1 September 2026
New Funding Opportunity: Research Collaborations in the Life Sciences
Researchers at Basel’s higher education institutions and at the University Hospital Basel will soon have access to a new funding instrument: As part of a cantonal funding initiative 15 million Swiss francs will be provided annually for research collaborations in the life sciences.
Funding will be provided for projects that bring together academic research institutions with industry partners taxable in the Canton of Basel-Stadt and generate societal benefits beyond the country’s borders.
An opportunity for non-commercial research institutions
This funding of 15 million Swiss francs will derive from the additional revenue generated by the OECD minimum tax and will be allocated annually starting in 2027 for research collaborations in the life sciences.
It offers an attractive opportunity for researchers at university hospitals and clinics, research institutions, and higher education institutions to secure additional external funding for innovative collaborative projects. The focus is on projects in the fields of global health and high-risk markets. The projects are intended to contribute to the health and well-being of the population.
Collaboration with industry partners as a prerequisite
A key requirement of the funding instruments is collaboration with an industry partner engaged in research that is a tax-resident in the Canton of Basel-Stadt. Applications must be submitted jointly by research and industry partners.
A further prerequisite is that the research collaborations aim to achieve a global societal benefit and contribute to the health and well-being of the population. Proof-of-concept projects for new technologies and capacity-building activities in future technologies are also eligible for funding, provided they are related to the thematic focal areas.
Examine suitable partnerships now
The Research Advisory Board is currently developing the details of the funding program. The first call for proposals is expected to be published in late 2026 or early 2027. Researchers should begin identifying potential industry partners and developing joint project ideas now. The DKF provides ongoing updates on new developments.
Basel Incentive Programme
Funding Area: Research Collaborations in Life Sciences
Eligible for funding
- Higher education institutions located in the Canton of Basel-Stadt or operated by the canton
- Research institutions under cantonal sponsorship
- University hospitals and clinics headquartered and located in the Canton of Basel-Stadt
- Non-commercial research institutions located in the Canton of Basel-Stadt, co-founded or co-funded by a higher education institution and affiliated with a higher education institution
- Applications must be submitted jointly by the research and industry partners. The industry partner must be a legal entity subject to taxation in accordance with § 5d StaföG.
Eligibility Criteria
- Global societal benefit: Impact, validity or relevance of research findings that extend beyond national and regional borders and are subject to affecting or having the potential to affect the global population
- Thematic Focal Areas: Projectsin the two focal areas “Global Health” and “High-Risk Markets”
- Complementary cross-cutting areas: Proof-of-concept projects for new technologies, as well as capacity-building projects in future technologies with a direct connection to one of the focal areas
Funding Volume
- A total of 15 million Swiss francs per year
Timeline
- The first call for proposals is expected to be published in late 2026 or early 2027.