UK-Switzerland innovation call opens for joint projects

Bilateral call to strengthen Swiss-UK innovation collaboration

Innovate UK and Innosuisse have launched their third bilateral funding competition to support collaborative research and development (R&D) projects between UK and Swiss organisations.

The call supports projects within three priority technology sectors:

• semiconductors
• life sciences
• engineering biology

Applications outside these areas are not eligible.

Funding and project details

UK organisations can apply to Innovate UK for up to £450,000 in grant funding per project. Funding can cover up to 70% of eligible costs, depending on business size and project type. Projects must last between 18 and 36 months, and start on 1 February 2027.

Who can apply

Projects must be delivered by a UK-Swiss consortium that includes:

• at least one UK business and one Swiss business
• at least one UK small and medium-sized enterprise claiming grant funding
• usually, a research organisation from either country

Projects must focus on one or more of the three priority areas, show a clear innovative idea with strong commercial potential, explain how the UK-Swiss partnership adds value and have a clear route to market within two to three years.

Project must be approved by both Innovate UK and Innosuisse.

The competition opens on 1 July and closes at 11am on 3 September 2026.

Find out more and apply.

UK organisations can get help to find Swiss partners through Innovate UK Business Connect and the Enterprise Europe Network.

First published 24 June 2026