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Grants & Funding "Germany"

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Grants & Funding

Germany offers a variety of government funding programs for businesses, with a focus on supporting innovation, R&D, and growth both locally and internationally. Below is an in-depth overview of the main funding programs.

BMWK (Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action)

BMWK is the main public authority in Germany responsible for developing and implementing economic, industrial, and energy policies. It offers several funding instruments and support programs for companies at various stages of growth and innovation. The main programs are:

a) Zentrales Innovationsprogramm Mittelstand (zim)

The ZIM program supports small and medium-sized enterprises in developing innovative products and services. Here are the details:

  1. Purpose
  • The ZIMis designed to enhance the innovative capabilities and competitiveness of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Germany.
  • It aligns with the goals of the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK) to promote technological advancement and economic growth.
  • The program promotes market-oriented R&D projects that aim to create new technologies, products, or processes.
  • By fostering innovation, the program seeks to bolster the competitive position of SMEs, particularly in global markets.
  • ZIM aims to stimulate economic growth through increased productivity and the creation of new jobs.
  • Facilitates partnerships between SMEs and research institutions, encouraging the sharing of knowledge and expertise talk to Susan…

  1. Eligibility Criteria
  • The applicant must be a small or medium-sized enterprise (SME) with fewer than 250 employees and an annual turnover not exceeding €50 million or an annual balance sheet total not exceeding €43 million.
  • Medium-sized enterprises with up to 1,000 employees can apply if they collaborate with an eligible SME, provided they have more than 500 employees.
  • Research institutions, including universities and applied sciences institutions, are eligible if they partner with SMEs on innovation projects.
  • The project must be an individual R&D project focused on innovative developments or a collaborative R&D project involving partnerships with multiple companies or research institutions.
  • The company must have a permanent establishment or branch in Germany to qualify for funding.
  • The project must demonstrate significant innovative potential, such as the development of new products or significant improvements to existing products, and the creation of new processes or services that address technological challenges.
  • ZIM funding supports various stages of R&D projects, including preliminary feasibility studies, research and development activities, and market launch services.
  • The applicant cannot have received other funding for the same project.
  • Public organizations, foundations, or associations are not eligible for ZIM funding talk to Susan…

  1. Funding Amount
  • Funding under the ZIM program varies based on the project’s nature and the size of the applying entity.
  • The maximum funding rate for individual projects is up to 60% of eligible costs, which varies based on project type and company size.
  • The maximum funding available per project is varies depending on the type of project talk to Susan…

Project forms

Maximum project costs

Individual projects

550,000€

Cooperation projects

450,000€

Research institutions

220, 000€

Maximum total funding amount

2,300, 000€

Overhead markup for companies

Max. 100%

Overhead markup for research institutions

85%

Eligible costs include:

  • Research and Development Costs:Direct expenses related to R&D activities.
  • Personnel Costs: Funding for salaries of researchers, developers, and project managers.
  • External Services: Grants for outsourcing R&D tasks to external service providers, such as research institutions and consulting firms.
  • Overhead Costs:An overhead surcharge covering indirect costs, such as utilities and administrative expenses, can be included, with a maximum of 100% of direct costs talk to Susan…

 

  1. De Minimis
  • Projects funded under ZIM are not classified as de minimis, meaning they do not count toward the EU’s ceiling on state aid for smaller companies.
  • While ZIM projects themselves aren’t de minimis, contributions from ZIM network members (e.g., consultations or trade fair expenses) may qualify under the de minimis regulation in specific contexts talk to Susan…
  1. Application Website

You can apply for zentrales innovationsprogramm mittelstand (zim) through  BMWK (Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action) talk to Susan…

Visit Website

b) EXIST Business Start-up Grant

The EXIST Business Start-up Grant supports students, recent graduates, and researchers in creating technology-based start-ups, offering up to €130,000 for concept development, prototypes, and business plans. This program fosters partnerships between academia and industry to enhance tech transfer and innovation within Germany’s start-up ecosystem.

