The Swiss Leading House Africa has announced the opening of applications for the Researcher–Sciencepreneur Collaboration Grant (RSCG) 2026, a funding opportunity designed to strengthen innovation partnerships between researchers and science-based entrepreneurs across Switzerland and sub-Saharan Africa.

Managed by the Innovation Office at the University of Basel, the grant aims to bridge the gap between academic research and entrepreneurship by supporting collaborative projects that advance science-based ventures toward real-world impact and market readiness.

The initiative recognizes that many science-driven startups and innovation ventures require ongoing research collaboration to refine technologies, validate solutions, and align innovations with market demands. By bringing together researchers and entrepreneurs, the program seeks to foster partnerships that can accelerate the translation of scientific discoveries into practical solutions.

Supporting Cross-Continental Innovation Partnerships

The Researcher–Sciencepreneur Collaboration Grant is part of the Swiss Leading House Africa’s broader efforts to promote scientific and technological collaboration between Switzerland and African countries.

Each funded project must involve:

At least one researcher or science-based entrepreneur from Switzerland.
At least one researcher or science-based entrepreneur from sub-Saharan Africa.
A collaborative partnership focused on innovation development and venture growth.

Either the researcher or entrepreneur role can be fulfilled by partners from either region, allowing flexibility in team composition. The Swiss partner will serve as the lead applicant and will be responsible for financial management and reporting requirements throughout the project period.

The program also welcomes existing research partnerships that are transitioning into innovation-focused collaborations. Previous participants of African Innovation and Technology (AIT) programmes and recipients of Leading House Africa research grants are encouraged to apply.

Funding Available for Innovation Development Activities

Successful applicants can receive grants ranging from CHF 5,000 to CHF 20,000 to support project activities over a period of up to 12 months.

Funding can be used to facilitate a variety of innovation and commercialization activities, including:

Co-creation and innovation workshops.
Research and entrepreneurial immersion visits.
Prototype development and refinement.
Proof-of-concept activities.
Market discovery and validation exercises.
Field testing and user engagement initiatives.

The grant is intended to provide partners with the resources needed to build a credible pathway toward venture growth, impact generation, and long-term sustainability.

Eligibility Requirements

The RSCG 2026 program is open to applicants from Switzerland and eligible countries in sub-Saharan Africa.

To qualify, applications must include:

A Swiss researcher affiliated with a Swiss institution of higher education, or a sciencepreneur operating a company established within the last three years.
An African researcher or science-based entrepreneur from an eligible sub-Saharan African country.
A clearly defined innovation collaboration project.

The program is open to applicants from all thematic and disciplinary fields, reflecting the organizers’ commitment to supporting diverse innovation ecosystems.

Eligible African countries include:

Zimbabwe
Zambia
Uganda
Tanzania
South Africa
Rwanda
Nigeria
Kenya
Ghana
Ethiopia

And numerous other countries across sub-Saharan Africa.

Countries in the Maghreb region and Egypt are not eligible under the current call.

Competitive Selection Process

Applications will undergo a rigorous evaluation process conducted by a jury composed of Swiss and African experts.

Projects will be assessed based on:

Quality and complementarity of the partnership.
Innovation potential and relevance of the venture.
Feasibility and credibility of proposed activities.
Commitment and engagement of the African partner.
Potential for impact and future development.

The evaluation process is designed to identify collaborations with strong prospects for generating sustainable innovation outcomes and strengthening international research-commercialization partnerships.

Application Process and Requirements

Applications must be submitted online through the F6S platform by the Swiss lead applicant. African partners will join the same application as co-applicants.

Applicants are required to submit:

A detailed venture description.
A project implementation outline.
A short pitch deck.
A two-minute video introducing the partnership and collaboration concept.

Organizers encourage both partners to participate in the video presentation to demonstrate the strength of the collaboration and shared commitment to project goals.

Important Dates for RSCG 2026

Prospective applicants should take note of the following timeline:

Call opened: May 2026
Application deadline: 31 August 2026 (midnight CET)
Eligibility screening: Week of 7 September 2026
Jury review period: 8–19 September 2026
Funding decisions communicated: End of September 2026
Grant agreements signed: Mid-October 2026
Project launch and first payment: End of October 2026
Final reporting and second payment: 12 months after project commencement

Strengthening Africa–Switzerland Research and Innovation Collaboration

The Researcher–Sciencepreneur Collaboration Grant 2026 represents a significant opportunity for researchers and entrepreneurs seeking to transform scientific knowledge into innovative products, services, and solutions. By fostering collaboration across continents, the initiative aims to strengthen innovation ecosystems, support venture development, and create lasting partnerships between Switzerland and sub-Saharan Africa.

Researchers and science-based entrepreneurs with promising innovation ideas are encouraged to prepare their applications before the August 2026 deadline and take advantage of this unique funding opportunity.

VISIT OFFICIAL WEBSITE TO APPLY

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Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the organization offering this opportunity. For any inquiries, please contact the official organization directly. Please do not send your applications & CVs to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails, we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.