Innovate UK: Switzerland collaborations announced for emerging technology projects

Twenty six innovative projects to enhance UK and Swiss collaborations and capabilities in the emerging fields of technology have been announced.

With £7.8 million funding from Innovate UK and CHF 9.1 million from Innosuisse, the Swiss innovation agency, the collaborative projects span various sectors showcasing a diverse range of innovative solutions.

Strengthening global partnerships

Building international relationships is essential for maintaining the UK’s world-class science and research capabilities and industry strengths.

In 2022 the UK and Switzerland governments signed a memorandum of understanding deepening the relationship between the two countries, harnessing the collective strengths of two powerhouse nations.

With a cumulative total of 10 of Europe’s top 20 research universities between them, the collaboration spans across three pivotal pillars:

• deep science
• industrial commercialisation
• international standards and regulation

This bilateral relationship represents a significant opportunity for both nations to collaborate on research and innovation. By combining resources, expertise and talent, the UK and Switzerland aim to achieve advancements that benefit both countries and drive mutual growth.

Diverse innovations

Projects in life sciences will explore areas such as remote stroke diagnosis and treatment, digital diagnostics services for Parkinson’s disease and innovations to improve future clinical trials that ultimately provide better treatments to bladder cancer patients.

In the area of net zero, one project aims to develop home energy storage technology aiming to cut consumer energy bills and accelerate decarbonisation of the grid. Another tackles carbon capture, preventing carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions without any major infrastructure being needed, offering a cost-effective, low-energy solution with significant carbon reduction potential.

Enhancing bilateral tech collaborations

Janet Geddes, Deputy Director Global at Innovate UK said: "We are delighted with the high level of interest from UK and Swiss organisations to collaborate on research and innovation under our first joint funding call. The projects we are supporting with Innosuisse range from space technologies, those focused on quantum and semiconductors to advanced therapies and medtech. We look forward to seeing how the collaborations develop over the next few years."

This article was first published on 15 July by Innovate UK.