  1. Purpose
  • To support tech-based start-ups and promote innovation by funding concept development, prototyping, and business plan creation.
  • Focuses on start-ups arising from academic research, fostering a bridge between academia and industry to drive economic growth talk to Susan…
  1. Eligibility Criteria
  • Students: Must be enrolled with at least 50% of studies completed.
  • Graduates: Degree must have been completed within the last five years.
  • Former Academic Staff: Should have left the institution within the past five years.
  • Researchers: Must be employed at a public institution in Germany.
  • Teams: Can consist of up to three members, including those with vocational training backgrounds  talk to Susan…

 

  1. Funding Amount
  • Living Stipends:
  • PhD Holders: €3,000 per month
  • Graduates: €2,500 per month
  • Technical Staff:€2,000 per month
  • Students: €1,000 per month
  • Child Benefit:€150 per child
  • Material and Equipment: Up to €10,000 (individuals) and €30,000 (teams)
  • Coaching: Up to €5,000 for business development support talk to Susan…

 

  1. Grant Duration
  • Duration: 12 months
  • Progress Milestones:
  • 5 months: Draft business plan submission
  • 10 months:Full business plan submission talk to Susan…

 

  1. De Minimis
  • The EXIST grant is exempt from the EU’s de minimis aid regulation, as it is funded by the European Social Fund.
  • Interested applicants can apply through affiliated institutions associated with the EXIST grant program.EXIST Business Start-up Grant is not subject to the de minimis state aid regulations.
  • It is co-financed by the European Social Fund (ESF)and operates under specific national guidelines designed for innovation and start-up support.
  • This allows the program to provide substantial funding without being restricted by the EU’s de minimis thresholds, which limit the total amount of public funding start-ups can receive talk to Susan…

     

  1. Application Website

Applications for the EXIST Business Start-up Grant are managed through the university or research institution that the applicant is affiliated with talk to Susan…

Visit Website

c) Invest Venture Capital Grant

The INVEST Venture Capital Grant aims to increase venture capital availability for innovative start-ups in Germany by incentivizing private investments, particularly from new investors (“virgin angels”). By linking private funding with young companies, the program supports economic growth and job creation in Germany.

1. Purpose

  • To encourage private investment in innovative German start-ups, especially from new investors.
  • By supporting young companies, INVEST fosters economic growth and employment within Germany talk to Susan…

2. Eligibility Criteria

  • Company Age: Must be no older than 7 years.
  • Size: Fewer than 50 employees, with turnover or balance sheet total of ≤ €10 million.
  • Location: Registered in the EEA with at least one operational branch in Germany.
  • Innovation: Must demonstrate innovation through patents, industry awards, or sector-specific advancements.
  • Investor Requirements:
    • Individuals from the EEA.
    • Minimum investment of €10,000, with a maximum of €333,333.33 per transaction and up to €666,666.66 over three years.
  • Investment Type: Direct purchase of newly issued shares or convertible loans.
  • Commitment: 3-year lock-up on shares with full risk acceptance talk to Susan…

3. Funding Amount

  • Acquisition Grant: 25% tax-free grant on the initial equity investment, ranging from €10,000 to €333,333.33.
  • Investment Cap: Maximum of €666,666.66 over three years.
  • Exit Grant: 25% capital gains tax refund on profits from share sales, applicable for gains of at least €2,000 talk to Susan…
  1. De Minimis
  • The INVEST grant does not fall under the de minimis regulations, meaning it is structured to comply with broader state aid guidelines without being classified as minimal state aid.
  • As the program is co-financed by the European Social Fund (ESF), it must adhere to the EU’s regulations on state aid, ensuring that it promotes innovation without distorting competition in the internal market talk to Susan…
  1. Application Website

Applications for an acquisition grant must be submitted to BAFA before company shares are acquired. Otherwise funding cannot be granted talk to Susan…

Visit Website

Programs at the state level

Each German state has an investment bank that offers grants, loans, and advisory services to startups and SMEs.

a) InnoFounder (Hamburg)

Each German state offers investment bank programs providing grants, loans, and advisory support to startups and SMEs. These initiatives empower local businesses to grow and thrive with tailored financial and strategic resources.

