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.
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
