International call for disruptive technologies in 2026

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Starting in January 2026, the SNSF will participate in an international call for interdisciplinary research projects on disruptive technologies designed to contribute to the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

The international joint initiative for research projects on the theme “Harnessing Disruptive Technologies to Address Global Challenges” is set to launch in January 2026. It is part of the New Frontiers in Research Fund (NFRF), an international funding programme for innovative research coordinated by Canada.

Funding organisations from the Åland Islands, Brazil, Canada, Denmark, Finland, the Faroe Islands, Greenland, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Iceland, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and Taiwan are participating in the call.

Thematic eligibility requirements

Eligible projects must be based on disruptive technologies and make a recognisable contribution to at least one of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) defined by the United Nations. Projects can focus on the development or implementation of a technology or address the social or economic impact of such technologies.

Interdisciplinarity and cooperation

Projects must be interdisciplinary in nature and involve at least two different disciplines. Stakeholders and other relevant players from the research landscape should be actively involved in the development of funding applications at an early stage. A trans-sectoral approach is desirable. Research should transcend disciplinary and sectoral boundaries and involve stakeholders from science, industry and other sectors. Non-academic partners can be part of the project team or involved in a cooperative role.

The project team must be eligible to apply to at least three participating funding organisations. There must be at least three applicants, one of whom must be eligible for NFRF funding. The participating funding organisations are:

  • Dutch Research Council (NWO) - Netherlands

  • International Development Research Centre (IDRC) - Canada

  • New Frontiers in Research Fund (NFRF) - Canada

  • NordForsk - Åland Islands, Denmark, Finland, Faroe Islands, Greenland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden

  • Research Ireland - Ireland

  • Sao Paulo Research Foundation (FAPESP) - Brazil

  • Spanish State Research Agency (AEI) - Spain

  • Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF) - Switzerland

  • National Science and Technology Council (NSTC) - Taiwan

  • UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) - United Kingdom