  1. Purpose
  • The innofounder program aims to assist innovative and knowledge-based startup initiatives, especially those with a strong focus on digital technologies and sustainability.
  • The initiative seeks to improve the founding climate in Hamburg by promoting creative ideas and the development of innovative companies.
  • By supporting startups, the program contributes to the creation of competitive and secure jobs and training positions within the region.
  • The program is aligned with the United Nations’ sustainability goals, particularly those focusing on climate and resource protection, as well as inclusion talk to Susan…

 

  1. Eligibility Criteria
  • The program primarily supports founding teams of up to three people. Funding for individual founders is also available.
  • Applicants must be natural persons or partnerships who have not yet commenced business activities or have been operational for less than one year.
  • Legal entities that have existed for less than one year, typically employing fewer than five full-time equivalent employees.
  • The annual turnover or total balance sheet must not exceed €500,000, ensuring that funding is directed toward truly nascent enterprises.
  • Projects must be innovative, especially in digital sectors such as media and content. Additionally, projects that actively pursue the UN’s sustainability goals are encouraged talk to Susan…

 

  1. Funding Amount
  • The program provides funding based on the type of applicant:
    • For Founding Teams:Up to €75,000.
    • For Individual Founders:Up to €45,000.
  • The funding is structured as a non-repayable grant, providing financial support for a maximum duration of 18 months.
  • Each full-time founder can receive a flat-rate allowance of €2,500 per month. If founders work part-time, the funding amount is adjusted accordingly, but the overall maximum limit remains unchanged talk to Susan…

 

4. De Minimis

  • The InnoFounder program falls under the de minimisregulation, meaning it complies with EU state aid rules that limit the amount of aid a single entity can receive
  • Under this regulation, a company can receive up to €200,000in aid over a three-year period without being classified as significant state aid, ensuring that the support does not distort competition within the internal market talk to Susan…
  1. Application Website:

You can apply for InnoFounder through IFB Innovationsstarter GmbH talk to Susan…

Visit Website

b) ProFIT Berlin

  1. Purpose:
    • The ProFITprogram is designed to promote research, innovation, and technology in all phases of the innovation process in the state of Berlin. The program supports innovative projects by providing financial assistance through grants and loans.
    • It targets small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and aims to finance R&D projects from industrial research to market preparation and production setup.
    • The program strengthens Berlin’s role as a technology hub by funding projects that lead to innovative products or services talk to Susan…

  2. Eligibility Criteria:
    • SMEs: Enterprises based in Berlin or Brandenburg.
    • Larger companies: Can only participate in conjunction with an SME.
    • Research institutions: Must collaborate with at least one company, usually an SME.
    • Cooperation between companies or with research institutions is encouraged.

  3. Funding Amount:
    • Grants: Up to €400,000for technological innovation projects in the industrial research phase.
    • Loans: Up to €1 millionfor experimental development, production setup, and market preparation phases.
    • Financing share: Up to 80%of project-related R&D expenditures.
    • The total financing can cover project-relevant expenses such as personnel costs, materials, third-party services, and expenses related to market preparation talk to Susan…

  4. De Minimis:
    • Loansunder this program are subject to de minimis This means the aid must comply with the European Union’s de minimis rule, ensuring the total amount of public support for an enterprise does not exceed €200,000 over three fiscal years.
    • Grants are not considered part of the de minimis regulation talk to Susan…

  5. Application Website:

Applications can be submitted through the Investitionsbank Berlin (IBB) customer portal talk to Susan…

Visit Website

c) PROFI Standard (Hamburg)

  1. Purpose:
  • The PROFI Standard program supports companies in Hamburg that wish to undertake independent research and development (R&D) projects.
  • The focus is on developing new or significantly improved products, processes, or services that push the boundaries of existing technology or are considered highly innovative.
  • The goal is to foster innovation and ensure the competitiveness of Hamburg’s economy, as well as to encourage the development of advanced technological solutions in a wide range of industries talk to Susan…

  1. Eligibility Criteria:
  • Open to companies of all sizes based in Hamburg, from any industry or technology.
  • The program is specifically designed for businesses that aim to carry out R&D projects independently.
  • However, large companies can apply only if they collaborate with SMEs (Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises) or research institutions.
  • Projects must demonstrate a high level of innovation and technological uncertainty.
  • The project must not have started before the application has been approved talk to Susan…

  1. Funding Amount:
  • The funding provided through the PROFI Standard program can cover up to 55% of eligible costsfor companies, depending on the size and type of the project.
  • For individual projects, the maximum funding amount is €500,000.
  • For collaborative projects, especially when companies work together with universities or research institutions, the maximum funding can go up to €1 million.
  • Personnel costs: salaries and wages for staff directly involved in the project.
  • Material costs: expenses for materials, prototypes, or equipment necessary for the project.
  • External services: consultancy, expert opinions, and other external resources.
  • Patent costs: expenses related to securing intellectual property protection for the innovative products or services being developed talk to Susan…

