Apply now for CYD Proof of Concept Fellowships Program

Deadline: 31-Dec-2026

The CYD Proof of Concept Fellowship supports researchers, students, entrepreneurs, and innovators developing applied research solutions in cyber-defence and data science. The program provides funding of up to CHF 130,000 for 12-month projects focused on building and validating proof-of-concept technologies with potential real-world impact and commercialization opportunities.

Open to applicants of any nationality, the fellowship requires projects to be hosted by an eligible Swiss institution, startup, or innovation center and conducted in collaboration with the CYD Campus in Switzerland.

What is the CYD Proof of Concept Fellowship?

The CYD Proof of Concept Fellowship is a competitive funding program designed to support innovative cyber-defence and data science projects that address emerging security challenges.

The fellowship helps participants transform innovative ideas into validated proof-of-concept solutions that can contribute to Swiss cyber-defence capabilities and potentially evolve into commercial products or services.

The program is part of the CYD Campus initiative, which promotes collaboration between academia, industry, startups, and government stakeholders in cybersecurity and digital trust technologies.

Funding Overview

• Program: CYD Proof of Concept Fellowship
• Funding Organization: CYD Campus
• Funding Amount: Up to CHF 130,000 per project
• Fellowship Duration: 12 Months
• Location: Switzerland
• Project Type: Applied Research and Proof of Concept Development
• Eligible Applicants: Students, Researchers, Entrepreneurs, and Innovators
• Nationality Restrictions: None

Key Focus Areas

The fellowship supports projects addressing major challenges in cyber-defence and data science.

Priority areas include:

• Cyber-defence technologies
• Cybersecurity innovation
• Cyber-physical systems security
• Information security
• Data science applications
• Artificial intelligence for cybersecurity
• Digital trust technologies
• Privacy-enhancing technologies
• Information sharing systems
• Data fusion platforms
• Crowdsourcing solutions
• Threat intelligence
• Security analytics
• Resilience of digital infrastructure

Research Themes Supported

Cyber and Cyber-Physical Systems Security

Projects may focus on:

• Protection of confidentiality
• Protection of integrity
• Protection of availability
• Critical infrastructure security
• Industrial control system security
• Cyber-physical system resilience
• Network security technologies

Information Sharing and Data Fusion

Supported topics include:

• Secure information exchange
• Collaborative threat intelligence
• Data integration platforms
• Crowdsourced cybersecurity solutions
• Multi-source data fusion
• Real-time security monitoring

Artificial Intelligence and Data Science

Projects may explore:

• AI-driven cybersecurity solutions
• Machine learning for threat detection
• Predictive analytics
• Security data analysis
• Automated cyber-defence systems
• Advanced data processing methods

Privacy, Security and Digital Trust

Relevant areas include:

• Privacy-preserving technologies
• Digital identity systems
• Trust frameworks
• Secure communication systems
• Cryptographic solutions
• Data protection technologies

Programme Objectives

The fellowship aims to:

• Advance cyber-defence innovation
• Support applied cybersecurity research
• Develop proof-of-concept solutions
• Strengthen Swiss cyber resilience
• Promote technology commercialization
• Foster collaboration between academia and industry
• Accelerate cybersecurity entrepreneurship
• Generate real-world impact through innovation

Who is Eligible?

The fellowship is open to applicants from any country.

Eligible candidates include:

• Bachelor’s students
• Master’s students
• Doctoral researchers
• Academic researchers
• Startup founders
• Technology innovators
• Cybersecurity professionals

There are no age restrictions for applicants.

Academic Requirements

Applicants must:

• Hold a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree recognized in Switzerland, or
• Be currently pursuing one of these degrees at a recognized institution.

The program welcomes applicants from diverse academic and professional backgrounds relevant to cyber-defence and data science.

Hosting Requirements

Applicants must be hosted by one of the following:

• A Swiss higher education research institution
• Their own startup based in Switzerland
• EPFL Innovation Park

The host institution must support the proposed fellowship project and provide the necessary research environment.

Project Location Requirements

Fellows are expected to carry out their activities at:

• CYD Campus facilities
• EPFL premises
• ETH Zurich premises
• CYD headquarters in Thun

Regular collaboration with CYD Campus researchers and experts is an important component of the fellowship.

What Can the Funding Be Used For?

Funding may be used for costs directly related to project implementation.

Eligible expenses include:

• Personnel costs
• Research and development expenses
• Prototype development
• Technical implementation activities
• Proof-of-concept validation
• Innovation-related project costs

The funding is intended to help fellows develop a working proof of concept within the fellowship period.

