Grant opportunity
Prototype Fund Switzerland Responsible and Sustainable AI 2026
Prototype Fund Switzerland is supporting teams to build open-source prototypes that make AI and data-driven technology more responsible, sustainable and useful in real settings.
- Funder
- Prototype Fund Switzerland / Opendata.ch
- Applications close 6 September 2026 at end of day
- Applications close 6 September 2026 at end of day: Sep 6, 2026
- Award
- Up to CHF 50,000 per team plus four months of coaching, mentoring and ecosystem support
- Applicant
- Applicants aged 18 or older with a valid Swiss work permit and an innovative responsible or sustainable AI, data or digital technology idea. A legal entity with its own bank account is required before funding can be received; public institutions and universities cannot apply directly.
- Discipline
- Computer Science, Data and Artificial Intelligence
- Region
- Switzerland
- Posted
- Jul 29, 2026
Call summary
Overview
The 2026 edition funds practical experimentation with responsible and sustainable AI, data and digital systems rather than purely theoretical work.
Who can apply
Applicants must be adults with a valid work permit in Switzerland. Proposals should fit the responsible and sustainable AI theme and at least one challenge area or the wildcard challenge. Researchers may participate through an eligible legal entity, but universities and public institutions are not direct applicants.
What it supports
- Responsible and sustainable AI, data and digital technology.
- Open-source prototypes with real-world and public-interest potential.
- Fairness, transparency, privacy, accountability, safety and environmental sufficiency.
Funding and duration
- Up to CHF 50,000 is available per selected team.
- The programme includes a four-month prototyping phase, coaching, mentoring and access to implementation partners.
- Five core projects are expected to be selected, with possible additional wildcard support.
Applications close 6 September 2026 at end of day
Applications close 6 September 2026 at end of day: Sep 6, 2026
How to apply
Read the official selection criteria and FAQ, then submit through the Prototype Fund application portal by 6 September 2026.
Call details
Source-based overview
Prototype Fund Switzerland invites teams to turn responsible and sustainable AI ideas into working prototypes. Projects should address a concrete social or environmental challenge, include open-source elements and generate practical learning about how trustworthy technology can be implemented and scaled.
Eligibility
Applicants must be adults with a valid work permit in Switzerland. Proposals should fit the responsible and sustainable AI theme and at least one challenge area or the wildcard challenge. Researchers may participate through an eligible legal entity, but universities and public institutions are not direct applicants.
Funding and benefits
Up to CHF 50,000 is available per selected team.
The programme includes a four-month prototyping phase, coaching, mentoring and access to implementation partners.
Five core projects are expected to be selected, with possible additional wildcard support.
Themes and supported activities
Responsible and sustainable AI, data and digital technology.
Open-source prototypes with real-world and public-interest potential.
Fairness, transparency, privacy, accountability, safety and environmental sufficiency.
Deadline and timeline
Applications close 6 September 2026 at end of day: Applications close 6 September 2026 at end of day: Sep 6, 2026.
Applicants should confirm the exact deadline time, time zone, required documents, portal steps and any institutional approvals on the official call page before submitting.
How to apply
Read the official selection criteria and FAQ, then submit through the Prototype Fund application portal by 6 September 2026.
Before applying, check eligibility rules, budgets, attachments, page limits, partner requirements, cost-share conditions and whether the opportunity uses an expression of interest, full proposal, registration or nomination stage.