  1. De Minimis:
  • No, this funding does not fall under the De Minimis aid regulation, meaning it is not capped by the limits typically applied to smaller funding programs talk to Susan…

  1. Application Website:

Applications for PROFI Standard can be submitted via the Hamburg Innovation Portal, managed by the IFB Hamburg talk to Susan…

Visit Website

d) PROFI Transfer (Hamburg)

  1. Purpose:
  • The PROFI Transfer program aims to facilitate the transfer of research results into marketable products or services.
  • It supports projects where companies in Hamburg collaborate with universities or research institutions to implement research findings and bring them closer to market readiness.
  • The program promotes the transfer of technology and knowledge, helping businesses transform existing research into practical, commercially viable solutions, thereby contributing to economic growth and technological advancement in Hamburg  talk to Susan…

  1. Eligibility Criteria:
  • The program is open to companies of all sizes based in Hamburg that are seeking to partner with universities or research institutions.
  • Research institutions that collaborate with companies are also eligible for this funding.
  • The projects must focus on moving academic research towards market maturity and commercialization, making the results applicable in real-world business contexts  talk to Susan…

  1. Funding Amount:
  • The funding rate for research institutions can cover up to 100% of eligible costs, while the total project costs must include at least 10% contribution from the research institution, but this share should not exceed 40%.
  • The maximum funding for individual projects is €500,000, while for collaborative projects involving multiple partners, it can go up to €1 million.
  • Personnel costs: for employees engaged in the R&D project.
  • Material costs: related to the production of prototypes, pilot production, and materials required for development.
  • External services: technical assistance, consultancy, or expertise that needs to be sourced externally.
  • Costs related to patents: intellectual property expenses necessary for protecting the innovations being developed.
  • Market launch strategies: preparation for bringing the developed products or services to market  talk to Susan…

  1. De Minimis
  • No, the PROFI Transfer program does not fall under the De Minimis aid regulation, so its funding amounts are not subject to the usual caps imposed by this rule  talk to Susan…

  1. Application Website:

Applications for the PROFI Transfer program can also be submitted through the Hamburg Innovation Portal  talk to Susan…

Visit Website

KMU-innovativ for SMEs

The KMU-innovativ programme is a key initiative by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) designed to enhance the innovation capabilities of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Germany.

 

  1. Purpose
  • The programme aims to provide financial assistance to SMEs to conduct research and development (R&D) projects, thereby fostering the development of innovative solutions.
  • By funding R&D efforts, KMU-innovativ seeks to strengthen the competitive position of German SMEs in both national and international markets.
  • SMEs are encouraged to undertake projects individually or in collaboration with research institutions and other businesses, fostering innovation through shared expertise.
  • The programme prioritizes projects in various technology fields, including:
    • Bioeconomy
    • Biomedicine
    • Electronics and autonomous driving
    • High-performance computing
    • Medical technology
    • Information and communication technologies
    • Interactive technologies for health and quality of life
    • Climate technologies
    • Materials research
    • Photonics and quantum technologies
    • Future value creation talk to Susan…

 

  1. Eligibility Criteria
  • Company Size: Must qualify as an SME according to EU definitions:
    • Fewer than 250 employees.
    • Annual turnover not exceeding €50 million, or annual balance sheet total not exceeding €43 million.
  • Medium-Sized Companies: Companies with up to 1,000 employees and an annual turnover of up to €100 million may also apply.
  • Project Focus: The project must be centered on innovation and development in the specified technology fields.
  • Collaboration: While eligible entities may collaborate with research institutions or other companies, the primary funding must benefit SMEs.
  • Location: Companies must be based in Germany talk to Susan…

 

  1. Funding Amount
  • Funding Rates for SMEs:
    • Up to 80% of eligible project costs, depending on the type of project, company size, and cooperation network.
    • Funding for experimental development projects: up to 25% of eligible costs.
    • Funding for industrial research projects: up to 50% of eligible costs.
    • Additional funding may be available for small enterprises (with increases of 10-20%) and collaborative projects that meet specific criteria.
  • Research Institutions: Generally eligible for funding of up to 100% of eligible costs, but must collaborate with an SME.
  • Lump Sum Funding: A lump sum of 20% of the total eligible costs is also available for certain project elements.
  • No Fixed Upper Limit: The maximum funding amount varies based on the project’s requirements and is not capped talk to Susan…

