Bootcamp & KickOff
Two focused days to align on challenges, validate the concept, and build momentum across the cohort.
CoLab Archive
CoLab Competition 2024
The inaugural cohort gathered researchers, mentors, and ecosystem partners to transform deep-tech ideas into real momentum. Here's a snapshot of what happened.
15+ research projects
Cross-disciplinary teams brought prototypes and early-stage ventures to life during the autumn program.
6 intensive workshops
Coaching blocks focusing on IP, financing, product-market fit, and networking set the pace for the cohort.
Pitching finale
Teams presented to a jury of experts and investors, turning months of experimentation into compelling stories.
Key Moments
Workshop Sprint
Weekly sessions on finance, IP, and market discovery connected teams with seasoned founders and mentors.
Coaching Support
PhD coaches and entrepreneurs-in-residence guided teams through critical decisions ahead of the finale.
Final Pitch Competition
Showcasing solutions to industry partners, investors, and the wider ETH community inside the CoLab arena.
Voices from the Cohort
“CoLab 2024 helped us stress-test our research with market realities and get ready for our first pilot customers.”
“The community is the biggest takeaway—peers that challenge you, mentors that open doors, and a jury that truly engages.”
“Workshops were hands-on, and the feedback roundtables brought clarity to our next development steps.”
Workshop Faculty
Six experts guided the 2024 cohort through critical entrepreneurial disciplines—from IP protection and branding to financing, progress reviews, and investor-ready pitches.
Intellectual Property Workshop
Dr. Paul Peyrot
Partner, Peyrot Schlegel Györffy · Lecturer, ETH Zurich
Provided practical guidance on protecting deep-tech breakthroughs, highlighting contract negotiation and corporate law tactics tailored to early-stage teams.
Branding Workshop
Barbara Rübel
Managing Partner, Brand Essence AG
Shared two decades of brand strategy experience, mentoring participants on storytelling frameworks that resonate with stakeholders at ETH and beyond.
Product-Market Fit Workshop
Zakery Kline
Founder, Hit Em Up App
Demonstrated customer-centric validation techniques, translating user feedback into actionable iteration plans for emerging ventures.
Progress Checkpoint & Q&A
Anil Sethi
Serial Entrepreneur & Startup Mentor
Brought lessons from scaling ventures like Flisom and Scrona, guiding teams through milestone setting, traction assessment, and execution discipline.
Financing Workshop
Ralph Mogicato
Founding Board Member, SICTIC
Outlined fundraising roadmaps, investor expectations, and deal-structuring best practices from 25 years in international finance.
Pitching Workshop
Stefan Huber
Founder, StoryUp GmbH · STARTUP CAMPUS Coach
Coached teams on high-impact storytelling, distilling complex research into compelling narratives honed across 150+ startup collaborations.
Looking ahead to 2025
We're building on the learnings from 2024 with sharper themes, broader mentor support, and a finale designed to spotlight deep-tech founders. Be part of the next chapter.
Discover the 2025 competition