“Switzerland Innovation” Foundation is launching its first major call for proposals together with renowned partners from the Swiss economy ranging from ABB to Zurich Insurance. Grants of up to CHF100’000 will be provided for innovation projects that address the most pressing problems of our time.
Health, climate protection or sustainable growth – these and other fundamental economic, environmental, and societal topics of the UN Agenda 2030 are the starting point for the first call for proposals of “Switzerland Innovation”. “Innovation is the cornerstone of our country's economic success and prosperity,” says Ruedi Noser, President of the Foundation Board of “Switzerland Innovation”. “Especially now, in times of Corona, one must think long-term and invest in promising innovation projects”.
From project to realization – new initiative makes it possible
The “Switzerland Innovation Tech4Impact” Initiative aims to help pioneering innovation projects achieve a breakthrough by addressing one of the six highlighted UN Sustainable Development Goals. In order to qualify for a grant, the proposed project must be based on an advanced technology that will reach maturity and application within the next three years.
The “SI Tech4Impact” initiative will award 5 to 7 selected projects with a one-year project grant of up to CHF 100,000 each. The grants are financed by the following innovation partners: ABB, Credit Suisse, Die Mobiliar, Economiesuisse, Interpharma, Schindler, Swiss Re Foundation, Swisscom, UBS and Zurich Insurance. The operational implementation is carried out in cooperation with the Tech4Impact Initiative of the EPFL. The selected teams will present their projects to the innovation partners during the program. The programm will end with demo day where the teams can pitch to a broader audience.
Project teams from all areas are addressed
The program is open to project teams from Swiss universities, research institutions or universities of applied sciences, but also to start-ups or SMEs with an innovation project in collaboration with a research partner. One of the conditions is that the projects must have a location or a strong relationship with one of the five parks of “Switzerland Innovation”. For its first 2020 cohort, the program focuses specifically on projects that aim to tackle one of the following SDGs:
- SDG 3 – Good health and well-being
- SDG 7 – Affordable and clean energy
- SDG 9 – Industry, innovation and infrastructure
- SDG 11 – Sustainable cities and communities
- SDG 12 – Responsible consumption and production
- SDG 13 – Climate action
The first call for proposals of “SI Tech4Impact” starts on 18 May and ends on 31 July 2020. More information is available on a dedicated website.
(Press release / SK)
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