Researcher–Sciencepreneur Collaboration Grant (RSCG) 2026 — Up to CHF 20,000 for Switzerland–Sub-Saharan Africa Innovation Partnerships

 

If you're a science-based entrepreneur or innovator in Sub-Saharan Africa working alongside — or looking to connect with — a Swiss research partner, the Researcher–Sciencepreneur Collaboration Grant (RSCG) 2026 could be worth exploring.

The RSCG was launched by the Swiss Leading House Africa and is managed by the Innovation Office at the University of Basel. It's designed to bridge academic research and entrepreneurship by funding early-stage, exploratory collaborations that help science-driven ventures move from the lab toward real-world, market-ready solutions.

Unlike many MSME or student grants, the RSCG is not something an African applicant can apply for alone — it requires a paired application with a Swiss-based researcher as the lead applicant.

What Is the RSCG?

RSCG stands for the Researcher–Sciencepreneur Collaboration Grant.

It is an initiative of the Swiss Leading House Africa, administered through the University of Basel's Innovation Office.

The programme supports time-bound collaborations between researchers and "sciencepreneurs" (science-based entrepreneurs), helping ventures build a credible path to impact through continued research collaboration.

The programme supports activities including:

- Co-creation workshops

- Immersion stays / mobility between Switzerland and Africa

- Prototyping and prototyping materials

- Field validation activities

- Market discovery

- Proof-of-concept work

- Expert facilitation (as a supporting element)

How Much Can You Get?

The RSCG offers funding of up to CHF 20,000 per collaborative project.

Current reported RSCG funding figures:

Maximum grant per project: CHF 20,000

Funded activity type: Early, exploratory collaboration phase (not full commercialization funding)

There is no indication that every applicant receives the full CHF 20,000 — the amount awarded is tied to project scope and assessment.

Is the RSCG a Grant or a Loan?

The RSCG is a grant, not a loan. It is intended to fund a specific collaborative project (mobility, workshops, prototyping, field validation) rather than provide general business capital, and there's no indication that funded amounts need to be repaid.

Who Can Apply?

This is the most important eligibility detail: you cannot apply solo.

Every funded project must connect two partners:

- At least one partner based in Switzerland

- At least one partner based in Sub-Saharan Africa

The application must be submitted through F6S by the Swiss lead applicant, with the African partner joining as a co-applicant on the same application.

In practice, this means a Nigerian researcher or science-based entrepreneur needs to already have (or actively form) a genuine collaboration with a Swiss-based researcher before applying — this is a partnership grant, not a standalone funding call.

What You Need Before Applying

1. A Genuine Swiss–Africa Research Partnership — You need a real collaborator on the other side before you can apply at all.

2. A Detailed Venture Description — Explaining the science-based venture or innovation involved.

3. A Project Implementation Outline — A clear plan for how the collaboration will run.

4. A Short Pitch Deck — Summarizing the venture and the collaboration.

5. A Two-Minute Video — Introducing the partnership and collaboration concept. Organizers encourage both partners to appear in the video to demonstrate genuine shared commitment.

How to Apply for the RSCG 2026

Step 1 — Secure a Swiss Research Partner

Identify or confirm a Swiss-based researcher willing to act as the lead applicant on the project.

Step 2 — Define the Collaboration

Agree on the scope of the project — whether it's co-creation workshops, prototyping, field validation, or market discovery.

Step 3 — Prepare Your Materials

Put together the venture description, implementation outline, pitch deck, and joint two-minute video.

Step 4 — Apply via F6S

The Swiss lead applicant submits the application through the F6S platform, adding the African partner as co-applicant.

Step 5 — Await Assessment

Applications are reviewed by the Swiss Leading House Africa / University of Basel Innovation Office.

Where to Apply

Applications are submitted through the official F6S listing:

👉 https://www.f6s.com/rscg-2026

Important Note

Because this grant requires a Swiss lead applicant, be cautious of anyone in Nigeria claiming they can "process" or "guarantee" your RSCG application without an actual Swiss research partner involved — there is no legitimate way around this requirement.

Tips for a Strong RSCG Application

Show a Real, Working Relationship — Assessors are likely looking for genuine collaboration, not a partnership assembled just for the application.

Be Specific About the Science — Clearly explain the research or technology behind the venture and what the collaboration will validate or advance.

Make the Video Count — Since both partners are encouraged to appear together, use it to demonstrate shared commitment and clear communication about the project's goals.

Keep the Budget Realistic — Align your funding request with the eligible cost categories (mobility, workshops, prototyping, field validation, facilitation).

Common Mistakes to Avoid

- Assuming you can apply without a Swiss-based research partner.

- Submitting the application from the African side rather than having the Swiss partner lead it.

- Treating this as general business funding rather than project-specific collaboration funding.

- Skipping the joint video or submitting a generic, non-collaborative pitch deck.

- Confusing this with other F6S-listed grants that may have different eligibility rules.

RSCG 2026 Facts at a Glance

Programme | Researcher–Sciencepreneur Collaboration Grant (RSCG)

Organizer | Swiss Leading House Africa

Managed by | Innovation Office, University of Basel

Maximum funding | CHF 20,000 per project

Eligible regions | Switzerland + Sub-Saharan Africa (paired)

Lead applicant | Must be Swiss-based

Co-applicant | Sub-Saharan Africa-based partner

Application platform | F6S

Funded activities | Mobility, co-creation, prototyping, field validation, market discovery

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a Nigerian entrepreneur apply alone?

No. The RSCG requires a paired application with a Swiss-based researcher as lead applicant and the African partner as co-applicant.

How much funding is available?

Up to CHF 20,000 per funded project.

Is this a loan?

No, it is a grant intended to fund a specific collaborative project.

What does the funding cover?

Mobility, co-creation workshops, prototyping materials, field validation activities, market discovery, and expert facilitation as a supporting element.

Where do I apply?

👉 https://www.f6s.com/rscg-2026

Official Links

RSCG 2026 F6S Application Page:

https://www.f6s.com/rscg-2026