Start-up Track
The Start-up Track is an innovative pilot program within the Master of Science in Engineering (MSE) at the ZHAW School of Engineering. It integrates entrepreneurial development with technical specialization, enabling students to develop and launch technology-based ventures during their studies.
Ready to transform your business idea into reality?
The Start-up Track bridges the gap between academic education and real-world startup development by:
- Providing mentorship from experienced entrepreneurs who understand both technical challenges and business realities
- Integrating startup development into core curriculum components, including elective courses, specialization projects, and the master’s thesis
- Enabling students to found a startup during their studies and prepare for market entry after graduation
- Connecting students with the local startup ecosystem in Winterthur, including Runway, Entrepreneur-Club Winterthur (ECW), Technopark, and funding organizations such as Innosuisse and the Gebert Rüf Foundation
Key benefit: Students complete their master’s degree while advancing their startup in parallel—emerging as both qualified engineers and entrepreneurs.
Curriculum integration during the MSE
| Component | Role in startup development |
|---|---|
|
Elective Courses (EVA) |
Select courses that support your startup’s technical foundation (depending on your entry pathway). |
|
Specialization Projects (VT1 & VT2) |
Develop core technology or a proof-of-concept for your venture idea. |
|
Master’s Thesis (MT) |
Execute substantial research or development work that directly contributes to your startup’s viability. |
Two entry pathways
The Start-up Track accommodates both:
- students continuing from the ZHAW School of Engineering’s Bachelor Entrepreneurial Profile (EP), and
- new entrants.
| Courses & thesis | New entrants | BSc EP graduates |
|---|---|---|
|
EVA 1 |
In the context of the Start-up Track | Open |
|
EVA 2 |
Open | Open |
|
7-Innovators |
Attend | – |
|
VT1 |
In the context of the Start-up Track | In the context of the Start-up Track |
|
VT2 |
In the context of the Start-up Track | In the context of the Start-up Track |
|
MT |
In the context of the Start-up Track | In the context of the Start-up Track |
|
Community events |
Attend | Attend |
"The MSE Startup Track closely connects my master’s studies with my startup. This allows me to carry out my academic work directly within the startup and test new approaches in practice. Ongoing coaching supports me in making strategic decisions."
Gery Müller, graduate of the Entrepreneurial Profile
Additional Information
Duration & support
The track spans your entire master’s program (typically 3 years for part-time students). Throughout your journey, you receive:
- Mentorship from experienced entrepreneurs (approximately 50 hours of support)
- Guidance from your host institute for the technical components
- Potential part-time employment opportunities at host institutes (e.g., 50% positions may be possible)
- Connections to seed funding and acceleration programs
Admission requirements & eligibility
You are eligible for the Start-up Track if you:
- are admitted to or enrolled in the MSE program (any specialization), and
- have a viable startup idea or strong entrepreneurial motivation that can be developed through your studies.
Application process
Step 1: Written application
Submit a brief written application during your online application process, including:
- a concise description of your startup idea, or
- a motivation letter explaining your entrepreneurial aspirations, and
- how your idea aligns with your MSE specialization.
Step 2: Feasibility review
We assess:
- the viability of your idea, and
- how it can be mapped across elective courses, specialization projects, and thesis work, as well as
- the fit with host institute expertise and available resources.
Step 3: Admission interview
You meet with:
- your MSE specialization advisor from the host institute, and
- a representative from Entrepreneurship@SoE.
During the interview, we clarify intellectual property aspects and the IP agreement.
Please note: While we are committed to supporting startup development, there is no guarantee that all projects can focus exclusively on the startup idea. If your concept proves technically or commercially unfeasible, you may need to pivot or exit the track (with documented evidence of your efforts).
Supported specializations
The Start-up Track is currently supported by host institutes covering most MSE specializations, including: CAI, IAMP, ICP, ISC, InES, InIT, IDS, ZAV, IPP.
Academic credentials
Upon successful completion, you receive:
- Master of Science ZHAW in Engineering with specialization in your chosen profile, and
- an official Start-up Track Certificate recognizing your entrepreneurial achievement.