Bavarian Funding Program 'Technology-Oriented Business Start-ups' (BayTOU)

The Bavarian Funding Program "Technology-Oriented Business Start-ups" (BayTOU) targets individuals who wish to establish technology-oriented companies, as well as existing small and medium-sized technology-oriented enterprises in Bavaria. The goal is to stimulate company formations in promising technology sectors and to build or expand their technological basis.

Development projects and concept projects in the field of experimental development are funded. The focus is on creating new products, processes, or technical services with significant competitive advantages and market opportunities. Eligible costs include personnel, instrument and equipment costs, as well as expenses for contract research and other operating expenses, with specific regulations for concept projects.

Funding is provided as a grant and covers a portion of the eligible costs, with maximum amounts set for development projects and concept projects. A de minimis threshold exists for the grant amount.

To receive funding, projects must meet certain technical and economic risk criteria, be technically feasible, and be carried out substantially in Bavaria. Additionally, self-contributions from the applicant are required, and the provisions of the General Block Exemption Regulation (GBER) must be observed, especially regarding the cumulation of aid and the exclusion of undertakings in difficulty.

The application procedure is electronic, conducted through the project agency Bayern Innovativ, which examines sketches and applications and submits a funding recommendation. Final approval is granted by the Bavarian State Ministry of Economic Affairs, Regional Development and Energy.

The funding program is based on specific guidelines of the Bavarian State Ministry of Economic Affairs, Regional Development and Energy, as well as general budgetary provisions and EU state aid regulations.