Barcamp
At the Barcamp, researchers, practitioners, and start-ups connect to develop project ideas and prepare joint proposals. The next Barcamp will take place on 5 May 2026.
Barcamp 2026
Are you a researcher, practitioner, or start-up with an innovative idea for a one- or two-year research project in the field of digitalisation in education? BeLEARN hosts a Barcamp every year where you can develop your project ideas together with other interested parties and submit a project proposal. On this page, you will find the key information about the Barcamp.
Requirements
The Barcamp is open to anyone interested in developing new solutions with didactic and pedagogical value across all educational levels. Participation is free of charge, but registration is required.
Participation in the first day of the Barcamp is a prerequisite for submitting a project application afterwards.
Cooperation
Only collaboration projects with at least one BeLEARN supporting university (BFH, PHBern, University of Bern, SFUVET, EPFL) as a partner are eligible for funding. Additional cooperation partners may include other universities, schools, companies, or start-ups. Only BeLEARN supporting universities are eligible to apply, as they are required to lead the project.
Translation
BeLEARN funding is addressed to research projects that have a clear translational character. BeLEARN defines translation as the rapid transfer of research results into educational practice. The project should include several concrete approaches for how the gained insights can flow into educational practice – whether through implementation in schools, continuing education programs, collaboration with educational institutions, or other transfer pathways.
Thematic Areas
Submitted projects must be aligned with at least one of the following BeLEARN thematic areas:
- Artificial Intelligence (AI)
- Digital Well-Being
- Digital Skills & Literacy
- Digital Tools
- Digital Ethics
- Data Science for Education
Schedule (Subject to Change)
Step 1: Register on BeLEARN-Connect
If you are not yet registered, sign up on our platform BeLEARN-Connect.
Note: Please complete your profile in full (including skills, experience, etc.) to ensure optimal matchmaking.
Step 2: Barcamp Registration (Possible from February 2, 2026, 16:00)
Fill out the registration form on BeLEARN-Connect to sign up for the Barcamp.
Registration deadline: 15 April 2026
Step 3: Submit Your Project Idea
If you already have a project idea, we strongly recommend presenting it at the Barcamp. This offers you the valuable opportunity to receive feedback from participants, find potential cooperation partners among attendees, and further develop your idea in a targeted manner before submitting an application. To do so, please submit an description of your idea (max. 1 page) and a PowerPoint presentation (max. 4 slides including title slide) by April 15, 2026. The template for the description of your idea can be found on BeLEARN-Connect. All submitted ideas will be published on BeLEARN-Connect to give other participants and interested parties access. This increases your chances of finding suitable cooperation partners. If you do not have a project idea but would like to join a project, check BeLEARN-Connect from 15 April 2026 onwards. Browse through the submitted ideas – you may find a project that is looking for someone just like you.
Step 4: Barcamp Day 1
On Barcamp day 1, everyone who has submitted a project idea (see Step 3) will present it in a 1.5-minute pitch. Afterwards, you can network and exchange ideas with other participants. If you are looking for partners, we will help connect you with potential collaborators from our network and among the participants. You can start working on your application at the Barcamp. The BeLEARN office will be on-site to answer any formal questions.
Step 5: Barcamp Day 2 (Optional)
The second day is dedicated to developing and finalising the project proposals. You will receive further input and hands-on support for your application.
Step 6: Submit Your Proposal
Download the application form on BeLEARN-Connect (available from 5 May 2026). Complete your project proposal and submit it by 5 June 2026 via email to info@belearn.swiss.
Step 7: Funding Decision
You will receive feedback on your application by 15 July 2026.
Key Dates for 2026
• Barcamp registration deadline: 15 April 2026
• Barcamp Day 1: 5 May 2026
• Barcamp Day 2 (optional): 21 May 2026
• Proposal submission deadline: 5 June 2026
• Funding decision: 15 July 2026
• Project start: January 2027 (or upon agreement)
Barcamp 2026 Venue
BeLEARN Hub
Laupenstrasse 19
3008 Bern
Impressions Barcamp 2025
