AIT South Africa 2027: connecting Swiss research-based startups and researchers with Africa

Innovation Open Call 6 Jan 2027 South Africa Swiss Leading House Africa
Description Informations
Swiss startup Gaia Turbine pitching at an innovation summit in Cape Town.
Description
Status
Open Call
Deadline
6 Jan 2027
Type
Innovation
Country
South Africa
Institution
Swiss Leading House Africa

Research-based startups and impact-focused researchers from Switzerland travel to South Africa in March 2027. Connected in advance with startups, researchers, industry and investors in South Africa, they also meet innovators from across the continent at SWEAT Africa in Stellenbosch.

Call Details

The Academia Industry Training (AIT) South Africa 2027 connects research-based startups and impact-focused researchers in Switzerland with South Africa’s innovation community and, through SWEAT Africa, with innovators from across Africa: startups, researchers, industry, investors and government. It is open to all sectors; life science is particularly encouraged.

Selected participants are supported from February to connect with relevant partners in South Africa and beyond, then travel to South Africa in March 2027. The visit is planned around SWEAT Africa in Stellenbosch, a deep tech festival bringing together more than 100 African startups and 50 investors, with SA Innovation Week in Johannesburg as an option. Details will follow in a webinar during the call.

The programme is delivered with the Technology Innovation Agency (TIA) and the National Research Foundation (NRF) under the Swiss–South African cooperation agreement, and includes meetings with universities, industry and public partners. A reciprocal visit by South African ventures to Switzerland is planned for 2027.

Participants are selected on the importance of the problem they address, fit with the African context, expected benefit from the programme and commitment to building a lasting connection to South Africa and the wider region. Ventures at prototype or research stage are considered. No existing Africa strategy is required. Previous AIT or Leading House Africa participants are not excluded but should show traction and how the programme fits their plans.

Eligibility

  • Research-based startups based in Switzerland
  • Researchers at Swiss institutions of higher education or research institutes with an impact-focused project relevant to Africa
  • All fields; life science is particularly encouraged
  • One representative available for the full programme in South Africa in March 2027
  • Commitment to the online pre-visit sessions and a six-month follow-up

Funding

Travel and accommodation for the South Africa programme are covered.

Application process

Applicants describe their venture or research and the problem it addresses in a short application, including a 90-second video. A jury of Swiss and South African experts evaluates and selects the participants. Apply via f6s: [f6s link].

Use of data and AI

AI tools may be used to help process applications and to identify potential partners and opportunities for applicants. Applications will be shared with the selection jury, made up of representatives from partners and independent experts. Profiles of selected participants will be shared with partners in South Africa and with SWEAT Africa to arrange meetings. Please do not include confidential information in your application.

Timeline

  • Call open: 9 November 2026
  • Webinar on programme and events: late November 2026 Register with this link.
  • Call deadline: 6 January 2027, midnight (CET)
  • Jury review: 7 to 14 January 2027
  • Decisions communicated: by 15 January 2027
  • Online pre-visit programme: February to early March 2027
  • Programme in South Africa: March 2027
  • Follow-up: April to September 2027

Contact

Douglas Häggström, lhafrica-io@unibas.ch