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

This is how we support you with your KMU-innovativ application.

KMU-innovativ is aimed at small and medium-sized enterprises with ambitious research and development projects in future-oriented fields of technology. Funding is provided for projects with a clear innovative leap, scientific and technical ambition and good prospects of commercialization.

What is important here is a precise description of the technological uncertainties, a convincing differentiation from the state of the art and a clearly recognizable research and development path. We support you in turning your project into an eligible project that meets the expectations of the funding body.

Book a free consultation

Book an appointment directly with one of our experts or send us an email.
We look forward to getting to know you and your project.

6 steps to innovative SME funding

1

Initial meeting with funding agency

Coordination of the project idea – this increases the chances of success.

2

Create & submit project outline

We provide support with the formulation and timely submission.

3

Examination by the funding agency

Processing takes approx. 3 months until the invitation to the full application.

4

Submit a full application

The final application is prepared on the basis of the feedback.

5

Funding approval & project start

After approval, the project can officially begin.

6

Calling up subsidies & reporting

Funds are drawn down in tranches; interim and final reports secure the funding.

Book a free consultation

Book an appointment directly with one of our experts or send us an email.
We look forward to getting to know you and your project.

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