CoLab Archive
The 2025 edition brought together students, researchers, mentors, and partners for a concentrated programme of workshops, team formation, and final pitching.
This page now serves as the archive for the 2025 edition. If you want updates on the next cohort, you can still register your interest below.
Students · September–October
Student applications for the 2025 cohort are now closed. Leave your details and we will reach out as soon as the next programme opens.
Complete the short interest form for priority updates on future cohorts.
PhDs · June–September
Researchers defined the challenge, coached the teams, and translated 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.
This archive preserves the 2025 timeline and workshop flow as it was presented during the live edition.
An on-stage showcase at Bluelion Zurich where teams unveil their pilots to partners, investors, and the jury.
Archive overview
CoLab 2025 now sits in the archive between the inaugural 2024 edition and the current 2026 programme.
Current Edition
Visit the current programme page for application details, dates, and new workshop updates.
Archive
Dive into the previous edition to see the earlier cohort, workshops, and mentors.
Student applications closed on October 9, 2025. The student window typically runs from September to October each year.
PhD and researcher applications run from June to September, giving coaches time to shape the challenges before kickoff.
Team competition: Teams tackled ready-to-use R2B case challenges prepared by domain experts.
Judging format: Following presentations and a Q&A session, judges selected the winners.
Role shift: After qualifiers, PhD students became coaches to guide their teams to the finals.
Six intensive workshops helped teams prepare for the final competition.
Evaluation: Teams showcased their projects across key areas like product-market fit, networking, financing, and decision-making.
