KMU-innovativ
Everything you need to know about the KMU-Innovativ funding program.
With KMU-Innovativ, the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) supports small and medium-sized enterprises in implementing high-risk research and development projects in key technologies. The focus is on projects with a high level of innovation that significantly exceed the state of the art and can develop long-term market potential.
Who can apply?
- Company size:
SMEs up to 250 employees
in a group up to 1,000 employees - Location:
Germany-wide
How much is funded?
- Subsidy rate:
Up to 70 % subsidy possible - Funding amount:
up to € 1.5 million per project partner
What is funded?
- Eligible projects:
High-risk research and development projects with a high degree of innovation, in particular:
Early-stage projects (up to TRL 5): Development of new technologies in early stages
Cooperation projects: Collaboration with research institutions, innovation networks or other companies - Eligible costs:
Personnel, materials (pro rata), project-related overheads
When to apply?
- before the start of the project
- Semi-annually (spring/autumn)
How long does the program run?
- Unlimited
Important to know
- Project start approx. 6 months after application
- Project duration: up to 3 years
- Projects must go beyond the international state of the art
- A traceable recycling path is required
- Technical risks must be clearly recognizable
- For cooperations: equal distribution of tasks and cooperation agreement
