CYD Proof of Concept Fellowships 2026 in Switzerland | Up to CHF 130,000 for Cyber-Defence Innovators and Entrepreneurs

<p>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.</p> <p>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.</p> <p>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.</p> <p>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.</p> <h2>About the CYD Proof of Concept Fellowship</h2> <p>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.</p> <p>The fellowship encourages applicants to build innovative solutions that can contribute to:</p> <ul> <li>Cyber-security enhancement</li> <li>Digital trust technologies</li> <li>AI-driven cyber-defence systems</li> <li>Data science for security applications</li> <li>Privacy-preserving technologies</li> <li>Information-sharing systems</li> <li>Cyber-physical system protection</li> </ul> <p>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.</p> <p>The program is ideal for entrepreneurs and researchers who want to bridge the gap between academic research and real-world cyber-security solutions.</p> <h2>Fellowship Objectives</h2> <p>The CYD Proof of Concept Fellowship aims to:</p> <ol> <li>Support innovative cyber-defence research projects</li> <li>Encourage entrepreneurship in cyber-security</li> <li>Develop practical proof-of-concept technologies</li> <li>Promote commercialization of research outcomes</li> <li>Strengthen Swiss cyber-defence capabilities</li> <li>Foster collaboration between academia, startups, and innovation sectors</li> </ol> <p>The program seeks highly motivated applicants capable of transforming innovative ideas into scalable and impactful security solutions.</p> <h2>Areas of Research and Innovation</h2> <p>Projects submitted under the CYD Proof of Concept Fellowship must address at least one of the following cyber-defence themes:</p> <h3>1. Cyber and Cyber-Physical System Protection</h3> <p>Projects focused on improving:</p> <ul> <li>Confidentiality</li> <li>Integrity</li> <li>Availability</li> <li>Resilience of digital infrastructures</li> </ul> <h3>2. Information Sharing and Data Fusion</h3> <p>Research involving:</p> <ul> <li>Secure information-sharing systems</li> <li>Crowdsourcing technologies</li> <li>Collaborative cyber-intelligence platforms</li> <li>Threat intelligence fusion systems</li> </ul> <h3>3. Data Science and AI for Cyber-Defence</h3> <p>Innovations using:</p> <ul> <li>Artificial Intelligence</li> <li>Machine Learning</li> <li>Predictive analytics</li> <li>Big data analysis</li> <li>Cyber-threat detection systems</li> </ul> <h3>4. Security, Privacy, and Digital Trust Technologies</h3> <p>Projects involving:</p> <ul> <li>Privacy-enhancing technologies</li> <li>Encryption systems</li> <li>Identity management</li> <li>Digital trust frameworks</li> <li>Secure authentication systems</li> </ul> <h2>Fellowship Duration</h2> <p>The CYD Proof of Concept Fellowship is awarded for a duration of:</p> <ul> <li>12 months</li> </ul> <p>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.</p> <h2>Funding and Financial Support</h2> <p>The fellowship provides substantial financial support to selected applicants.</p> <h3>Maximum Funding Amount</h3> <ul> <li>Up to CHF 130,000 per project</li> </ul> <h3>Eligible Costs</h3> <p>Funding may cover:</p> <ul> <li>Personnel expenses</li> <li>Development costs</li> <li>Research-related expenses</li> <li>Technical implementation costs</li> <li>Prototype development</li> <li>Innovation and testing activities</li> </ul> <p>The funding is specifically intended for costs directly linked to the realization of the proposed project.</p> <p>Applicants are encouraged to carefully review the official application guidelines for detailed information on eligible expenditures.</p> <h2>Who Can Apply?</h2> <p>The CYD Proof of Concept Fellowship welcomes applicants from around the world.</p> <h3>Eligibility Requirements</h3> <p>Applicants must meet the following criteria:</p> <ul> <li>Applicants of any nationality are eligible</li> <li>No age restrictions apply</li> <li>Applicants must hold or currently pursue: <ul> <li>A Bachelor’s degree</li> <li>A Master’s degree</li> <li>Or a Doctoral degree recognized in Switzerland</li> </ul> </li> <li>Applicants must be hosted by: <ul> <li>A Swiss higher education research center</li> <li>Their own startup based in Switzerland</li> <li>Or EPFL Innovation Park</li> </ul> </li> </ul> <p>This fellowship is especially suitable for:</p> <ul> <li>Cyber-security researchers</li> <li>AI innovators</li> <li>Startup founders</li> <li>Technology entrepreneurs</li> <li>Data scientists</li> <li>Privacy and digital trust specialists</li> </ul> <h2>Host Institutions and Research Environment</h2> <p>The CYD Fellowship provides access to one of Europe’s leading innovation ecosystems.