NARV — Support for National Research Activities in the Space Sector

NARV National Space Research

Funds national space research activities through SERI's NARV programme linking Swiss universities and industry.

NARV (Support for National Research Activities in the Space Sector) provides direct grants from the Swiss Space Office within SERI for Swiss national space research activities, space technology development, and university-industry collaborations in the space sector. Unlike PRODEX, which is co-evaluated by ESA and tied to specific ESA mission slots, NARV grants are fully administered by SERI with no ESA co-evaluation requirement. This makes NARV the instrument of choice for national space research that does not depend on a specific ESA mission participation slot, including broader technology development and collaborative projects between Swiss universities and Swiss space industry entities.

Eligible applicants include Swiss research institutes, universities, and space industry companies. The programme is restricted to entities with Swiss registration and operations; individuals cannot apply directly. Award amounts and call schedules are not publicly disclosed by SERI centrally — applicants must contact the Swiss Space Office directly at sbfi.admin.ch for current opportunities and funding levels. The programme covers a broader scope than PRODEX: while PRODEX is specifically for instruments on ESA missions, NARV encompasses national space research, technology development, and collaborative projects more generally.

Researchers and companies interested in NARV should contact the Swiss Space Office early, as the programme operates without published centralized call windows. Strong NARV proposals demonstrate clear national scientific or technological value in the space sector, a well-defined research or development plan, and — where university-industry collaboration is proposed — a credible plan for translating research results toward practical space applications. The Swiss Space Office can advise on whether a proposed activity falls within NARV or PRODEX scope before a full proposal is prepared.