Velux Stiftung is inviting researchers to explore the untapped potential of daylight through its newly announced 2026 funding program.
This initiative aims to bridge gaps between disciplines to accelerate innovation and solve complex societal challenges that single-discipline approaches often miss.
The 2026 cycle specifically targets three critical areas: future solar societies, global health, and urban planning.
These themes focus on daylight as a catalyst for systemic change, ranging from supporting ecosystem resilience to reconciling global urban densification with adequate light access.
For every application, natural daylight must be the central pillar of the research question and plan.
The foundation will not consider projects where daylight is considered peripheral or is substituted by artificial light sources.
Funding and benefits
Support is structured into two main tiers, starting with “Seed projects” designed for high-risk, “outside-the-box” feasibility studies.
These grants provide between CHF 50,000 and CHF 100,000 for up to one year to test completely innovative concepts.
Larger “Research projects” aimed at delivering scientific breakthroughs through full interdisciplinary studies are also eligible for significant support.
These more extensive grants offer funding ranging from CHF 100,000 to CHF 300,000 for projects lasting up to four years.
Application requirements and eligibility
Successful proposals must demonstrate a strong interdisciplinary approach, combining fields that rarely interact to generate unique synergies.
The foundation prioritizes research addressing neglected issues that have a high potential to contribute to meaningful change.
While global or regional urban planning strategies are encouraged, the program will not fund single local case studies.
Researchers seeking clarity on whether their project fits the scope are encouraged to submit an abstract for review before the final submission.
Deadline
Interested applicants must submit their full proposals by June 4, 2026, at 23:59 CEST.
Following a rigorous scientific screening and selection procedure, the foundation board will announce final funding decisions in December 2026.
To apply, visit Velux Stiftung call page. Visit our global opportunity page for more.
Summary not available at this time.