 

  1. De Minimis
  • Under the de minimis rule, small amounts of state aid can be granted without prior notification to the European Commission.
  • Total funding received under the de minimis regulation cannot exceed €200,000 over a three-year period for a single enterprise talk to Susan…

 

  1. Application Process

Applications can be submitted through the official website of the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) talk to Susan…

Visit Website

GO-Bio

  1. Purpose:
  • The GO-Bio initial program aims to support the identification and development of early-stage life science research approaches that demonstrate clear innovation potential.
  • The focus is on translating promising research ideas into practical applications.
  • One of the overarching goals is to facilitate the seamless transfer of research results into practical applications, enabling researchers to transition from basic research to industry engagement effectively.
  • The program encourages the maturation of early concepts, leading to their subsequent validation and commercialization.
  • GO-Bio aims to better prepare researchers for industry by providing them with opportunities to hone their entrepreneurial skills, thereby increasing the likelihood of successful commercialization of their ideas.
  • Target Fields:The program prioritizes projects in specific life science fields, including:

 

2.Eligibility Criteria:

  • Applicant Types:
    • Researchers including master’s students, doctoral candidates, postdoctoral researchers, and professionals looking to transition from academia to industry, such as in spin-off companies.
    • Universities and non-university research institutions are eligible to apply.
    • Private individuals can submit project outlines but must collaborate with an eligible institution if the outline is accepted.
  • Project Requirements:
    • The project idea must originate from life science research and exhibit initial potential for innovation.
    • At the time of application, applicants do not need to have patented technology or a finalized exploitation path; early-stage ideas are acceptable.
  • Collaborative Opportunities:
    • While the primary focus is on individual projects, collaboration with associated partners (such as companies) is permitted, particularly in the feasibility phase talk to Susan…

 

3.Funding Amount:

  • Funding Structure:
    • Exploration Phase:
      • Duration: Up to 12 months.
      • Funding Amount: Up to €100,000 per individual project (plus project allowances for universities).
      • Eligible Costs:
        • Project-related personnel expenses (excluding permanent staff).
        • Travel expenses.
        • Patent registration costs.
        • Material and consumables for preliminary research (only in exceptional cases).
        • Subcontracts for analyses and consulting.
      • Note: Investments in equipment are generally not eligible for funding.
    • Feasibility Phase:
      • Duration: Up to 24 months.
      • Funding Amount:
        • Up to €500,000 for individual projects.
        • Up to €1,000,000 for collaborative projects.
      • Eligible Costs: Similar to the exploration phase but allows for greater engagement with external partners and includes additional costs related to further development.
    • Funding is intended to cover project-related personnel expenses, travel, material costs, patenting, and consulting services. However, direct investments in equipment are typically not funded unless justified as exceptional talk to Susan…

 

4.De Minimis:

  • Applicability:
    • The GO-Bio funding is subject to the de minimis regulation, which allows small amounts of state aid to be provided without prior notification to the European Commission.
  • Funding Ceiling:
    • Total funding received under the de minimis rule cannot exceed €200,000 over any three-year period for a single enterprise. This limit includes funding from all sources within the de minimis framework talk to Susan…

 

5.Application Process:

Applications for GO-Bio initial funding can be submitted through the official website of the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) talk to Susan…

Visit Website

EU Funding Program

EIC Accelerator (European Innovation Council):

This program supports innovative startups and SMEs developing breakthrough technologies. It offers grants and equity investments.

1.Purpose

  • The EIC Accelerator aims to support innovations with breakthrough and market-creating potential.
  • It provides funding through open calls that do not have predefined thematic priorities, allowing for a wide range of projects across various fields of science, technology, and application.
  • This flexibility enables innovative companies to pursue diverse ideas that can significantly impact their industries talk to Susan…

 

2.Eligibility Criteria

  • The programme is open to single start-ups and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), including spin-offs.
  • Individuals who intend to launch a start-up or SME can also apply. In exceptional cases, small mid-caps with fewer than 499 employees may be considered for funding, primarily for rapid scale-up projects.
  • Applicants must be based in EU Member States or countries associated with Horizon Europe. This includes low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).
  • The programme accepts both individual companies and consortia, but single entities must meet specific criteria: they must be classified as an SME established within a Member State or an Associated Country. Small mid-caps can apply only in exceptional circumstances talk to Susan…

