Swiss AI Initiative Launches Third Funding Call for Foundation Model Research

The Swiss AI Initiative has opened its third large project call, offering substantial funding to accelerate research and development of open science artifacts in foundation model development and critical societal applications. The initiative, which represents the largest open science/open source effort for AI foundation models worldwide, is backed by over 10 million GPU hours on the Alps supercomputer and an initial 20 million CHF grant from the ETH Domain.

Funding Timeline and Requirements

The current funding cycle has a clear timeline for applicants. Researchers must submit their Declaration of Intent by March 16, 2026, followed by full proposals due March 31, 2026. Successful applicants will receive decisions and can begin their projects in July 2026.

Scale and Scope of the Initiative

Launched in December 2023, the Swiss AI Initiative operates as the first initiative of the Swiss National AI Institute, a partnership between the ETH AI Center and the EPFL AI Center. The initiative leverages the critical mass of expertise from over 800 researchers across Switzerland, including 70 AI-focused professors from more than 10 academic institutions.

The research is powered by one of the world's leading AI supercomputers, "Alps," which features over 10,000 GH200 GPUs. This computational infrastructure is operated in collaboration with engineers at the Swiss National Supercomputing Centre (CSCS).

Open Science Commitment

The initiative distinguishes itself through its commitment to open science principles. It provides transparent and open software, models, and data releases that enable trustworthy use by various Swiss stakeholders, including SMEs and start-ups. Regular compute calls are available to bring together researchers from different organizations, fostering collaboration across the Swiss research ecosystem.

Strategic Partnerships

The initiative has established strategic partnerships with industry players and maintains a growing network of members. For organizations interested in joining or learning more about current participants, the Swiss AI Members page provides a comprehensive list of collaborators.

The third funding call represents a significant opportunity for researchers working on foundation models and their applications in areas of critical societal importance. With its combination of computational resources, funding, and collaborative infrastructure, the Swiss AI Initiative continues to position Switzerland as a leader in open AI research and development.

For more information about the funding call and application process, visit the Swiss AI Initiative website.