BRIDGE: what's new for 2025?

A number of changes have been made to the BRIDGE Discovery and Proof of Concept regulations from 2025.

Changes for BRIDGE Discovery

The BRIDGE Steering Committee has revised the regulations for the Discovery funding opportunity.

  • A Letter of Intent is no longer required to submit a project.
  • The relation of the BRIDGE grants to other funding, the non-consideration of an application and the evaluation criteria have been clarified.
  • Costs of patent searches performed by the Swiss Federal Institute of Intellectual Property and costs related to patent protection up to the stage of patent application are eligible.
  • Salary complements are also possible for applicants employed at a University of Teacher Education (UTE).
  • Overall, the evaluation and decision-making process will be performed within 6 months for Discovery.
  • After approval, the Discovery projects must start within 6 months.
  • Finally, the project report must now also include impact and commitment to sustainability.

Some adjustments for BRIDGE Proof of Concept

The BRIDGE Steering Committee has also revised the regulations on Proof of Concept grants.

  • The relation of the BRIDGE grants to other funding, the non-consideration of an application and the evaluation criteria have been clarified.
  • Costs of patent searches performed by the Swiss Federal Institute of Intellectual Property and costs related to patent protection up to the stage of patent application are eligible.
  • It is excluded for applicants to be enrolled in a Bachelor, Master or PhD programme while the BRIDGE Proof of Concept project is ongoing.
  • Project extension with additional funding must be submitted no later than two months before the end of the project.
  • After approval, the Proof of Concept projects must start within 4 months.
  • Finally, the project report must now also include impact and commitment to sustainability.

Next submission deadlines

  • Proof of Concept: 3 March 2025
  • Discovery: 25 March 2025