Student Application
Multidisciplinary student teams (or individuals ready to be matched) can still secure a spot in the upcoming cohort.
Be prepared for the November workshop sprint and final showcase.
CoLab
CoLab Competition
Eight weeks of fast-paced collaboration, hands-on workshops, and cross-disciplinary teams solving real challenges together.
Application Paths
Student teams can still join the 2025 edition. Researcher-led challenges are relaunching soon— register your interest so we can reach out as soon as the coaching pathway reopens.
Open now
PhD & Researcher Application
Researchers define the challenge, coach the teams, and translate deep-tech insights into market-ready pilots. Applications are currently closed, but you can register for updates.
Leave your details and we will reach out as soon as the researcher track returns.
In Numbers
Weeks
5
Teams
7
Workshops
6+
Students per Team
4-5
World-Class Universities
3-4
Academic Backgrounds
24
CoLab 2025 Schedule
Workshops typically run between 18:00 and 21:00. Times may shift slightly as additional mentors join.
Kickoff & Team Formation
An afternoon of briefings, challenge reveals, and networking to set every team in motion.
Storytelling Workshop
Storycraft training with Maria Barikhina to sharpen the narrative behind each solution.
IP Workshop
Practical guidance on protecting research outcomes with experts from Hepp Wenger Ryffel AG.
Financing Workshop
Funding mechanics and investor expectations hosted by Ralph Mogicato (SICTIC).
Pitch Training
Hands-on pitch drills with Maria Barikhina focused on delivery, structure, and feedback.
Additional Expert Sessions
Two to three deep-dive workshops are being confirmed—topics announced soon.
Final Pitch Competition
An evening showcase where teams unveil their pilots to partners, investors, and the jury.
Application
Please submit the online form by October 9, 2025. It covers your academic and professional experience alongside your motivation. After submission we will let you know if you progress to the next stage.
Bootcamp & Kickoff
Team competition: Teams tackle ready-to-use R2B case challenges prepared by domain experts.
Judging format: Following presentations and a Q&A session, judges select the winners.
Workshops
Role shift: After qualifiers, PhD students become coaches to guide their teams to the finals.
Six intensive workshops help teams excel in the final competition.
Finale
Evaluation: Teams showcase their projects across key areas like product-market-fit, networking, financing, and decision-making.
