The Central Innovation Program for SMEs (ZIM) is a nationwide, technology- and sector-open funding program to strengthen the innovative power and competitiveness of SMEs. It supports research and development (R&D) projects that lead to the development of innovative products, processes or technical services, enable applicants to carry out market-oriented research and development and involve considerable technical and economic risk.
The R&D cooperation projects variant promotes cooperation between companies and cooperation between companies and research institutions. Cooperation projects can also be carried out jointly with foreign partners (companies and research institutions).
The grant is provided as a non-repayable subsidy in relation to the eligible, project-related costs.
The maximum amount of eligible costs is
The maximum grant amount for an overall project is EUR 3,000,000.
The funding rates are between 30% and 55% (depending on the company). A cooperation premium of 5 to 10% is granted for cooperation with foreign partners.
Research institutions are funded at a rate of 100%.
The following are eligible to apply for the R&D cooperation projects variant:
The technological innovation content, correspondingly high technical risks and good market opportunities of the funded R&D projects are essential for approval.
In the run-up to the ZIM R&D project, feasibility can be promoted with a subsidized study.
Following the ZIM R&D project, additional market launch services can also be funded.
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About Us
Research allowance
About Us
Research allowance
