As an emerging field of research, Systems Biology is highly dependant on new innovative impulses, many of which are expected to come from the interfaces of traditional scientific disciplines. SystemsX.ch supports IPPs which catalyze the exploration of new research directions and ideas. These projects will bring together research teams from the different disciplines to address “seed” or “high-risk” topics critical for Systems Biology. IPPs will be supported for a maximum of one year and are non-renewable. For the period of 2008-2011 up to 40 IPPs can be funded. The first call in 2008 provided funds for approximately 12 IPP projects. In the second call for project proposals in 2009 further 8 projects have been approved by the SystemsX.ch Scientific Executive Board, making a total of 20 IPP projects funded until now.