Call for proposals: CHF 250’000 for space projects

Since 2010, SERI/SSO has been organising the call for proposals to reinforce the technological and scientific capabilities of Swiss entities that have a clear potential for space products and services or applications. Following the success of the previous four MdP Calls for Proposals (Mesure de Positionnement) which supported several startups, SERI/SSO is extending its support in 2018. The SSO has mandated the Swiss Space Center (SSC) to implement the Call for Proposals 2018.

The objective of the “positioning measure”, which is part of the National Complementary Activities for space, is to encourage the emergence of projects in space technology. It aims to develop niche sectors and to better position Swiss industrial and academic entities, particularly in the frame of ESA activities and other international programmes such as the EU Research Framework Programmes.

The proposed studies shall last for a maximum of 15 months from kick-off to delivery of the final report. During this period, each study will receive maximum amount of CHF 250’000 to pay for salaries and a limited amount for travel and subsistence expenses.

Applicants may select their own topics, on condition that they are related to the development of hardware and/or software for space applications. Preference is given to topics linked to the priority areas according to the Swiss Space Implementation Plan. In addition, novel and disruptive ideas will be considered in order to foster development of niche sectors that have a clear potential to support the worldwide competitiveness of Swiss industry. Participants are encouraged to look beyond traditional space markets. Both the development of new space technologies and of new services related to space may be proposed.

Eligible to participate are proposals submitted by Swiss academic institutions in partnership with industry. Academic partners may include laboratories from universities, institutes of technology (EPFL/ETHZ), universities of applied sciences (HES/FH), and research centers. In the frame of this proposal, a Swiss industrial partner is may be an enterprise incorporated in Switzerland with proven development activities in the country.

Interested candidates may henceforth submit their applications via email to Grégoire Bourban. Deadline closes on 25 April 2018.

Further information and application guidelines are available at SERI.

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