FAQ

Access is open to UZH-affiliated translational life science projects. This includes:

• UZH Entrepreneur Fellows in biotech and medtech

• Recipients of the UZH Innovation Grant

• Alumni of the Entrepreneur Fellowship program

• Bridge-funded projects

• UZH research teams with a clear translational focus

• Select early-stage spin-offs (within 2 years of incorporation)

No. The UZH IncubatorLab is open to life science projects from across the university. Applicants typically come from the Faculties of Science, Medicine, or Vetsuisse. At least one team member must be affiliated with the University of Zurich.

• Access to shared, well-equipped wet lab space

• Use of selected advanced lab equipment

• Basic consumables (e.g. gloves, pipette tips)

• Office space and meeting room use

• Light-touch scientific and infrastructure support

• Help connecting to other UZH infrastructure or external partners if needed

While we do not provide dedicated technical support, the lab is actively managed and light-touch assistance is available to ensure smooth daily operations. Users are expected to work independently.

The UZH IncubatorLab is registered for BSL-1 work. Experiments at this biosafety level can be performed in accordance with established safety procedures. BSL-2 or higher work is not permitted. In special cases, options for additional registration can be discussed with our Biosafety Officer.

• UZH researchers and internal teams receive access free of charge.

• Incorporated spin-offs pay a small usage fee for infrastructure and equipment access, based on actual use.

• Reagents and project-specific consumables must be covered by the users themselves.

Applications can be submitted via our application form. You’ll be asked to describe your project, infrastructure needs, intended timeline, and key development goals.

No, applications are accepted on a rolling basis. We review them as they come in and admit users based on capacity and fit.

Initial access is typically granted for 12 months (18 months for UZH Entrepreneur Fellows), with the option to apply for an extension. Renewal is based on progress toward project milestones, space availability, and continued alignment with UZH InubatorLab's mission.

In some cases, yes - but it depends on lab capacity, compatibility, and safety. Please mention this in your application and we’ll follow up individually.

UZH employees are covered under standard university insurance. External users, such as spin-off team members, must have appropriate accident and liability insurance through their own institution or employer.

All lab users are required to sign a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) upon onboarding. Projects retain full control over their intellectual property. No rights or claims are made by the UZH IncubatorLab.

The UZH IncubatorLab is located at Wagistrasse 12 in Schlieren, within the BioTechnopark Schlieren-Zürich. It is embedded in the Institute for Regenerative Medicine (IREM), with access to shared infrastructure and services.

Yes, if you're interested in seeing the space or learning more before applying, you're welcome to schedule a visit. Please contact our Lab Manager at incubatorlab@irem.uzh.ch to arrange a time or ask any other questions.