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CHiwi Foundation Space Exploration Science Grants Program (Switzerland)

Deadline: 15-Sep-2026

The CHiwi Foundation is a Switzerland-based nonprofit that funds scientific advancement through research support, education, and innovation-driven projects. Its Space Exploration Science Grants Program is designed to back bold, original research that expands humanity’s understanding of the universe and supports meaningful scientific discovery.

Semantic keywords: space exploration grants, astrobiology funding, exoplanet science, cosmology research, fundamental physics grants, space science innovation, scientific research funding, Swiss nonprofit foundation.

Key facts

  • Funder: CHiwi Foundation.

  • Programme: Call for Proposals 2026, Space Exploration Science Grants Program.

  • Scope: Worldwide.

  • Applicants: Researchers, students, scientific teams, institutions, and organizations.

  • Focus areas: Astrobiology and origins of life, exoplanet science and habitability, advanced space observation technologies, cosmology, theoretical physics, alternative energy, advanced mathematics, gravitational waves, dark matter, dark energy, particle physics in cosmology, and space exploration science.

  • Application content: Research objectives, methodology, project timeline, estimated budget, and institutional affiliation.

  • Selection basis: Scientific relevance, innovation, proposal quality, and expected contribution to knowledge.

Eligible applicants

The call is open to a broad range of applicants from around the world, including:

  • Individual researchers.

  • Students.

  • Scientific teams.

  • Universities and research institutions.

  • Nonprofit organizations.

  • Other organizations working in relevant scientific or technological fields.

Applicants are expected to have an institutional affiliation or a clearly described project structure. The foundation appears to prioritize serious research proposals rather than purely speculative ideas.

Priority research areas

Astrobiology and origins of life

Projects may study how life could arise, survive, or be detected in extreme environments or on other worlds.

Exoplanet science and habitability

Research may focus on identifying, characterizing, or assessing potentially habitable exoplanets.

Advanced space observation technologies

This can include new instruments, sensing systems, telescope concepts, or observation methods.

Cosmology and fundamental physics

Supported topics include:

  • Fundamental cosmology.

  • Theoretical physics.

  • Gravitational waves.

  • Dark matter.

  • Dark energy.

  • Particle physics in cosmology.

  • Advanced mathematics with strong relevance to these fields.

Space exploration science

Projects may also cover broader space science questions that contribute to exploration and discovery.

What makes a strong proposal

A competitive proposal should clearly show:

  • A defined scientific question.

  • A strong rationale and novelty.

  • A realistic methodology.

  • A feasible timeline.

  • A justified budget.

  • A credible institutional or team structure.

  • A clear explanation of expected scientific impact.

The foundation appears to value projects that are ambitious but technically coherent, with clear relevance to its stated scientific themes.

How the programme works

  1. Prepare a project concept.

    • Define the scientific problem, hypotheses, and expected outcomes.

  2. Build the proposal.

    • Include objectives, methods, milestones, budget, and institutional details.

  3. Align with the foundation’s scope.

    • Make sure the project fits one or more of the programme’s core scientific areas.

  4. Submit the proposal.

    • Use the foundation’s application process and provide all requested documentation.

  5. Review and selection.

    • Proposals are assessed for relevance, quality, innovation, and potential impact.

Application tips

  • Keep the scientific question sharp and well defined.

  • Show why the project matters now.

  • Explain how the work advances knowledge beyond existing research.

  • Match the budget to the scope of the proposal.

  • Include collaborators or host institutions if they strengthen feasibility.

  • Avoid vague or overly broad concepts that cannot be evaluated clearly.

Common mistakes

  • Submitting a proposal that is too broad or unfocused.

  • Failing to explain the scientific innovation.

  • Providing an unclear budget or timeline.

  • Ignoring the foundation’s priority themes.

  • Weak institutional support or unclear execution plan.

FAQ

  1. Who can apply?

    • Researchers, students, scientific teams, institutions, and organizations worldwide.

  2. What fields are eligible?

    • Astrobiology, exoplanets, cosmology, theoretical physics, advanced mathematics, gravitational waves, dark matter, dark energy, particle physics in cosmology, and related space science topics.

  3. What should the application include?

    • Research objectives, methodology, timeline, budget, and institutional affiliation.

  4. Is the programme global?

    • Yes, it is open to applicants worldwide.

  5. What does the foundation look for in a proposal?

    • Scientific relevance, innovation, quality, and expected impact.

  6. Is this only for space missions?

    • No. It also supports fundamental science and theoretical research connected to space exploration.

  7. Can students apply?

    • Yes, students are listed among eligible applicants, provided their proposal meets the programme requirements.

Conclusion

The CHiwi Foundation’s 2026 call is a global opportunity for serious scientific work in space exploration and fundamental science. The strongest applications will be focused, innovative, and clearly tied to one of the foundation’s priority research areas.

For more information, visit CHiwi Foundation.