ZIM
Everything you need to know about the Zentrales Innovationsprogramm Mittelstand ZIM (Central Innovation Program for SMEs).
ZIM funding is the federal government’s largest open-technology funding program for SMEs. It is aimed at small and medium-sized enterprises that want to develop new products, processes or services with innovative ideas. Financial support in the form of non-repayable grants makes it possible to implement research and development projects more quickly and 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
