R&D vouchers for Bern-based companies

The Swiss Centre for Design and Health is an official partner of the R&D voucher programme run by the Economic Development Agency of the Canton of Bern. This is a response to the downturn in the industrial sector and the uncertainties on the international markets. The funding programme enables Bernese industrial companies to access specialised research and development services quickly and easily.

Various factors are currently posing new challenges for Bern's export industry. These include weak demand in many industrial sectors, the appreciation of the Swiss franc and uncertainties regarding the political situation and customs duties. To help the companies affected, the Canton of Bern's location promotion agency is providing vouchers for research and development (R&D vouchers) and exports (export vouchers) worth between CHF 4,000 and CHF 30,000.

The R&D voucher enables companies to use the services of application-oriented technology institutions based in the canton. These include the Swiss Centre for Design and Health. As a national technology competence centre, it provides Bernese companies from a wide range of industries with access to unique infrastructure and scientific expertise. The largest extended reality simulation area in Switzerland, realistic test rooms, various test facilities and specialised workshops are available for a wide range of research and development projects.

Possible services provided by the SCDH

• Prototyping and technology development: Development of functional prototypes, from the initial idea to a testable 1:1 scale model
• Feasibility studies: In-depth evaluation of concepts and their feasibility in real-world application environments with a particular focus on user experience.
• Access to infrastructure: Use of our platforms for simulations to evaluate and optimise processes, rooms and technologies.
• Automation and digitalisation: Consulting and development support for the health-oriented design of production processes, workplaces and digital solutions.

To the SCDH offers

Procedure

Applications must be submitted using the online form provided by the Canton of Bern's location promotion agency. Once the eligibility criteria have been checked, the Bern Economic Development Agency will organise video conferences between the company and the partner institute to agree on services and costs. Once the offer has been accepted, the voucher will be issued. The company pays the institute's invoice and is then reimbursed for the voucher amount by the Bern Economic Development Agency.