Innovation Consulting and Innovation Support Services (IDL)

The State of Bremen specifically supports small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and start-ups with this program. Bremen-based research and knowledge dissemination institutions may also be eligible under certain conditions, especially in collaborative projects. The program aims to enhance the innovative strength and competitiveness of companies in the State of Bremen and contribute to the creation and stabilization of high-quality jobs.

The program "Innovation Consulting and Innovation Support Services" offers funding opportunities for a wide range of innovation projects. This includes research and development of new products and processes, process and organizational innovations, feasibility studies, and the strengthening of innovation clusters. The secondment of highly qualified personnel and specific consulting services for market entry are also eligible for funding. The funding is open to all themes and not limited to specific technologies, allowing support for a variety of projects that contribute to increasing innovation capacity.

Funding is provided through a combination of non-repayable grants and low-interest loans, depending on the type of innovation project. The funding amount and intensity vary depending on the project form and company size, with small and medium-sized enterprises benefiting from higher aid intensities. The maximum term for loans is six years, while operating aid for innovation clusters can be granted for up to ten years.

The funding program is tied to specific conditions to ensure the incentive effect of the aid and prevent misuse. These include clear requirements for application submission before project start, compliance with aid rules such as the General Block Exemption Regulation, and detailed guidelines for budgeting and cooperation in collaborative projects. Additionally, projects must meet certain content-related criteria, such as regional relevance and the prospect of economic success.

The application procedure for innovation services in Bremen is two-stage for certain complex projects such as research and development projects, while simpler funding measures follow a one-stage procedure. Applicants must use official forms and submit their application to the responsible project executing agencies in Bremen or Bremerhaven before the project begins. Careful preparation and the submission of a detailed project concept are crucial for a successful application.

The funding program is anchored in the "Guideline for the Promotion of Research, Development, and Innovation" of the State of Bremen. It is subject to the provisions of the State Budget Ordinance, the Bremen Administrative Procedure Act, and the comprehensive regulations of EU state aid law, in particular the General Block Exemption Regulation. These legal bases ensure the legitimacy and correct execution of the funding measures in accordance with national and European regulations.