\r\n \r\n\r\nThe second
SOUR call focuses on
ensuring a secure and affordable energy supply during Switzerland’s transition to a net-zero energy system. The call is led by Prof. emeritus Marco Mazzotti, who oversees project evaluation, monitoring, and funding decisions, with support from SFOE experts. If milestones are not met, he may terminate projects and reallocate any funds that become available.
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\r\nThe
guiding theme of
the call is
“Supply Security on the Path to a Net-Zero Energy System.” It seeks
high-risk, high-potential “game-changing” technologies that could substantially improve Switzerland’s energy security while advancing the transition to net-zero, e.g., by increasing renewable production, enabling better integration into the energy system, or reducing energy consumption.
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\r\nThe key idea is
not incremental improvement: projects should aim for a
major technological leap, starting around TRL 3–4 and reaching at least TRL 6, with
commercialisation considered from the outset. In other words, SOUR is looking for unconventional technologies that could fundamentally shift the cost/performance frontier and eventually achieve significant market deployment in Switzerland.
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Funding duration: The total funding for this call is CHF 4 Mio., with which at most 4 projects will be supported. Each project may apply for up to CHF 1.33 million over a maximum period of three years. The start of the projects is planned for April 2027.
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Applications: Applications for SOUR funding proceed through a single proposal and require the formation of a team, a work programme, and a budget.
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Project Team: A team is led by one Principal Investigator (PI) and may contain one or more Co-PIs. Because SOUR funding is intended for small teams, the team size should be conducive to producing a major leap and enters into the evaluation. The PI and Co-PIs must be employees of a Swiss institution of higher education, a Swiss private sector company, or a Swiss non-commercial research organisation.
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\r\nApplicants are encouraged but not required to contribute own or third-party contributions, which are defined as:
The overhead rate for this call is 0%.
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