Expected Project Outcomes

Successful fellows are expected to:

• Develop a functioning proof of concept
• Validate technical feasibility
• Demonstrate practical applications
• Address real-world cyber-defence challenges
• Evaluate commercialization potential
• Produce measurable project outcomes

Projects should generate tangible results that can support future development, investment, or market adoption.

Why This Fellowship Matters

Cybersecurity threats continue to evolve rapidly, creating demand for innovative solutions that protect critical systems, infrastructure, and digital services.

The CYD Proof of Concept Fellowship helps bridge the gap between research and real-world application by providing funding, mentorship, infrastructure, and expert support.

The program also strengthens Switzerland’s cyber-defence ecosystem by encouraging the development of next-generation security technologies with practical impact.

Selection Process

The fellowship uses a two-stage evaluation process.

Stage 1: Pre-Proposal Evaluation

Applications are initially reviewed by a CYD Campus internal committee.

Evaluation criteria include:

• Applicant suitability
• Project relevance
• Alignment with CYD Campus objectives
• Innovation potential
• Strategic fit

Shortlisted applicants proceed to the mentorship stage.

Stage 2: Mentor Assessment

Shortlisted candidates are assigned a prospective CYD Campus mentor.

The mentor:

• Reviews the proposed project
• Conducts an interview
• Assesses project feasibility
• Evaluates collaboration potential

Only applicants endorsed by their mentor advance to the final stage.

Stage 3: Full Proposal Review

Endorsed applicants submit a detailed full proposal.

The final evaluation examines:

• Scientific quality
• Technical feasibility
• Innovation level
• Potential impact
• Commercialization opportunities
• Strategic relevance

Final Selection Committee

Final decisions are made by a committee chaired by the Director of CYD Campus.

The committee includes representatives from:

• CYD Campus
• Swiss higher education institutions
• Research organizations
• Innovation and entrepreneurship sectors

How to Apply

Step 1: Verify Eligibility

Confirm that you:

• Meet the academic requirements
• Have an eligible Swiss host institution
• Can conduct the project in Switzerland

Step 2: Develop a Project Concept

Prepare an innovative project idea addressing a cyber-defence or data science challenge.

Clearly define:

• Problem statement
• Proposed solution
• Expected outcomes
• Innovation potential

Step 3: Submit a Pre-Proposal

Submit the initial application for review by the CYD Campus committee.

Step 4: Participate in the Mentor Interview

If shortlisted, engage with the assigned mentor and present your project concept.

Step 5: Submit the Full Proposal

Applicants endorsed by mentors submit a comprehensive proposal detailing:

• Research methodology
• Technical approach
• Budget
• Timeline
• Expected impact

Step 6: Await Final Decision

The final committee reviews proposals and selects successful fellows.

Tips for a Strong Application

• Focus on real-world cyber-defence challenges.
• Demonstrate innovation and originality.
• Clearly explain practical applications.
• Show commercialization potential.
• Present a realistic implementation plan.
• Highlight technical expertise and experience.
• Align the project with CYD Campus priorities.

Common Application Mistakes to Avoid

• Submitting projects outside the fellowship focus areas
• Weak proof-of-concept development plans
• Unclear commercialization pathways
• Insufficient technical validation strategies
• Lack of alignment with Swiss cyber-defence priorities
• Incomplete host institution arrangements
• Poorly defined project outcomes

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How much funding is available?

The fellowship provides up to CHF 130,000 per project.

How long does the fellowship last?

The funding period is 12 months.

Can applicants from outside Switzerland apply?

Yes. Applicants of any nationality are eligible.

Do I need a Swiss host institution?

Yes. Applicants must be hosted by an eligible Swiss research institution, startup, or EPFL Innovation Park.

What fields are supported?

Cyber-defence, cybersecurity, data science, artificial intelligence, privacy technologies, digital trust, information sharing, and related areas.

Is commercialization important?

Yes. Projects should demonstrate potential real-world impact and commercialization opportunities.

Where will fellows work during the programme?

Projects are conducted at CYD Campus facilities, including locations at EPFL, ETH Zurich, and Thun.

Conclusion

The CYD Proof of Concept Fellowship offers a unique opportunity for researchers, innovators, and entrepreneurs to transform promising cyber-defence ideas into validated proof-of-concept solutions. With funding of up to CHF 130,000, access to Swiss research infrastructure, expert mentorship, and a strong innovation ecosystem, the fellowship supports the development of impactful technologies that strengthen cybersecurity, advance digital trust, and contribute to the future of cyber-defence innovation.

For more information, visit EPFL.