Logo Kanton Bern / Canton de BerneBern Economic Development Agency

Voucher R&D

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):

  • Haute Ecole bernoise
  • 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)
  • Centre Suisse de Microélectronique CSEM (Swiss Center for Electronics and Microtechnology)
  • 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

Step
1

Fill out the online questionnaire and mail it to  info@berninvest.be.ch stating  «Voucher R&D» .

Step
2

Bern Economic Development Agency (BEDA) logs your case and confirms your eligibility by phone. Together, we will discuss your partner options.

Step
3

BEDA organizes one (or several) videocalls with the intended partner institution to agree upon services and associated costs

Step
4

The company accepts the offer from the institution and sends a copy to BEDA.

Step
5

BEDA sends the “R&D” voucher, with a maximum value, to both the company and the institution

Step
6

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.

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