> ⚠️ **NOT SUITABLE FOR BERLIN-BASED COMPANIES**  
> This program requires **Swiss company/research institution** (Swiss registration).  
> **Requirement**: Company must be Swiss or research institution must be Swiss.  
> See `BERLIN_COMPANY_RECOMMENDATIONS.md` for programs suitable for Berlin-based companies.

---

# Innosuisse - Swiss Innovation Agency

## Overview
Innosuisse is Switzerland's innovation agency supporting SMEs, startups, research institutions, and organizations in their research and development activities, with programs relevant to circular economy and sustainable innovation.

## Managing Body
Innosuisse - Swiss Innovation Agency

## Funding Type
Grants for innovation projects, research collaborations, startup support, and knowledge transfer

## Funding Amount
- Varies by program and project type
- Support for national and international projects
- Startup and scale-up funding
- Research collaboration grants

## Deadlines
- **STATUS: OPEN** (as of November 2025)
- **270 SME projects submitted in latest call** (October 2025)
- Continuous intake for many programs
- Call-specific deadlines vary
- Check [Innosuisse website](https://www.innosuisse.ch/en/home.html) for current deadlines

## Eligibility
- Swiss companies (SMEs and startups)
- Research institutions
- Universities and research organizations
- Organizations with innovation projects
- Must demonstrate innovation and Swiss impact

## Thematic Focus
- Circular economy and sustainability
- Innovation across all sectors
- Green technologies
- Digital innovation
- Knowledge transfer between research and industry

## Relevance to City Resource Graph
- Innovation funding for industrial symbiosis platforms
- Support for circular economy solutions
- Startup and scale-up support
- Research-industry collaboration grants
- Green technology development funding
- International collaboration opportunities

## Links
- [Innosuisse Website](https://www.innosuisse.ch/en/home.html)
- [Support Offers](https://www.innosuisse.ch/en/support-offers)
- [Funding for National Projects](https://www.innosuisse.ch/en/funding-for-national-projects)
- [Funding for International Projects](https://www.innosuisse.ch/en/funding-for-international-projects)
- [Calls for Projects](https://www.innosuisse.ch/en/calls-for-projects-and-applications)
- [Application Platform](https://www.innosuisse.ch/en/innosuisse-application-platform)

## Application Checklist

### Pre-Application Requirements
- [ ] Verify Swiss company/research institution eligibility:
  - [ ] Swiss SME or startup OR
  - [ ] Swiss research institution/university OR
  - [ ] Organization with Swiss connection and innovation project
- [ ] Use [Innosuisse Guide](https://www.innosuisse.ch/en/innosuisse-guide) to identify suitable funding
- [ ] Review [Support Offers](https://www.innosuisse.ch/en/support-offers) for program selection
- [ ] Decide between national vs international project:
  - [ ] National project: Swiss partners only
  - [ ] International project: Cross-border collaboration
- [ ] Identify if startup support, innovation project, or collaboration needed
- [ ] Note: **High competition** (270 SME projects in latest call)

### Required Documents (varies by program)
- [ ] Company/organization registration documents (Swiss)
- [ ] Project description with innovation focus
- [ ] Budget breakdown and funding request
- [ ] Project timeline with milestones
- [ ] CVs of key team members
- [ ] Partnership agreements (for collaboration projects)
- [ ] Research collaboration agreement (if involving research institution)
- [ ] Market analysis and commercialization plan
- [ ] Innovation impact assessment
- [ ] Circular economy/sustainability relevance description
- [ ] Proof of concept or preliminary results (if available)

### Application Steps
1. [ ] Visit [Innosuisse Guide](https://www.innosuisse.ch/en/innosuisse-guide) to find right program
2. [ ] Review [Calls for Projects](https://www.innosuisse.ch/en/calls-for-projects-and-applications)
3. [ ] Check specific program deadline and requirements
4. [ ] Register on [Innosuisse application platform](https://www.innosuisse.ch/en/innosuisse-application-platform)
5. [ ] Complete online application form
6. [ ] Upload all required documents
7. [ ] Submit before deadline
8. [ ] Note: Prepare well due to high competition

### Project Alignment Checklist
- [ ] Project demonstrates clear innovation
- [ ] Shows Swiss economic/social impact
- [ ] Aligns with circular economy/sustainability themes
- [ ] Includes knowledge transfer component (research-industry bridge)
- [ ] Demonstrates commercialization potential
- [ ] Shows industrial symbiosis/resource efficiency innovation

### Program Selection Guidance
- [ ] Review [Funding for National Projects](https://www.innosuisse.ch/en/funding-for-national-projects)
- [ ] Review [Funding for International Projects](https://www.innosuisse.ch/en/funding-for-international-projects)
- [ ] Check [Support for Start-ups](https://www.innosuisse.ch/en/support-for-start-ups) if applicable
- [ ] Consider [Project set-up assistance](https://www.innosuisse.ch/en/project-set-up-assistance-and-networking)

### Post-Submission
- [ ] Save confirmation and reference number
- [ ] Monitor application status in platform
- [ ] Be prepared for competitive evaluation (270+ applications)
- [ ] Have additional materials ready if shortlisted
- [ ] Prepare for potential interview/presentation

## Application Tips
- High demand - 270 projects submitted in recent call
- Use Innosuisse Guide to find suitable funding
- Focus on innovation and knowledge transfer
- Leverage research-industry partnerships
- Explore both national and international opportunities
- Check for circular economy specific calls or programs
- **Important: Prepare strong application due to high competition**