Opportunity Grants
Purpose
Opportunity Grants support bottom-up collaboration and networking initiatives showcasing Swiss science and technology abroad and are centered around specific local opportunities.
Grant sum
Up to CHF 40’000
Project duration
If funding is granted, the proposed activities must be carried out within 12 months from the date of confirmation, and the project itself may last up to 12 months.
Eligible Project Lead
Main applicants
- Swissnex outposts in the Asia-Pacific region
- Swiss Science & Technology Counsellors (“Science Offices”) in Asia-Pacific embassies/consulates
Other official Swiss ERI stakeholders with a local presence or active programs:
- Switzerland Global Enterprise (SGE) – via the Swiss Business Hub Southeast Asia & Pacific
- Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships offices
- Swiss Permanent Mission to UN ESCAP and UNESCO
- Swiss Mission to ASEAN
Eligible partners
Must be based in at least one of the following locations: Australia, China (PRC), Hong Kong, Japan, Macau, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan (Chinese Taipei), or any ASEAN member states.
Goal and examples of activities
These initiatives aim to increase the visibility of the impact and quality of Swiss science, technology, and innovation and forge closer links between ERI ecosystems in the Asia Pacific region and Switzerland. Activities may be linked to major global or regional developments, including:
- Flagship international conferences & symposia
- Large public happenings such as the Olympic Games, international or national expositions/biennales.
- Science diplomacy & cultural-scientific festivals
- Major environmental events such as the implications of a typhoon, earthquake or tsunami.
- Relevant economic or political developments, such as governmental changes, high-level diplomatic visits, or major international summits.
- Launch of a new public policy such as new impactful agriculture or migration policies.
- High-profile science and innovation awards
- Student and researcher mobility programs
Timeline
This call is launched in summer 2025 and applications are considered on a rolling basis until further notice.
Co-funding
Some level of co-funding from other sources is expected. The closer to matching the better.
Evaluation criteria
- Impact of the project idea to achieve visibility and networking opportunities in country with relevant target audiences
- prospects for sustainable results
- Clear and well-structured budget plan
- Level of matching funding and/and commitment from other, ideally local, ERI stakeholders
Required documents
The following documents must be submitted in one PDF-file:
- Completed application form
- Completed budget templates
Submission
The Swiss-based applicant must submit all documents required for application in English in one PDF document to the Leading House Asia Pacific.