Bern Economic Development Agency (BEDA) grants R&D vouchers to Bern-based technological institutions
Institutions eligible to use an R&D voucher (non-exhaustive list):
- Bern University of Applied Sciences
- Haute Ecole Arc Ingénierie
- Switzerland Innovation Park Biel-Bienne / Smart Factory
- Swiss Cobotics Competence Center S3C
- University of Bern (and its ARTORG or CAIM institutions, or others)
- Swiss Center for Electronics and Microtechnology CSEM
- Sitem Insel
- Swiss Center for Design and Health SCDH
- EMPA
The R&D voucher has a value of between CHF 4,000 and CHF 30,000, and serves as a means to finance a service with an estimated duration of 3 to 6 months, which can be executed without delay.
Services may be provided in various forms. Examples:
- modernization of equipment
- automation, robotization, or digitalization project
- prototype or technology development
- technical feasibility assessment
- access to a facility (laboratory or clean room) or to testing devices
- researching technologies
- brainstorming oriented around technology-based subject matter
- etc.
This is available until November 30, 2025, within the limits of an available budget of CHF 500,000.
How to submit your application
Step1
Fill out the online questionnaire.
Step2
Bern Economic Development Agency (BEDA) logs your case and confirms your eligibility by phone. Together, we will discuss your partner options.
Step3
BEDA organizes one (or several) videocalls with the intended partner institution to agree upon services and associated costs
Step4
The company accepts the offer from the institution and sends a copy to BEDA.
Step5
BEDA sends the “R&D” voucher, with a maximum value, to both the company and the institution
Step6
The company notifies BEDA of the end of the assignment/project and pays the invoice received from the institution; BEDA reimburses the company for the amount specified on the voucher and sends a short final report to be completed by the company and countersigned by the institution.