Launch of the first SWEETER call for proposals
Bern, 16.04.2026 — The Swiss Federal Office of Energy (SFOE), in collaboration with the Swiss Federal Office for the Environment (FOEN), is launching the first call for proposals for the SWEETER funding instrument. The theme is ‘Energy- and resource-efficient industrial processes’. The call for proposals will run until 30 June 2026.
Industrial processes present a challenge to achieving the goals of the Energy Strategy 2050 and the Long-Term Climate Strategy. Industrial process heat is particularly important here, as it accounts for more than 55% of the industrial sector’s total final energy consumption. Furthermore, almost 50% of this heat is still generated from fossil fuels, contributing approximately for 15% of national CO2 emissions. A key challenge lies in the high temperature requirements: in around 70% of industrial processes, these are150°C or above. Currently, there are only limited mature alternatives to fossil fuels capable of achieving these temperatures.
These challenges are addressed in the first of two research challenges: The first focuses on how high-temperature processes as well as other industrial processes that lack viable commercial solutions and still require research and innovation can be optimised and transitioned away from fossil energy carriers.
The second addresses the reuse, repurpose, remanufacturing and recycling of components that are expected to play an important role in the future energy system, such as photovoltaic modules, batteries, heat pumps and electrolysers. It takes their importance into account and aims to use materials as efficiently as possible, recover valuable substances and reduce environmental impact.
Consortia may submit pre-proposals by 30 June. The two consortia with the highest-ranking pre-proposals will be invited to submit a full proposal and will receive financial support for this purpose. The budget for the call for proposal, amounting to just under 12 million Swiss francs, will be allocated over two three-year periods, with an interim evaluation taking place between them. Unlike previous calls for proposal, consortia may now also be led by companies and other non-academic stakeholders. Details of the entry conditions are set out in the Call Guideline (attached to this press release).
SWEETER funding instrument – “SWiss research for the EnErgy Transition and Emissions Reduction”
SWEETER is a funding instrument of the Swiss Federal Office of Energy (SFOE). SWEETER issues rolling calls for proposals for consortium projects. Funding is provided only to consortium projects that comprehensively address central research topics of the Energy Strategy 2050 and the long-term climate strategy. SWEETER is implemented in collaboration with the Federal Office for the Environment (FOEN).