 

3.Funding Amount

  • Grant Funding: The EIC Accelerator provides grant funding ranging from €500,000 to €2.5 million.
  • This funding can cover up to 70% of the total eligible project costs, making it a significant financial resource for companies at various stages of development.
  • Equity Investment: Alongside grants, the programme offers equity investment of up to €15 million through the EIC Fund.
  • This investment is intended to support activities related to market deployment and scaling, which often require substantial financial backing.
  • The combined potential support from both the grant and equity components can reach up to €17.5 million, providing a robust financial package for innovators talk to Susan…

 

4.De Minimis

  • The EIC Accelerator funding is not subject to de minimis regulations.
  • This means that the financial support received through the programme does not count towards the €200,000 limit imposed on any single enterprise over three fiscal years.

 

5.Application Website

You can apply for EIC Accelerator (European Innovation Council) through the official EIC website talk to Susan…

Visit Website

High-Tech Gründerfonds (HTGF):

A seed investor focusing on high-tech startups, providing up to €1 million in initial financing. It supports technology-based companies at the seed stage

 1.Purpose

  • The High-Tech Gründerfonds (HTGF) aims to promote innovation and entrepreneurship in Germany by investing in high-tech start-ups. Established in 2005, HTGF plays a critical role in reviving the start-up financing market, particularly in the high-tech sectors.
  • The fund seeks to:
    • Support founders whose ideas can revolutionize industries and enhance people’s lives.
    • Close the financing gap for newly established technology start-ups, thereby facilitating growth and job creation.
    • Foster partnerships with medium-sized businesses and corporations to ensure that investors gain insights into innovative start-ups and technologies.
    • Provide a supportive network that enhances the development of start-ups from seed stage to exit talk to Susan…

 

2.Eligibility Criteria

  • HTGF primarily targets early-stage technology companies. The eligibility criteria include:
    • Company Age: Start-ups must be no older than three years.
    • Business Classification: Companies should qualify as high-tech according to the EU SME definition, which includes various technology sectors.
    • Geographic Location: The start-up must have its registered office or a permanent establishment in Germany.
    • The company should be growth-oriented and must be majority-owned by its management team. This requirement ensures that the founders have a significant stake and are actively involved in the business.
    • The start-up must demonstrate a high degree of innovation, competitive advantages, and sustainable market opportunities. The core of the business should revolve around innovative technology.
    • Applicants must aim to develop at least one prototype or “proof of concept” with the funding provided. This indicates a readiness to advance from concept to tangible product talk to Susan…

 

3.Funding Amount

  • HTGF typically invests up to €1 million in the seed funding round. This amount can be provided as a lead investor or in collaboration with other partners.
  • Total Funding Potential: Each company can receive a total of up to €4 million in equity capital throughout its development phase. This funding can come from multiple rounds, facilitating the growth of the start-up as it matures.
  • The funding conditions are adaptable to meet the specific needs of each start-up. This flexibility allows HTGF to tailor its support based on the unique challenges and growth trajectories of the companies it invests in.
  • Beyond financial investment, HTGF provides access to a network of scouts and experts who offer strategic guidance and mentorship. This support is critical for navigating the complexities of scaling a tech start-up talk to Susan…

 

4.De Minimis

  • HTGF funding is structured in such a way that it does not fall under the de minimis regulation.
    • Start-ups can receive funding from HTGF without counting it towards the €200,000 limit that the European Commission imposes on any single enterprise over three fiscal years.
    • This exemption allows companies to explore additional funding avenues without the constraints typically associated with de minimis aid, enabling them to secure multiple sources of financing concurrently talk to Susan…

 

5.Application Website

You can apply for High-Tech Gründerfonds (HTGF) through official HTGF talk to Susan…

Visit Website

EU Horizon Europe

Horizon Europe is the European Union’s main funding program for research and innovation, intended to reinforce the EU’s global competitiveness and to address significant global challenges.

