Call for Proposals: SPI Technogrants Program (Switzerland)

Deadline: 15-Oct-2026

The SPI Technogrants Program provides up to CHF 75,000 for Swiss-led projects developing or improving technologies for scientific research in polar and other extreme environments, including remote high-altitude regions. The 2026 program has a total budget of CHF 150,000 and supports technology development, field testing, sustainability improvements, logistics, and carbon-offsetting activities. What Is the SPI Technogrants Program? The SPI Technogrants Program supports the development of innovative technologies that enable scientific research in challenging environments such as the Arctic, Antarctic, Andes, and Himalayas. The program is designed for Swiss-led research projects that address the technical and logistical difficulties of conducting research in remote, harsh, and environmentally sensitive locations. A strong emphasis is placed on sustainability, clean technologies, and reducing the environmental footprint of scientific research. What Does the Program Support? SPI Technogrants can support both the development of new technologies and the improvement of existing technologies relevant to research in extreme environments.

Supported activities may include:

Conception and design of research-support technologies. Development and engineering of new technologies. Upgrading or adapting existing technologies. Field testing in polar or high-altitude environments. Travel and logistics associated with technology testing. Scientific equipment and consumables. Technologies that reduce energy use or environmental impacts. Clean technologies that improve sustainability. Carbon offsetting related to field-testing activities. The technology should have a clear application to scientific research in polar or other extreme environments. Why It Matters Conducting scientific research in polar and remote high-altitude regions presents significant challenges, including extreme weather, limited infrastructure, difficult transportation, high operating costs, and environmental sensitivity. The SPI Technogrants Program helps researchers and technology developers address these challenges by supporting practical solutions that can make field research more efficient, reliable, and environmentally responsible. The program is particularly relevant to projects developing low-impact research technologies, sustainable field equipment, remote research systems, and technologies adapted to extreme environments. Funding Available

Successful projects can receive:

Maximum grant: CHF 75,000 per project.

Total 2026 program budget: CHF 150,000.

Funding type: Grant support.

Geographic focus: Polar regions and other extreme environments, including remote high-altitude areas.

The grants are intended to complement larger research funding schemes, rather than replace comprehensive project financing. Who Is Eligible? The program is open to researchers affiliated with Swiss public research institutions.

Eligible applicants can include:

Doctoral students. Postdoctoral researchers. Early-career researchers. Senior researchers. Other researchers affiliated with eligible Swiss public research institutions. Private companies and start-ups may participate as project partners, but the project must be coordinated by a Swiss public research institution. Projects must be Swiss-led and demonstrate clear relevance to technological development for polar or high-altitude research. What Types of Projects Are Suitable? Strong proposals are likely to demonstrate a clear technological challenge and a practical solution that can be tested or deployed in extreme environments. Technologies that reduce waste or resource consumption. Improvements to existing research equipment. Technologies requiring field testing in polar or high-altitude environments. The proposed technology should have a clear connection to scientific research needs, rather than being a general commercial technology project. Sustainability and Environmental Impact Environmental sustainability is an important element of the SPI Technogrants Program. Applicants should demonstrate how their proposed technology can help minimise the environmental footprint of research activities.

Projects may focus on:

Reducing emissions. Lowering energy consumption. Minimising waste. Improving resource efficiency. Developing clean technologies. Reducing logistical impacts. Using carbon-offsetting measures during field testing. Applicants are also expected to complete the required carbon assessment tool as part of the application. How to Apply Applicants must submit their proposals through the SPI online application platform. A typical application process involves the following steps: Develop the technology concept Define the research challenge and explain how the proposed technology will address it. Demonstrate polar or high-altitude relevance Clearly explain why the technology is needed for research in extreme environments. Develop a field-testing plan Explain where and how the technology will be tested and what results will be measured. Prepare the project budget Detail requested funding for eligible technology development, equipment, travel, logistics, consumables, testing, and related activities. Address environmental impacts Explain how the project will reduce its environmental footprint and complete the required carbon assessment. Secure supporting documents Include required letters of support, CVs, and other documentation requested by SPI. Submit through the online platform Applications must be complete and submitted before the official deadline. Late or incomplete applications will not be considered. Application Requirements Applicants should prepare the required documentation before submitting their proposal. Applicants should ensure that all information is complete and internally consistent before submission. Important Tips for Applicants Applicants can strengthen their proposals by clearly connecting the technology to a specific research challenge.

Consider the following: