A Flagship funds ca. 4-5 consortia per call, showing systemic innovation and integrating multiple solutions. Consortia comprise 3-8 interdependent subprojects whose overall impact must exceed the sum of their parts, with grants averaging CHF 4-5 million.

For the 2026 call, Innosuisse has been mandated by armasuisse to fund dual-use projects on at least one of these topics:
- resilient positioning, navigation and timing (PNT),
- photonics for communication/sensors,
- innovative technologies to counteract drones (C-UAV).

Consortia need 3+ research partners (lead Swiss HEI, incl. 1 UAS) + 2+ implementation partners. Armasuisse cannot join the consortium. Foreign research bodies may join only as paid third-party service providers, not as official partners. Flagship grants can run alongside other Innosuisse grants.

CHF 20M is allocated to this call, expected to fund ca. 4-5 projects. No maximum duration; Flagships (often 4+ years) run longer than standard projects (max. 36 months). Innosuisse covers 40-60% of total project costs, paid only to research partners; partners cover the rest, incl. 5% cash.

Proposals are evaluated by 2+ external independent experts, then the Innosuisse Innovation Council, on:
- innovation degree (systemic impact);
- value creation and sustainability for Switzerland;
- the Flagship set-up, incl. planning quality, the transdisciplinary team, and cost-benefit ratio.

- Deadline for pre-proposals: 27 Oct 2026 at 12:00 CET
- Decision pre-proposal: Feb 2027 (you can submit full proposal even if not recommended).
- Deadline for full proposals: 4 May 2027 (must be consistent with pre-proposal).
- Final decision: July 2027.
- Projects start: Q4 2027.

Did you miss the Innosuisse Webinar held on 13 August on the 2026 Flagship call? Watch the full recording online to review the rationale, focus areas, and live Q&A. The transcript, FAQ, and downloadable application documents are available directly on the official call page.