Switzerland ascends to Eureka’s Chair for 2025-2026

From 1 July 2025 to 30 June 2026, Switzerland, represented by innovation funding agency, Innosuisse, assumes Eureka’s Chair. This leadership role coincides with a major milestone: Eureka’s 40^th anniversary.

Today, Switzerland begins its term as Eureka Chair, ushering in a new chapter of collaboration and innovation for Eureka’s 40^th anniversary.  

In this capacity, the Swiss Chair has outlined an ambitious agenda, built around three forward-looking priorities:

1. Strengthening collaboration: among Eureka's beneficiaries, members, and partner organisations,
2. Amplifying impact: showcasing successes and shaping the future funding portfolio, and
3. Empowering beneficiaries: through improved support and operational excellence.

Key initiatives and highlights

Under Swiss leadership, several initiatives will shape the coming year:

• Eureka’s 40^th anniversary celebrations culminating in the Global Innovation Summit 2026, the day after the Swiss Biotech Days in Basel.
• Deepened connection with Enterprise Europe Network (EEN) to improve matchmaking between organisations in Eureka’s network.
• Re-association of two South American countries, Argentina and Chile.
• Outreach to target countries beyond Eureka’s network.

To further increase effectiveness and transparency, the Swiss plan an in-depth analysis of Eureka’s funding portfolio and maintaining strong collaboration with the European Commission.

Looking ahead: foundations for the future

The Swiss Chair will also focus on securing Eureka’s continued relevance by:

• Developing a 2026-2030 strategic roadmap
• Proposing more streamlined and effective meeting formats, and
• Authoring a handbook to best preserve institutional knowledge and support future Chairs.

With a clear vision and spirit of collaboration, the Swiss Chair is poised to lead Eureka through a transformative year celebrating its legacy while preparing it for a dynamic future.

Quote

“When Eureka was initiated in 1985, the end of the Cold War was not yet in sight and European countries jointly invested in expanding their technological sovereignty.

“Forty years later, after a period of globalisation and cooperation, international relations are once again marked by the fragmentation of world politics and international trade. In addition, we face far-reaching ecological and technological transformations and a multitude of overlapping crises.

“Securing research and production capacities for new technologies goes hand in hand with efforts to build greater resilience. The economic, trade and financial policies of many states are increasingly shaped by security concerns, while economic relations are becoming more politicised. In a more competitive world, the focus tends to be on strengthening national competitiveness.

“Yet despite the strengths of each individual country, in this challenging environment, multilateral cooperation and a strong, long-term innovation alliance, like Eureka, are of great importance to the global community. Cross-border innovation and research collaboration enhance companies’ competitiveness, create jobs and promote sustainability in our respective countries. In Switzerland, both the public and the private sectors strongly support research and development cooperation. In fact, we should intensify this approach in response to global challenges.

“Eureka has proven itself as a network that fosters international cooperation and strengthens the position of all its members by promoting cross border innovation. I am delighted that Switzerland is assuming the Eureka Chair in 2025–26 to further reinforce the network and its impact for all members during this crucial period. Today, forty years after Eureka was founded, let us shape the next decade of innovation beyond borders together.”

Federal Councillor Guy Parmelin

Head of the Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research (EAER)