AIT in Blockchain 2026

For the first time, the programme is directly integrating into the University of Zurich “Deep Dive into Blockchain” (DDiB) Summer School — European African leading blockchain programme. Selected Swiss startups and researchers will engage with an international cohort of students, researchers, and industry experts across two campuses in Zurich and Stellenbosch, then complete a guided market exploration in South Africa.

The programme will include curated interactions with blockchain students and researchers at the University of Zurich and Stellenbosch University, ecosystem partners, industry players, and local innovators — coordinated with local partners on the ground including Innocircle, the Technology Innovation Agency (TIA), and the National Research Foundation (NRF).

Selected participants will pitch their solutions to an international student cohort, engage as mentors and sparring partners for student project teams, and complete a guided market exploration in South Africa. A return visit by selected African innovators to Switzerland is planned for late 2026 or early 2027.

Startups and researchers will be selected based on the fit of their solution with African needs, the potential of their technology, and expected benefit from the programme. Ventures at prototype or research stage will be considered. No existing Africa strategy is required — that is what the programme is for.

Eligibility:

Startups and innovative researchers based in Switzerland working with blockchain technology with potential relevance or application in Africa. Applications are welcome across all fields — finance, health, agriculture, legal, logistics, social impact, and beyond.

The call for African partners will be integrated into DDiB

Funding:

Travel and accommodation for the South Africa component (19–29 July 2026) are covered. A contribution to Zurich logistics costs is available for participants based outside Zurich.

Application process:

Applicants should outline their solution and the problem it addresses with a short application including a 90-second video. A jury of Swiss and African experts will evaluate and select the applicants. Apply via F6s: f6s.com/swiss-africa-blockchainai-program 

TIMELINE: 

Call open – Mid-May 2026

Call deadline – 15 June 2026, midnight

Jury review – 16–22 June 2026

Decisions communicated – by 22 June 2026

Programme (Zurich) – 5–19 July 2026

Programme (Stellenbosch) – 19–24 July 2026

Guided market exploration – 24–29 July 2026

Return visit (African innovators to Switzerland) – Late 2026 / Early 2027