1,Purpose:

  • Strengthen Science and Technology:
    • Enhance the EU’s scientific excellence and leadership in research.
    • Facilitate collaboration among researchers, businesses, and governments.
  • Promote Innovative Competitiveness:
    • Foster innovative solutions in various industries to enhance market competitiveness.
    • Support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to integrate into global supply chains.
  • Address Global Societal Challenges:
    • Tackle issues like climate change, health crises, and digital transformation.
    • Promote sustainable development aligned with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) talk to Susan…

 

2.Eligibility Criteria:

  • Companies:Particularly SMEs are encouraged to participate.
  • Universities and Research Institutions:Including both public and private institutions.
  • Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs):Organizations working in various sectors that can contribute to research and innovation.
  • Public Administrations:Governmental bodies at various levels.
  • Typically requires applicants to form a consortium consisting of at least three partner organizationsfrom at least three different EU member states or associated countries.
  • Some specific calls may necessitate involving diverse stakeholders, particularly end-users, to ensure that research is aligned with societal needs talk to Susan…

 

3.Funding Amount:

The total budget for Horizon Europe for the 2021-2027 period is €95.5 billion, which is distributed across various funding instruments and calls for proposals.

  • Funding Ranges:
    • Funding amounts vary widely depending on project scope, objectives, and specific calls:
      • Individual Projects:Can receive financial support ranging from a few thousand euros to several million euros.
    • Project Size:
      • Larger collaborative projects can receive substantial funding, often exceeding €1 million, especially in thematic areas such as climate action, digitalization, and health talk to Susan…

 

4.De Minimis:

  • Generally, Horizon Europe funding is not classified under the “de minimis” regulation since it is awarded through specific funding calls rather than general state aid.
  • However, recipients of Horizon Europe funding must ensure compliance with EU state aid rules. If they receive other funding, they should check if it falls under the de minimis thresholds to avoid exceeding aid limits talk to Susan…

 

5.Application Website:

Applications for Horizon Europe funding can be submitted through the Funding & Tenders Portal of the European Commission talk to Susan…

Visit Website

ITEA 4 Eureka RD&I

The ITEA 4 Eureka RD&I cluster focuses on fostering innovation in software-intensive projects, supporting R&D efforts across multiple industries. Here’s a detailed breakdown:

1.Purpose

  • ITEA4 focuses on fostering collaboration for research and development (R&D) in software innovationto support digital transformation.
  • The projects aim to create new products, services, and business models that address societal challenges through software innovation.
  • It covers various sectors such as smart mobility, healthcare, smart cities, energy, manufacturing, engineering, safety, and security. Technologies emphasized include artificial intelligence, big data, simulation, digital twins, IoT, and high-performance computing.
  • The program drives business growth, job creation, economic development, and societal benefitsby supporting the digital transition talk to Susan…

 

2.Eligibility Criteria

  • Participation is open to large industries, SMEs, startups, universities, and research organizations.
    • Projects must involve international collaborationwith at least two independent legal entities from two Eureka countries.
    • Projects should focus on developing innovative products, processes, or servicesaimed at commercialization.
    • No single organization or country can be responsible for more than 70%of the project budget.
  • It must address challenges in digital transformation and software innovation within sectors like mobility, healthcare, energy, manufacturing, and smart cities talk to Susan…

 

3.Funding Amount

  • ITEA4 projects are funded through national programs, and funding amounts vary based on the national policies of each country. In Germany, funding is provided via the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF)and coordinated by the DLR project-executing organization.
  • Typically, projects last around three years, and applicants need to apply for national funds once they receive the ITEA4 label talk to Susan…

 

4.De Minimis

  • The ITEA4 program funding for Germany does not explicitly fall under the de minimis regulation.
  • The program is focused on large-scale R&D projects, which typically exceed the de minimis threshold. However, it is advisable to check with the national funding bodyfor specific conditions talk to Susan…

 

5.Application Website

To apply, submit a project outline on the ITEA website and proceed to a full proposal if shortlisted talk to Susan…

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Success Rates and Application Timeline

Success Rates:
Success rates for German funding programs vary by competitiveness. BMWK and ZIM typically have 20-30% success rates, while EXIST is around 40%. State-level programs like InnoFounder and ProFIT Berlin are about 25-30%. EIC Accelerator is highly competitive at 5-10%, and HTGF sees 15-20%. EU Horizon Europe success rates are around 10-15%.

Timeline:
Approval for most programs, including BMWK, ZIM, and state-level grants, takes 3-6 months. EU Horizon and EIC Accelerator may take up to 6-12 months from submission to funding.