Innovative research: BRIDGE is supporting 51 projects with over 25 million francs
BRIDGE, the joint funding programme of the SNSF and Innosuisse, has been supporting projects at the interface between research and application since 2017. 2024 was the last year of the programme's second four-year funding period.
BRIDGE offers two funding schemes – Discovery, aimed at experienced researchers, and Proof of Concept, for early-career scientists. In 2024, Discovery projects received 20.9 million Swiss francs, while Proof-of-Concept projects were awarded 4.9 million. The success rate remained within the usual range, i.e. 13 Discovery projects were funded, representing 14 percent of all applications submitted. For Proof of Concept, 38 out of 169 applications were approved, corresponding to a 22 percent success rate. Overall, the evaluation panels approved 51 projects, allocating a total of 25.8 million Swiss francs in funding.
Diverse and innovative approaches
More than half of the projects submitted last year were from engineering sciences, with energy and environmental topics receiving an equal share of submissions. Life sciences followed closely, making up about 40 percent. Applications from the humanities and social sciences accounted for just over eight percent, with BRIDGE ultimately funding two projects in these areas.
Discovery: early detection of natural hazards thanks to AI
Jordan Aaron (ETH Zurich), Christian Bermes (UAS Grisons) and Fabian Walter (Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research) are tackling the global problem of detecting natural hazards at an early stage. With the help of new developments in robotics, sensor technology and artificial intelligence, they can significantly improve event detection with unprecedented temporal and spatial resolution. One of the main aims of this Discovery project is for potential end users to recognise the benefits of the new monitoring system, though this can only be achieved by involving the relevant dialogue groups at an early stage.
Proof of Concept: flexible robots and sustainable windows
In his Proof-of-Concept project "Helix Robotics", Francesco Stella is developing a so-called “soft robot”, i.e. a robot made of flexible components. Unlike conventional industrial robots, the flexible Helix Robot can operate anywhere, including alongside people. With its innovative design and cutting-edge control technology, Stella aims to enhance human-robot interaction and envisions potential applications in automating processes within the food industry.
In another Proof-of-Concept project, Michelle Schneider is looking at how we can reuse windows. Her focus is on restoring old windows in good condition and converting them into new window types that meet current standards. This solution not only cuts CO2 emissions released during the production of new windows but also improves the thermal insulation of a building while reducing the amount of waste produced.
Outlook: BRIDGE 2025-2028
The BRIDGE programme is starting the new funding period in a stronger position. Both the SNSF and Innosuisse have set the strategic goal of further expanding the BRIDGE programme with a stronger emphasis on implementation. As part of this effort, future proposals for Discovery projects will no longer require a Letter of Intent, resulting in shorter submission-to-decision timelines and accelerating the realisation of innovative projects.
Next submission deadlines:
- Proof of Concept: 3 March 2025
- Discovery: 25 March 2025