ZIM

Everything you need to know about the Zentrales Innovationsprogramm Mittelstand ZIM (Central Innovation Program for SMEs).

The Central Innovation Program for SMEs is one of the federal government’s largest open-technology funding programs. It is aimed at small and medium-sized enterprises that want to develop new products, processes or services with innovative ideas. The Central Innovation Program for SMEs provides support in the form of non-repayable grants to implement research and development projects more quickly and to significantly accelerate market entry.

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Who can apply?

Company size:
SMEs up to 500 employees; in cooperation up to 1,000
Location:
Germany-wide

How much is funded?

Funding rate:
up to 45% of the project costs
Funding amount:
Maximum approx. 690,000 € (individual project)

What is funded?

Eligible projects:
R&D individual and cooperation projects, studies
Eligible costs:
Personnel, order and project-related overheads

When to apply?

before the start of the project
Ongoing

How long does the program run?

unlimited

Important to know

Project start approx. 6 months after application realistic
Project duration: up to 3 years
Grants are paid out in tranches during the project term
High degree of innovation, technical risk required
The company’s own contribution must be secured
For cooperations: balanced distribution of tasks and written cooperation agreement

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This is how we support you with your ZIM application.

The Central Innovation Program for SMEs (ZIM) is one of the most frequently requested funding programs for innovative companies in Germany. Funding is provided for research and development projects that produce technical innovations and strengthen the competitiveness of SMEs, either as individual projects or together with cooperation partners.

In a ZIM funding application, the degree of novelty, technical risks, development goals and economic exploitation must be presented clearly and comprehensibly. We support you in structuring your project logically in terms of funding, developing the innovation convincingly and preparing the application documents optimally in terms of content and administration.

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Book free advice on ZIM funding

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

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5 steps to ZIM funding

1

Initial consultation

Comparison of your project idea with the ZIM criteria.

2

Create & submit application

Joint preparation of all application documents.

3

Examination by the funding agency

Processing usually takes several weeks to a few months.

4

Authorization

Once a positive decision has been made, the project can begin.

5

Calling up the funding

The grants are paid out gradually over the course of the project.

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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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ZIM