# Spark

**Funder:** SNSF
**Budget:** CHF 50,000–100,000
**Duration:** 6 months to 1 year (up to 2 years in exceptional cases)
**Consortium:** No
**Application:** Single stage; fully anonymised project description submitted via mySNF
**Frequency:** Annual
**Eligible countries:** CH
**Official call:** https://www.snf.ch/en/8EWqXT6CZ7wuAJUq/funding/programmes/spark
**Last verified:** 21 June 2026

## Eligibility & scope

Open to all disciplines. Applicants must hold a doctorate (or equivalent) and be employed at an eligible Swiss research institution (RIPA Art. 4/5) for the project duration. Single applicant only; no parallel Spark projects. Proposals must be submitted in English. Not compatible with Bridge Proof of Concept, Postdoc.Mobility, or Swiss Postdoctoral Fellowships. No overhead contributions.

## Summary

SNSF Spark funds exploratory research projects across all disciplines with CHF 50,000-100,000 for six months to one year (up to two years in exceptional cases). The call targets researchers holding a doctorate and employed at a Swiss institution, working on innovative ideas with high risk-benefit potential. Proposals are single-author, submitted in full anonymity, and calls run annually.

## Who should apply

- Doctorate holders employed at a Swiss institution (RIPA-eligible)
- Researchers with innovative, high-risk ideas needing rapid proof-of-concept
- Single applicants only; consortium projects are not eligible
- All disciplines welcome

## Key dates

- Previous call deadline 4 March 2025 at 17:00 Swiss time; next deadline to be announced
- Single-stage application via mySNF
- Project duration 6 months to 1 year (exceptionally up to 2 years)

## Tips for applicants

- Your project description is fully anonymised during review, avoid any identifying details about your lab or institution.
- Spark prioritises conceptual innovation and risk tolerance; frame the scientific gap and boldness clearly, not incremental feasibility.
- Ineligible for concurrent SNSF grants (Bridge Proof of Concept, Postdoc.Mobility, Swiss Postdoctoral Fellowships); check your portfolio before submitting.

## Frequently asked questions

### Who can apply for SNSF Spark?

Researchers holding a doctorate and employed at a Swiss institution eligible under RIPA Articles 4-5; single applicants only.

### How much funding does SNSF Spark offer?

CHF 50,000-100,000 for projects lasting six months to one year, or up to two years in exceptional cases.

### Are consortium projects eligible for SNSF Spark?

No, Spark is for single applicants only; consortium or multi-partner projects are ineligible.

### How often does SNSF run the Spark call?

Annually; the previous deadline was 4 March 2025, and the next deadline will be communicated by SNSF.

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Source: [The Great Grantsby](https://grantsby.eu/grants/snsf-spark-2026) — EU grant monitoring for academic researchers. Always verify details on the funder's website before applying.