BRIDGE – Proof of Concept / Discovery
The Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF) and the Commission for Technology and Innovation (CTI) are jointly setting up the new programme BRIDGE to complement the support they already provide for Swiss science and innovation respectively. The programme aims to better exploit the economic and societal potential of scientific research by promoting the transfer from scientific knowledge to innovation.
BRIDGE relies on an integrative and iterative vision of innovation where there is strong interactionbetween scientific and innovation-based activities. Research and implementation partners will beencouraged to consult with each other at an early stage in the projects. BRIDGE will facilitatecooperation between universities, the Swiss Federal Institutes of Technology, research institutesand universities of applied sciences.
Two funding schemes
The first funding scheme – Proof of Concept – supports young researchers (bachelor’s degree and higher) who want to develop an innovative application based on their own research results. The projects may target innovations of all kinds from all research areas. Funding is generally awarded for 12 months but may be extended to 18 months for special reasons. The applicants’ salaries and any materials directly linked to the project are eligible for funding under this funding line. A Proof of Concept call is launched up to four times a year, giving researchers the opportunity to forge ahead with their innovative ideas. Up to 130’000 CHF can be applied for.
As a second line of funding, Discovery will be aimed at experienced researchers seeking interactions between basic and applied research to assess and if possible realise the innovation potential of the research results. Only technological innovations with a strong societal or economic impact will be funded. Projects can last for up to 4 years and can be submitted by an individual or by a consortium consisting of up to three research institutions. The salaries of the project staff and project-related materials can be charged to the grant. The salaries of project leaders are generally excluded, except if they work at universities of applied sciences, where the institutional setup requires a different approach. Up to two calls are scheduled per year.
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