Executive Summary
The Federal Office of Armaments armasuisse and the ETH Area are launching the "Research Program Security" starting in May 2026. Eight research projects from the first call for proposals will receive a total of two million francs in funding. The program develops innovative solutions in critical technology areas such as artificial intelligence, quantum technologies, and cybersecurity. The goal is to build technological knowledge domestically and reduce dependencies on foreign countries. The first call for proposals took place in October 2025; the next is planned for autumn 2026.
People
- armasuisse (Federal Office of Armaments)
- EPFL (Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne)
Topics
- Security research and defense
- Technological sovereignty
- Artificial intelligence and autonomous systems
- Public-Private Research Partnerships
Clarus Lead
The strategic partnership between Swiss defense authorities and top-tier academic research responds to growing geopolitical uncertainties and technological dependencies. The focus on key technologies such as artificial intelligence and quantum technologies signals that Switzerland wants to strengthen its technological independence in security-critical areas. The program institutionalizes a permanent solution: with planned regular calls for proposals and an expanded advisory board (including EPFL participation since 2024), cooperation is being systematically expanded.
Detailed Summary
The "Research Program Security" focuses on two thematic priorities from the first call for proposals, which received 24 project proposals. Selection was made by a joint steering committee of armasuisse and ETH institutions with the participation of technical experts. Each of the eight selected projects receives up to 250,000 francs for a duration of 12 to 18 months.
The cooperation builds on existing structures: as early as 2022, the Defense Department (VBS) and ETH Zurich established a joint advisory board for technology and innovation. EPFL joined this committee in 2024 and now actively contributes to the implementation of the calls for proposals. The further development of VBS-ETH cooperation is currently being worked out, indicating a medium-term intensification. The technology areas – from cybersecurity to autonomous systems to energy supply – address both current threat scenarios and dual-use applications in the civilian and military sectors.
Key Messages
- armasuisse and ETH Area launch joint research program with two million francs in funding for the first phase
- Eight projects start in May 2026 in areas such as AI, quantum technologies, and cybersecurity
- Goal is to build technological sovereignty and reduce foreign dependencies
- Regular calls for proposals (next autumn 2026) are intended to institutionalize cooperation
Critical Questions
Evidence: What specific security gaps or technological dependencies justify the focus on these eight projects? Were alternatives evaluated?
Conflicts of Interest: To what extent do military requirements influence the research agenda of civilian institutions such as EPFL, and how is academic independence ensured?
Causality: Does a two-year project duration actually lead to operationalizable technological knowledge, or is there a risk of basic research without implementation maturity?
Feasibility: How is it ensured that research results are integrated into actual weapons systems or defense capabilities, and what costs are incurred in the process?
Transparency: Which project contents will be made accessible to the public, and which are subject to classification restrictions?
Scaling: Are two million francs sufficient for eight projects to achieve measurable progress in strategically relevant technologies?
Sources
Primary Source: Federal Office of Armaments armasuisse and ETH Area Strengthen Cooperation in Security-Relevant Research – news.admin.ch, 22.05.2026
Verification Status: ✓ 22.05.2026
This text was created with the support of an AI model. Editorial Responsibility: clarus.news | Fact-Check: 22.05.2026