The Sustainability Booster is a structured program designed to support the development and advancement of sustainable start-up initiatives. Whether participants already lead a sustainability-focused start-up, seek to test a new idea, or wish to contribute their skills to an existing project, the program provides a platform for meaningful engagement and collaboration.

Participants will have the opportunity to join start-up visits (“safaris”), benefit from free coaching, attend targeted workshops, and take part in networking events with apéros. The program is specifically designed to foster entrepreneurial skills and accelerate sustainable innovations. It concludes with a final pitching event, where selected teams can present their projects and compete for prizes, including access to the RUNWAY Startup Incubator.

The Sustainability Booster welcomes all initiatives aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and this year particularly encourages participation from individuals with expertise in psychology and social affairs.

By registering for this programme, you confirm your participation in the Kick-Off Event. If your start-up idea is selected or you want to join a team, you are also invited to the three workshops & coaching sessions and the final pitch event, where prizes will be awarded for the best three ideas. You can win the following prizes at the pitching event:

– 1st place: CHF 2’000 voucher for your startup + 6 months participation in the RUNWAY Startup Incubator
– 2nd place: CHF 1’000 voucher for your startup + 6 months participation in the RUNWAY Startup Incubator
– 3rd place: CHF 500 voucher for your startup + 6 months participation in the RUNWAY Startup Incubator
– Rookie of the year: 500 CHF voucher for your startup + STARTUP CAMPUS business concept course voucher

Fees

Participation in the Sustainability Booster and the start-up visits (safaris), including all apéros, are free of charge. At the kick-off event, you can present your ideas and build teams, or expand your existing teams.

Do you have any questions?

Please contact entrepreneurship@zhaw.ch

WHEN

October to November 2025, always on Wednesday evenings. Check the agenda on the picture for exact times.

WHERE

Onsite at the ZHAW, in Zurich, with a kick-off and closing event at the ZKSD (Zurich Knowledge Centre for Sustainable Development) and optional visits to sustainable start-ups (safaris).

FOR WHOM

Individuals who have a start-up with a sustainable background and are interested in taking a concrete idea forward in a short time with new people as part of the booster program.
People with a sustainable idea that you want to test out in the booster program and you are looking for people to help you take this idea further.
You don’t have your own idea yet, but would like to help a sustainable start-up or another person with a concrete idea to bring a sustainable project forward.

Elegibility

Any topic that fulfills any of the Sustainable Development Goals is eligible for the Sustainability Booster. This year, people in the field of psychology and social affairs are particularly encouraged to actively contribute their ideas or background to solutions.