Innosuisse and armasuisse launch a call for projects in the field of dual-use technologies

This initiative, launched by André Kudelski, Chairman of the Board of Directors at Innosuisse, and Urs Loher, National Armaments Director at armasuisse, addresses a priority of the Federal Council’s armaments policy: strengthening research and innovation in the field of security. “With this initiative, we aim to extend Switzerland’s innovation capacity to areas where sovereignty needs are clearly identified,” says André Kudelski.

Designed as a broad and open call for projects, the initiative sets out thematic priorities whilst leaving research and innovation stakeholders considerable freedom to devise ambitious solutions. As part of Innosuisse’s “Flagship” programme, the initiative aims to encourage systemic and transdisciplinary innovations with dual-use potential, thereby addressing major economic and societal challenges as well as national security issues for Switzerland.

To be eligible for funding, projects must involve several Swiss research institutions and industrial partners active in Switzerland. The call for projects will focus on the theme ‘Resilient and Secure Technologies for Defence and Mobility’ with three key technology areas described in the box below. These areas demonstrate how technological advances driven by security needs should also benefit civil society. Concrete examples of such transfers include GPS and Wi-Fi, which were initially developed for military purposes and are now widely integrated into everyday life. Such innovations help to ensure technological leadership and strengthen Switzerland’s industrial base, which is essential for the defence sector.

Through this joint initiative, Innosuisse and the Science and Technology division of armasuisse are laying the foundations for the strategic and sustainable development of innovation in the security and defence sector. “This initiative directly contributes to strengthening Switzerland’s competitiveness and technological sovereignty, whilst generating tangible benefits for the economy and society,” emphasises Dominique Gruhl-Bégin, Director of Innosuisse.

“Research and innovation in security and defence are essential for strengthening Switzerland’s defence capabilities and addressing crisis situations. They rely on strong partnerships, technological dynamism and a sustained pace of innovation,” says Thomas Rothacher, Deputy National Armaments Director and Head of the ‘Science and Technology’ division of armasuisse.

The initiative also addresses the objective of enhanced collaboration between sector-specific research institutions and Innosuisse. The budget for this initiative amounts to CHF 20 million and will be shared between Innosuisse and armasuisse. The call for projects will be launched on 1 July by Innosuisse, and proposals will be evaluated and selected in accordance with the existing processes of the Swiss Innovation Agency. The selection of projects to be supported is scheduled for summer 2027.

Innosuisse
Innosuisse is the Swiss Innovation Agency. It strengthens the competitiveness of Swiss companies through its funding programmes. In doing so, it contributes to Switzerland’s sustainable development and prosperity. More than 600 people work for Innosuisse and are committed to promoting Swiss innovation.

armasuisse
The Federal Office for Defence Procurement (armasuisse) is the centre of expertise for procurement, technology and real estate within the Federal Department of Defence, Civil Protection and Sport (DDPS). It is responsible for the development, evaluation, procurement and disposal of systems and equipment for the armed forces and other clients.

The three technology areas of the joint call for projects by Innosuisse and armasuisse

Resilient navigation and time synchronisation systems, even in crisis situations
The first focus area concerns positioning, navigation and timing (PNT). It aims to develop technologies that enable reliable positioning and synchronisation, even in the event of disruptions, interference or failure of existing systems. These solutions are essential for many critical infrastructures, as well as for aviation, autonomous systems and emergency response operations.

Photonics for security and communication
The second focus area concerns photonics, i.e. light-based technologies. These enable, in particular, the secure transmission of information, the capture of data with high precision and the production of advanced images. Beyond security applications, these technologies play a key role in fields such as medicine, precision engineering, energy and environmental monitoring.

Solutions for detecting and countering drones
The third focus area aims to develop innovative technologies to detect, identify and neutralise drones. This includes the combination of advanced sensors, command and control systems, and tailored neutralisation solutions. These technologies contribute to the protection of critical infrastructure, the security of public spaces and support for security forces in the face of constantly evolving threats.

The call for projects will be published on the website www.innosuisse.ch on 1 July 2026.