The ČVUT Starting Grant (StG) is a competitive scheme for excellent early-career researchers with substantial international experience who want to establish an independent research group at the Czech Technical University in Prague (CTU). It is open to researchers currently at CTU as well as to researchers from other institutions in the Czech Republic and abroad. Our aim is to fund up to ten new research groups in the inaugural 2026 call, across all research fields represented at CTU.

The grant is structured to support real independence. It funds research projects for up to three years, with the possibility of an exceptional extension, and provides annual funding of up to CZK 4,000,000 (approx. EUR 160,000). A co-funding model between central and host-unit resources ensures institutional commitment, while applicants are not expected to secure formal host-unit commitments before applying (host matching and institutional commitments are confirmed after selection). A one-time relocation package of up to CZK 250,000 is further available to support mobility and start-up needs.

The scheme also includes built-in flexibility, including the project start date within a 12-month window and reasonable carry-over of unused funds.

What makes ČVUT StG distinct is its two-phase design: proposals are first ranked through a comprehensive evaluation process, and selected projects then enter post-selection host matching and negotiations. These negotiations ensure a clear and realistic framework for project implementation, including the PI’s employment and career-path arrangements, and are documented in the grant agreement. Funded PIs are expected to use the project as a springboard to major international funding: most notably by preparing an ERC StartingConsolidator Grant (or equivalent) within one year after the ČVUT StG project ends.

• starting grant

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