Swiss Quantum Call 2026

The Swiss Quantum Call 2026 is part of the ongoing Swiss Quantum Initiative (SQI). It is based on the strategic considerations of the Swiss Quantum Commission (SQC). An estimated budget of 16 million Swiss francs is available to finance the projects. The final decision is dependent on relief package 27 and is expected to be made in December 2026.

The call aims to further strengthen Swiss quantum research. Funding is provided for outstanding, curiosity-driven projects of high scientific quality. The research should also have a long-term impact – even beyond academia – and thus contribute to the international success of Switzerland as a centre for quantum research and innovation.

Funding is provided for research projects carried out independently by qualified scientists. They choose their own research objectives within the following subject areas:

• Quantum communication

• Quantum computation

• Quantum simulation

• Quantum sensing and quantum metrology

Projects that make a significant methodological or technological contribution to the development of these areas are also eligible. The focus is on applications relating to materials for quantum devices, quantum control hardware and software, quantum theory and quantum information theory, as well as computer science for quantum technologies.

Eligibility requirements and special features of the call

The call follows the general principles of the SNSF’s Project Funding scheme. Researchers based in Switzerland are eligible for funding if they meet the eligibility requirements.

The differences with regard to regular SNSF Project Funding are as follows:

• Proposals are only accepted in the above-mentioned fields of quantum science and technology.

• In addition to scientific excellence, applicants should set out the potential long-term relevance of their research beyond the immediate academic context. However, the call is primarily aimed at research projects with a low to intermediate Technology Readiness Levels.

• The participation of independent early-career scientists is expressly encouraged. The SNSF ensures that applications from early-career researchers and established researchers have comparable chances of success.

• In collaborative projects with three or more applicants, the participation of a person based abroad is possible, provided that their expertise is indispensable and a clear added value compared to the expertise available in Switzerland.

• Equipment costs of up to 400,000 Swiss francs per project can be requested. Up to 40 percent of the grant amount may be used for project partners and subcontractors.

These deviations from the rules of SNSF Project Funding serve to implement the strategic considerations of the Swiss Quantum Commission in a targeted manner. In particular, they are intended to strengthen application-oriented quantum research with clear societal and technological benefits. They also promote participation and leadership by early-career researchers, facilitate national and international collaborations and take into account the increased need for specialised infrastructure and equipment.

Proposals must be submitted via the SNSF Portal. It is strongly recommended that you set up a user account at least one month before the submission deadline so that you can submit the required information and documents to the SNSF Portal in good time.

Further information and regulations

Detailed information about the eligibility requirements, application submission and the evaluation procedure can be found in the call document. Furthermore, the general provisions of the SNSF apply.