage entrepreneurship in cyber-security
- Develop practical proof-of-concept technologies
- Promote commercialization of research outcomes
- Strengthen Swiss cyber-defence capabilities
- Foster collaboration between academia, startups, and innovation sectors
The program seeks highly motivated applicants capable of transforming innovative ideas into scalable and impactful security solutions.
Areas of Research and Innovation
Projects submitted under the CYD Proof of Concept Fellowship must address at least one of the following cyber-defence themes:
1. Cyber and Cyber-Physical System Protection
Projects focused on improving:
- Confidentiality
- Integrity
- Availability
- Resilience of digital infrastructures
2. Information Sharing and Data Fusion
Research involving:
- Secure information-sharing systems
- Crowdsourcing technologies
- Collaborative cyber-intelligence platforms
- Threat intelligence fusion systems
3. Data Science and AI for Cyber-Defence
Innovations using:
- Artificial Intelligence
- Machine Learning
- Predictive analytics
- Big data analysis
- Cyber-threat detection systems
4. Security, Privacy, and Digital Trust Technologies
Projects involving:
- Privacy-enhancing technologies
- Encryption systems
- Identity management
- Digital trust frameworks
- Secure authentication systems
Fellowship Duration
The CYD Proof of Concept Fellowship is awarded for a duration of:
- 12 months
By the end of the fellowship period, fellows are expected to deliver a working proof of concept demonstrating the feasibility and potential impact of their innovation.
Funding and Financial Support
The fellowship provides substantial financial support to selected applicants.
Maximum Funding Amount
- Up to CHF 130,000 per project
Eligible Costs
Funding may cover:
- Personnel expenses
- Development costs
- Research-related expenses
- Technical implementation costs
- Prototype development
- Innovation and testing activities
The funding is specifically intended for costs directly linked to the realization of the proposed project.
Applicants are encouraged to carefully review the official application guidelines for detailed information on eligible expenditures.
Who Can Apply?
The CYD Proof of Concept Fellowship welcomes applicants from around the world.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Applicants of any nationality are eligible
- No age restrictions apply
- Applicants must hold or currently pursue:
- A Bachelor’s degree
- A Master’s degree
- Or a Doctoral degree recognized in Switzerland
- Applicants must be hosted by:
- A Swiss higher education research center
- Their own startup based in Switzerland
- Or EPFL Innovation Park
This fellowship is especially suitable for:
- Cyber-security researchers
- AI innovators
- Startup founders
- Technology entrepreneurs
- Data scientists
- Privacy and digital trust specialists
Host Institutions and Research Environment
The CYD Fellowship provides access to one of Europe’s leading innovation ecosystems.
Main Institutions Involved
- EPFL (École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne)
- CYD Campus
- ETH Zurich
- armasuisse Science and Technology
Participants benefit from:
- Advanced research infrastructure
- Access to cyber-defence experts
- Collaboration opportunities
- Entrepreneurial mentoring
- Exposure to innovation and commercialization networks
Application Process
The CYD Proof of Concept Fellowship uses a competitive two-stage application process.
Stage 1: Pre-Proposal Evaluation
Applications are first reviewed by an internal CYD Campus committee.
Evaluation criteria include:
- Applicant suitability
- Alignment with CYD Campus goals
- Innovation quality
- Relevance to cyber-defence priorities
Mentor Interview
Shortlisted candidates are assigned a prospective CYD mentor who conducts an interview.
Only applicants endorsed by their assigned mentor can proceed to the next stage.
Stage 2: Full Proposal Submission
Endorsed candidates must submit a detailed full proposal outlining:
- Technical approach
- Innovation potential
- Project implementation
- Expected outcomes
- Commercialization opportunities
Final decisions are made by a committee chaired by the Director of the CYD Campus alongside representatives from:
- Swiss higher education institutions
- Innovation sectors
- CYD Campus leadership
Required Application Documents
Applicants must submit all required documents through the official online submission platform.
Important notes:
- All documents must be submitted in English
- Applicants should carefully review the official application toolkit and guidelines before submission
Deadline
- Rolling applications are currently open
Since applications are accepted on a rolling basis, early submission is strongly recommended to maximize selection opportunities.
Why You Should Apply
The CYD Proof of Concept Fellowship offers an exceptional platform for innovators seeking to build impactful cyber-security technologies.
Key benefits include:
- Up to CHF 130,000 in funding
- Access to Switzerland’s leading research institutions
- Collaboration with cyber-defence experts
- Entrepreneurial mentorship
- Proof-of-concept development support
- Commercialization opportunities
- International networking exposure
- Opportunity to contribute to global cyber-security advancement
For researchers and entrepreneurs passionate about cyber-defence innovation, this fellowship represents a major opportunity to transform ideas into practical, scalable solutions.
Learn more and apply
Applicants are encouraged to review the complete application guidelines and toolkit before applying.
Click HERE to learn more and apply for the CYD Proof of Concept Fellowships 2026 in Switzerland.
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