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Proof of Concept

For young researchers

Who can apply for a grant?

  • You gained research experience as part of a bachelor’s or master’s degree, which you completed within the last four years, or:
  • You are about to complete your PhD within the next six months, or:
  • You hold a PhD obtained within the last four years.
  • Your Swiss research institution will support you for the duration of the project.
  • You are submitting your application as an individual and not as part of a group.

  • 1. Applicant requirements

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    Your host institution is a Swiss research institution as defined by Articles 4 and 5 of the RIPA.

    RegulationsExternal Link Icon
    ChecklistExternal Link Icon

    Tips

    • You cannot make an application if you are still studying for your bachelor's or master's degree (i.e. before you obtain your degree).
    • If you can't find your research institution on the list of universities and other research institutions on mySNF, contact the BRIDGE office.
    • Make sure you leave enough time for the confirmation letter from your host institution to be signed by the head of the research group and by the head of the department/institution.

  • 2. Project requirements

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    • Your project aims to develop innovative products or services.
    • Your project is based on the findings of your own research, or:
    • Your project is based on the findings of research to which you made a substantial contribution.
    • The research has been peer reviewed or backed up by other work.
    • You will make a substantial contribution to the proposed project.
    • You will work on your project independently, without receiving instructions from third parties.
    • You will work full time on the proposed project.

    RegulationsExternal Link Icon
    ChecklistExternal Link Icon

    Tips

    • If you have not yet published any research, you can submit other documents demonstrating your expertise (e.g. a bachelor's degree, master's degree, PhD thesis or patent).
    • BRIDGE Proof of Concept does not support projects focused on research only. Pay sufficient attention to the implementation part of your project.
    • The evaluation criteria include the project's commitment to sustainable development and impact on the economy, society and the environment.

What you get from BRIDGE

  • We will fund your project for 12 months.
  • We will cover your salary, and expenses directly related to running your project up to a maximum of 130,000 Swiss francs a year.
  • We will support your participation in Innosuisse's Start-up TrainingExternal Link Icon programme and the Assisted Patent Search scheme run by the Swiss Federal Institute of Intellectual Property (IPI). We also recommend that you apply to Innosuisse's Initial Start-up CoachingExternal Link Icon.

From the idea to the decision

  • 1. Check the criteria

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    The regulations set out in detail the criteria and general conditions that your project must meet.

    RegulationsExternal Link Icon
    ChecklistExternal Link Icon

    Tips

    • Carefully read the evaluation criteria outlined in the regulationsExternal Link Icon.
    • BRIDGE Proof of Concept does not support projects focused on research only. Do not overlook the implementation part of your project.
    • The evaluation criteria include the project's commitment to sustainable development and impact on the economy, society and the environment.

  • 2. Submit the project proposal

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    You can submit your project proposal at bridge.mysnf.chExternal Link Icon. Please use the forms and templates provided.

    RegulationsExternal Link Icon
    ChecklistExternal Link Icon
    Project description templateExternal Link Icon

    Tips

    • Create your mySNF account at least two weeks before the application deadline.
    • Put together all the necessary documents in advance, particularly those that require the signatures of third parties

  • 3. Initial check

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    Based on the criteria set out in the regulationsExternal Link Icon, the BRIDGE office will check the documents submitted and inform applicants if they are ineligible.

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    Your application will be checked in the days following the application deadline. You will have two days to make any corrections; so make sure you are available to update your proposal after the application deadline has passed.

  • 4. Application evaluation

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    Based on the criteria set out in the regulationsExternal Link Icon, the evaluation panel will assess applications received and draw up an initial shortlist.

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    Be patient: if you are shortlisted for a personal presentation, you will be informed a week before the interview date. You will also be informed if your project has not been shortlisted. Please wait until you have received the decision letter before contacting the BRIDGE office.

  • 5. Personal presentation

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    • If your project is shortlisted, the evaluation panel will invite you to a personal interview.
    • You will present your project and answer questions from members of the panel.

    Tips

    • Your presentation must take the form of a pitch that is clear and understandable for people who are not experts in the field.
    • It must also outline your implementation plan and your role during and after the period in which you will receive support from BRIDGE.
    • Guidelines on the content of the presentation will be sent with the interview invitation.

  • 6. Decision

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    • The evaluation panel will submit its recommendations to the Steering Committee for a final decision.
    • You will be informed of the decision in writing, usually within three months of submitting your application.

    Tips

    • If you project is rejected, carefully read the decision letter and contact the BRIDGE office if you have any questions.
    • A rejected application may be re-submitted once if it is revised compared to the first version.