Digitalisation support in Switzerland: checking programmes and preparing applications

Digitalisation support can mean advice, a study, innovation funding, a loan or a guarantee. “Support” does not mean your website or campaign will be paid for. Qualify the project and consult the responsible body before signing a contract that relies on funding.

1. Distinguish routine investment from innovation

Replacing software, redesigning a website and developing a new technology are different projects. Describe the problem, work, uncertainties and required partners. A routine commercial project does not become research because it uses AI.

Separate budget items: possible research, development, migration, training and marketing. Eligibility of one item does not make every expense fundable. Keep a scenario the business can support without aid until a decision is obtained.

2. Examine Innosuisse instruments

Innosuisse supports science-based innovation through several instruments. Projects with an implementation partner involve a research partner. Conditions concern the project, partners and contributions. Do not describe this as general funding to redesign a brochure website.

The innovation cheque can finance a preliminary study of an eligible idea. Other instruments address different situations. Check the appropriate programme, eligible costs and procedures on official pages; an exploratory contact is not approval.

3. Check cantonal support

Programmes depend on canton, sector and project. Consult Vaud business support and Geneva’s Business and digital resources. Guides, training and assessment tools are not necessarily funding.

Ask whether your location and activity qualify, whether committed expenses are eligible, which suppliers are accepted and what evidence is required. Limits, budgets and application windows may change: check them when applying rather than reuse figures from an old article.

4. Prepare useful information

An application explains objective, scope, schedule, budget and internal resources. Attach programme-specific items: partners, quotes, financial assumptions or work descriptions. Distinguish hoped-for outcomes from verifiable commitments.

Support costs and preparation time matter too. Identify who will answer questions, retain records and track conditions after a decision. Awarded funding can have limits and reporting obligations.

5. An example without presumed funding

Fictional example: an industrial SME wants to study a novel process and modernise its commercial website. It consults a research partner and responsible body about the study, budgeting separately for website, content and advertising. Consultation checks a possible application without establishing eligibility or promising aid.

If a request is refused or delayed, the business can reduce scope, reorganise timing or stop. Do not treat unconfirmed funding as a certain cash inflow.

Prepare a 2027 project

For 2027, check conditions in force when applying, decision timing and commencement rules. Retain relevant written confirmations. A future budget announcement is not a decision for your company.

Continue with our website project stages guide.