BRIDGE provides funding for collaboration between scientific institutes and businesses. The projects should be designed as basic research projects but should also offer prospects for commercialisation. The participating companies must be effectively involved in the project work and make a financial contribution, if applicable.

What is funded?

Funding is provided for projects that are predominantly basic research-oriented and already show realistic potential for commercialisation, so that one or more companies are willing to co-finance the project or participate in it on an accompanying basis.

BRIDGE makes it possible to involve young researchers in projects.

Clinical studies are not the focus and are therefore not funded. However, clinical pilot studies for the initial testing or validation of an active ingredient, therapy concept or medical device can be funded up to a maximum of 30% of the total project costs. However, the clinical study must not be the main focus of the project's research.

Who is eligible for funding?

The call for proposals is aimed at scientists and companies from all disciplines and industries in Austria. Research institutes and companies are eligible to apply. Applications can be submitted by research institutes in collaboration with companies. The consortium must consist of at least two project participants (one from science and one from industry). Science transfer will take place.

K-Centres (COMET) are eligible to apply in principle, but the project must involve a new research topic. The distinction from the existing research programme must be demonstrated accordingly. Companies that are not already integrated into the competence centre should also be involved.

Newly established collaborations have advantages in the evaluation process.

You can find more information here.