On 14 September 2012, SMEs and start-up companies may begin submitting CTI Voucher applications for proposed R&D projects relating to Life Sciences.

The CTI Voucher programme is intended to improve the innovative capacities of Swiss-based SMEs and start-up companies by encouraging them to work more closely with eligible research institutes. This cooperation ensures that R&D projects are managed more effectively and makes it easier for project partners to assess risk. A CTI Voucher is essentially a commitment made by CTI to provide a federal funding for an approved R&D project. All CTI Voucher payments are intended to cover the research institute's costs in relation to the R&D project and are paid directly to the research institute.

With the CTI Voucher programme, SMEs and start-up companies play a much more active role than in the past, determining the roadmap and milestones for both the application process and the future R&D project. The application process itself is divided into two phases: in Phase 1, the SME or start-up company (implementation partner) submits a preliminary application without contacting a research institute (research partner) regarding the proposed R&D project. If CTI approves the preliminary application, the implementation partner receives tentative confirmation from CTI to move to Phase 2 of the application process. The implementation partner is then free to find a suitable research partner to assist with preparation and submission of a complete application. If CTI approves the complete application, then the project partners may begin work on the R&D project and CTI will release the approved federal funding contribution.

The CTI Voucher will become a regular funding instrument for all research areas covered by CTI's project promotion activities. We shall keep our partners informed of the latest developments in due course.