The Solution-oriented Research for Development (SOR4D) programme, jointly managed by the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF) and the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), has launched its second call for Transformation Accelerating Grants (TAGs).

The grants support researchers and practice-based partners involved in existing SOR4D projects to translate research findings, tools and technologies into practical solutions and scale their impact. The programme focuses on accelerating sustainable development and poverty reduction through implementation, validation and scaling of research-based solutions in partner countries across Africa, Asia and Latin America.

This call is specifically for teams building on existing SOR4D projects. It is not an open funding opportunity for new research projects or organisations without a connection to the SOR4D programme.

Funding and Support

• Total call budget: Up to CHF 1.65 million.
• Maximum funding per project: CHF 150,000.
• Project duration: Up to 12 months.
• Latest permitted start date: 1 June 2027.
• Funding type: Research implementation and scaling grant.

Funding supports activities that move existing research findings towards practical application, implementation and sustainable uptake.

Purpose and Objectives

The Transformation Accelerating Grants aim to:

• Accelerate the implementation and scaling of research findings and solutions developed through SOR4D projects.
• Support the transition of research-based innovations into practical use.
• Strengthen collaboration between researchers and non-academic development actors.
• Address sustainable development challenges and poverty reduction in eligible partner countries.
• Establish pathways for long-term implementation and impact beyond the grant period.

Scope of the Opportunity

Supported activities must build on existing SOR4D research results and demonstrate a clear pathway towards implementation or scaling.

Examples of eligible activities include:

• Validation and implementation studies.
• Prototyping, testing and implementation of research-based solutions.
• Policy dialogue linked to the implementation of research findings.
• Development of a spin-off or start-up based on research results.
• Other targeted activities designed to accelerate research-based transformation in partner countries.

Proposals should identify intended users or beneficiaries, the stakeholders required for uptake, relevant institutional or policy entry points, and a sustainability or financing strategy beyond the grant period.

The grants are not intended to fund new scientific discoveries, communication or dissemination activities as standalone objectives, or activities already planned within the original SOR4D project. Activities that directly serve commercial purposes or generate direct pecuniary benefits during the grant period are not eligible.

Eligibility Criteria

Applications must be submitted by a team comprising at least one corresponding applicant and one non-academic co-applicant.

Corresponding applicant

The corresponding applicant must be a researcher based at an eligible Swiss research institution who was involved in the relevant SOR4D project as a corresponding applicant, co-applicant or employee. They must remain employed at an eligible Swiss institution for the entire grant period.

Staff members in an SNSF-funded project, including SOR4D, are not eligible to act as the corresponding applicant.

Non-academic co-applicant

At least one co-applicant must be a non-academic actor based in the relevant partner country, such as a person working at a government agency, NGO, think tank or private-sector organisation. This partner must provide substantial conceptual and practical input into project implementation in that country.

Additional academic and non-academic participants from eligible partner countries, including Switzerland, may join the team. The TAG team does not have to be identical to the original SOR4D project team.

A corresponding applicant may submit more than one TAG project.

Geographic Scope

The programme supports research implementation and scaling in eligible partner countries across Africa, Asia and Latin America.

At least 80% of the approved grant must be spent in the relevant ODA-recipient partner country or countries. Applications should therefore clearly identify where activities will take place and how the proposed solution responds to local development needs.

Funding Conditions

• At least 80% of the approved funding must be spent in ODA-recipient partner countries.
• Personnel costs may not exceed 20% of the total approved grant.
• Salaries of applicants are not eligible.
• Eligible costs include personnel costs within the permitted limit, expenses directly linked to TAG activities, communication and dissemination costs, necessary equipment in partner countries, consumables, travel, accommodation and field expenses.
• Projects cannot exceed 12 months, and extensions beyond this period are not permitted.
• A results-oriented report and a financial report must be submitted at the end of the project.

Evaluation Criteria

Proposals will be evaluated against the following criteria:

• Potential for application and scaling, supported by a clear scale-up strategy.
• Appropriate involvement of relevant stakeholders, including end-users.
• Relevance of the development need and the proposed systemic solution.
• Clarity of the activity plan and potential for long-term impact.
• Consideration of gender, intersectionality and social inclusion throughout implementation.

Important Dates

• Call publication: 9 November 2026.
• Application deadline: 8 January 2027 at 17:00 CET.
• Evaluation meeting: End of January 2027.
• Funding decisions: End of February 2027.
• Latest project start date: 1 June 2027.

Application Process

Applications must be submitted electronically through the mySNF online portal by the corresponding applicant.

Required documents include:

• Project plan using the prescribed TAG template.
• CVs of each applicant and project partner.
• Declaration from the original SOR4D consortium supporting the TAG submission.
• Detailed budget reflecting the financial conditions.
• Updated logical framework identifying the additional outputs and activities to be delivered through the TAG.

The project plan must be written in English, use the prescribed template and not exceed 10 pages, including the cover page, tables, illustrations and references. It must use a minimum 10-point font and 1.5 line spacing, with no annexed documents.

Applicants are encouraged to register for mySNF access early, as validation of a new user account may take up to one week.

Contact Information

Organisation: Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF) / SOR4D Programme

Programme partners: Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) and SNSF

Application platform: mySNF online portal

Technical support: +41 31 308 22 00

Technical support portal: https://snsf-ch.atlassian.net/servicedesk/customer/portals

Industry / Sector

Research and development, sustainable development, international development cooperation, social innovation, policy and practice, and research implementation.

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