Technology Fund: Companies can apply for a loan

The fund is a federal climate policy instrument falling under the responsibility of the Swiss Federal Office for the Environment (FOEN). The Technology Fund grants loan guarantees to Swiss small and medium-sized enterprises (SME) developing and marketing innovative technologies that reduce greenhouse gas emissions, support the use of renewable energy or conserve natural resources. Starting in November, companies can apply for guarantees of up to CHF 3 million for a duration of a maximum of 10 years. The first guarantees are expected to be issued in January 2015. Initially, the fund will issue guarantees totaling CHF 150 million, which can later be increased by the parliament to CHF 500 million.

“The Technology Fund is an important addition to existing climate policy instruments. Yearly CHF 25 million of the CO2-levy’s revenue is earmarked for the technology fund. With this amount, we want to promote as many climate-friendly innovations as possible,” said Karine Siegwart, Vice-Director of the Federal Office for the Environment, FOEN and member of the Technology Fund’s steering committee. “Existing federal support programs like the ones for environmental technologies and energy research primarily support projects in earlier stage of the innovation cycle. The Technology Fund complements these programs with its focus on commercialization of innovative products.

Companies can apply for a loan guarantee as of November 1, 2014, through the fund’s website: www.technologyfund.ch