Deadline: 03-May-2026
The nexBio Amazonia 3rd Edition Open Call is a Switzerland–Brazil initiative supporting sustainable bioeconomy innovation in the Amazon region. It funds research and startup collaborations focused on biodiversity, climate change, and socio-economic development with market-ready solutions (TRL 5+). The programme provides mentoring, ecosystem access, and support for bilateral innovation partnerships.
nexBio Amazonia 3rd Edition Open Call
The nexBio Amazonia Open Call is a bilateral innovation and research programme designed to strengthen sustainable development in the Amazon region through collaboration between Switzerland and Brazil.
It focuses on building a science-driven, inclusive, and sustainable bioeconomy that responds to environmental and socio-economic challenges.
Program Objectives
The initiative aims to:
- Promote sustainable bioeconomy innovation in the Amazon
- Strengthen Switzerland–Brazil research and startup collaboration
- Address climate change and biodiversity loss
- Support socio-bioeconomy development
- Enable market-ready sustainable solutions
- Integrate local knowledge with scientific innovation
It acts as a platform for cross-border cooperation and applied sustainability solutions.
Key Focus Areas
Bioeconomy and Sustainable Innovation
- Sustainable production systems
- Green chemistry and biotechnology
- Agricultural innovation
- Food systems transformation
- Resource-efficient production models
Environmental Protection
- Biodiversity conservation
- Climate change adaptation and mitigation
- Ecosystem restoration in the Amazon region
Socio-Economic Development
- Social innovation and organizational models
- Local community engagement
- SDG-aligned development approaches
- Inclusive economic growth
Research and Knowledge Exchange
- Social sciences and economic research
- Science-based innovation
- Integration of local and Indigenous knowledge
- Applied research collaborations
Program Features
Collaboration Platform
- Bilateral partnerships between Switzerland and Brazil
- Academic and startup collaboration
- Engagement with Amazon innovation ecosystems
Capacity Building and Support
- Mentoring and expert guidance
- Workshops and training sessions
- Field visits and ecosystem immersion
- Networking with local stakeholders
Startup Acceleration Support
- Business model development
- Market validation in Amazon region
- Access to funding and accelerator networks
- Support for implementation and scaling
Who is Eligible?
Startups
Eligible startups must:
- Have a ready-to-market solution
- Demonstrate Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 5 or higher (preferably TRL 7+)
- Be aligned with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
- Focus on sustainable development and Amazon relevance
- Be capable of bilateral cooperation impact
Researchers
Eligible researchers must:
- Be affiliated with recognized institutions in Brazil or Switzerland
- Work in relevant fields such as biodiversity, climate, or social sciences
- Demonstrate relevance to Amazon sustainability challenges
- Contribute to applied or science-driven innovation
Priority Domains
Projects may focus on:
- Biodiversity and ecosystem protection
- Food systems and agriculture innovation
- Climate change solutions
- Biotechnology and green technologies
- Social sciences and economic development
- Sustainable production systems
Why It Matters
This programme is important because it:
- Strengthens international cooperation for Amazon sustainability
- Promotes science-based solutions to climate and biodiversity crises
- Supports market-ready green innovation
- Connects local knowledge with global research networks
- Encourages sustainable socio-economic transformation
It bridges innovation ecosystems between Europe and South America.
How It Works / How to Apply
Follow these steps to apply:
- Identify Project Type
Choose whether you are applying as a startup or research institution. - Build Switzerland–Brazil Partnership
Establish bilateral collaboration aligned with programme goals. - Develop Proposal
Define solution, impact, and Amazon relevance. - Ensure Readiness Level
Startups must confirm TRL 5+ and market readiness. - Submit Application
Apply through the nexBio Amazonia Open Call platform. - Selection and Evaluation
Projects are assessed based on innovation, impact, and feasibility. - Participation in Programme
Selected teams receive mentoring, ecosystem access, and implementation support.
Tips for Strong Applications
- Demonstrate strong Amazon regional relevance
- Ensure clear sustainability and SDG alignment
- Show strong bilateral collaboration structure
- Highlight market readiness and scalability
- Integrate local or Indigenous knowledge where possible
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Weak Switzerland–Brazil partnership structure
- Early-stage ideas below TRL 5 (for startups)
- Lack of Amazon-specific relevance
- Overly theoretical without implementation plan
- Missing sustainability or biodiversity impact
FAQs
What is the nexBio Amazonia Open Call?
It is a bilateral programme supporting sustainable bioeconomy innovation in the Amazon region.
Who can apply?
Startups and researchers from Switzerland and Brazil meeting eligibility criteria.
What is the required TRL level for startups?
Minimum TRL 5, ideally TRL 7 or higher.
What sectors are supported?
Bioeconomy, biodiversity, agriculture, climate change, and social innovation.
Is local knowledge considered?
Yes, integration of local and Indigenous knowledge is strongly encouraged.
What support is provided?
Mentoring, workshops, field visits, and access to innovation ecosystems.
What is the main goal of the programme?
To promote sustainable, science-based innovation in the Amazon through bilateral cooperation.
Conclusion
The nexBio Amazonia 3rd Edition Open Call is a strategic Switzerland–Brazil initiative that advances sustainable innovation in the Amazon region. By supporting market-ready solutions, research collaboration, and ecosystem engagement, it strengthens the bioeconomy while addressing critical challenges such as biodiversity loss and climate change.
For more information, visit Swissnex.