</p> <h3>Main Institutions Involved</h3> <ul> <li>EPFL (École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne)</li> <li>CYD Campus</li> <li>ETH Zurich</li> <li>armasuisse Science and Technology</li> </ul> <p>Participants benefit from:</p> <ul> <li>Advanced research infrastructure</li> <li>Access to cyber-defence experts</li> <li>Collaboration opportunities</li> <li>Entrepreneurial mentoring</li> <li>Exposure to innovation and commercialization networks</li> </ul> <h2>Application Process</h2> <p>The CYD Proof of Concept Fellowship uses a competitive two-stage application process.</p> <h3>Stage 1: Pre-Proposal Evaluation</h3> <p>Applications are first reviewed by an internal CYD Campus committee.</p> <p>Evaluation criteria include:</p> <ul> <li>Applicant suitability</li> <li>Alignment with CYD Campus goals</li> <li>Innovation quality</li> <li>Relevance to cyber-defence priorities</li> </ul> <h3>Mentor Interview</h3> <p>Shortlisted candidates are assigned a prospective CYD mentor who conducts an interview.</p> <p>Only applicants endorsed by their assigned mentor can proceed to the next stage.</p> <h3>Stage 2: Full Proposal Submission</h3> <p>Endorsed candidates must submit a detailed full proposal outlining:</p> <ul> <li>Technical approach</li> <li>Innovation potential</li> <li>Project implementation</li> <li>Expected outcomes</li> <li>Commercialization opportunities</li> </ul> <p>Final decisions are made by a committee chaired by the Director of the CYD Campus alongside representatives from:</p> <ul> <li>Swiss higher education institutions</li> <li>Innovation sectors</li> <li>CYD Campus leadership</li> </ul> <h2>Required Application Documents</h2> <p>Applicants must submit all required documents through the official online submission platform.</p> <p>Important notes:</p> <ul> <li>All documents must be submitted in English</li> <li>Applicants should carefully review the official application toolkit and guidelines before submission</li> </ul> <h2>Deadline</h2> <ul> <li>Rolling applications are currently open</li> </ul> <p>Since applications are accepted on a rolling basis, early submission is strongly recommended to maximize selection opportunities.</p> <h2>Why You Should Apply</h2> <p>The CYD Proof of Concept Fellowship offers an exceptional platform for innovators seeking to build impactful cyber-security technologies.</p> <p>Key benefits include:</p> <ul> <li>Up to CHF 130,000 in funding</li> <li>Access to Switzerland’s leading research institutions</li> <li>Collaboration with cyber-defence experts</li> <li>Entrepreneurial mentorship</li> <li>Proof-of-concept development support</li> <li>Commercialization opportunities</li> <li>International networking exposure</li> <li>Opportunity to contribute to global cyber-security advancement</li> </ul> <p>For researchers and entrepreneurs passionate about cyber-defence innovation, this fellowship represents a major opportunity to transform ideas into practical, scalable solutions.</p> <h2 data-section-id="13dq7ve" data-start="5722" data-end="5737"></h2> <h2 data-section-id="13dq7ve" data-start="5722" data-end="5737"><strong>Learn more and apply<br /> </strong></h2> <p data-start="3711" data-end="3810">Applicants are encouraged to review the complete application guidelines and toolkit before applying.</p> <p data-start="3711" data-end="3810">Click <a href="https://www.epfl.ch/research/funding/epfl-programmes/cyd/cyd-poc/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">HERE</a> to learn more and apply for the CYD Proof of Concept Fellowships 2026 in Switzerland.</p> <p>Explore more opportunities on OFY <a href="https://opportunitiesforyouth.org/?s=fellowship" target="_blank" rel="noopener">HERE</a>.</p> <p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://opportunitiesforyouth.org/2026/06/14/cyd-proof-of-concept-fellowships-2026-in-switzerland-up-to-chf-130000-for-cyber-defence-innovators-and-entrepreneurs/">CYD Proof of Concept Fellowships 2026 in Switzerland | Up to CHF 130,000 for Cyber-Defence Innovators and Entrepreneurs</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://opportunitiesforyouth.org">Opportunities for Youth</a>.</p>