CHF 130,000 BRIDGE Proof of Concept Grant

BRIDGE, run jointly by the Swiss National Science Foundation and Innosuisse, funds early-career researchers who want to turn their own research into a product or service. Proof of Concept pays your salary and project costs for 12 months while you work full time on taking the idea toward the market, hosted by a Swiss research institution.

What you get:

• 12 months of funding covering your salary and expenses directly related to the project, up to CHF 130,000
• Support to take part in Innosuisse's Entrepreneurship Training programme
• A recommendation to apply for Innosuisse Initial Coaching and to use the IP Academy of the Swiss Federal Institute of Intellectual Property

What you'll do:

• Work full time (at least 80 percent in special cases such as care duties) on developing an innovative product or service from your research
• Submit a project proposal on the BRIDGE web platform with a confirmation letter from your host institution
• If shortlisted, pitch your project and implementation plan to the evaluation panel in a personal interview

Key dates:

• 40th call closes 1 December 2026 at 5pm Swiss time
• Interviews for the 40th call on 9 and 10 February 2027
• Decision usually within three months of submission
• Dates for 2027 calls to be published in the autumn

More information:

• Regulations: https://www.bridge.ch/media/en/5U6L1NqugsHUlqgt/BRIDGE_PoC_regulations_en.pdf
• Checklist: https://www.bridge.ch/media/de/VUwiAxFculzlnT9s/BRIDGE_PoC_checklist.pdf
• FAQ: https://www.bridge.ch/en/PKAgNFX4Bz0YSNHp/page/support/faq

• A bachelor's or master's degree recognised in Switzerland obtained no more than 4 years before the deadline, or a PhD recognised in Switzerland obtained no more than 4 years before the deadline, or a PhD defence no later than 6 months after the deadline
• Not enrolled in a bachelor's, master's or PhD programme while the project runs; current bachelor's and master's students cannot apply
• Host institution must be a Swiss research institution as defined by Articles 4 and 5 of the RIPA, which employs and supports you for the whole project
• Single applicant only, not a group
• Project based on your own research, or research you substantially contributed to, that is peer reviewed or otherwise documented
• Project must aim to develop innovative products or services; research-only projects are not funded
• Full-time commitment to the project, 80 percent minimum in special cases