Deadline: August 31, 2026
The Researcher–Sciencepreneur Collaboration Grant Program is accepting applications to support researchers and science-based entrepreneurs from Switzerland and sub-Saharan Africa in developing innovation collaborations that create a credible pathway to impact for science-based ventures.
The grant focuses on fostering collaboration between research and innovation, supporting activities such as co-creation workshops, immersion stays, prototyping, field validation, market discovery, proof-of-concept development, and the advancement of existing research partnerships toward innovation.
The initiative is based on the recognition that continued research collaboration is often essential for science-based ventures to refine technologies and align them with market needs. The programme encourages partnerships that combine scientific research expertise with entrepreneurial innovation.
Each funded project must connect a researcher and a science-based entrepreneur. At least one partner must be from Switzerland and at least one partner must be from sub-Saharan Africa. Either the researcher or the sciencepreneur may come from either side of the partnership corridor.
Projects may include collaborative activities designed to strengthen innovation development and accelerate impact. Existing research collaborations transitioning into innovation projects are encouraged to apply, as are previous AIT programme participants and recipients of Leading House Africa research grants.
The programme provides grants ranging from CHF 5,000 to CHF 20,000 per project. Funded activities may be implemented over a period of up to 12 months. Eligible costs, payment terms, and reporting requirements are outlined in the grant agreement available on the application platform.
To be eligible, applications must include at least one Swiss partner who is either a researcher or sciencepreneur affiliated with a Swiss institution of higher education, or a sciencepreneur with a company founded within the last three years. Applications must also include at least one African researcher or science-based entrepreneur. All African countries are eligible except those in the Maghreb region and Egypt. The Swiss partner serves as the lead applicant and is responsible for financial management and reporting.
For more information, visit Swiss Leading House for Africa.
