Funding for Research, Development, and Innovation (RDI)

Closed

Who is funded: Target groups and regional focus

This funding guideline primarily targets small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the commercial sector with a registered office or branch in the State of Bremen. Additionally, Bremen-based research institutions are eligible to apply in cooperation projects. The program aims to increase the innovative capacity and competitiveness of these actors in the State of Bremen by supporting them in the development of innovative products, processes, and services.

What is funded: Projects, topics, and costs

This guideline supports a wide range of innovative undertakings, from research and development to process and organizational innovations, as well as feasibility studies and innovation consulting services. Measures to strengthen innovation clusters and secondment of highly qualified personnel are also eligible for funding. Eligible costs include personnel, material, and investment costs, depending on the type of project and the applicant.

Type and Scope of Funding

Funding is primarily provided in the form of low-interest loans, although in justified individual cases, non-repayable grants may also be awarded. A combination of both funding types is also possible. The amount of funding depends on the type of project and the applicant, with maximum amounts set for loans up to €500,000 and varying maximum amounts for grants. The aid intensity varies depending on the project and company size.

Conditions and Requirements for Applicants

To receive funding, applicants must meet certain legal and procedural conditions. These include compliance with EU state aid rules, in particular the General Block Exemption Regulation, as well as specific requirements for collaborative projects. It is crucial to submit the application before the start of the project to ensure the incentive effect of the aid. Undertakings in difficulty are generally excluded from funding.

Application Process: Step-by-step to Funding

The application process differs depending on the type of project: For R&D projects, process and organizational innovations, and feasibility studies, a two-stage procedure is foreseen, starting with a project outline. For all other funding measures, a one-stage procedure applies. Applications must always be submitted on official forms and contain specific information on the project and costs. The approval decision rests with the project executing agency at its discretion.

Legal Basis of Funding

The Guideline for the Promotion of Research, Development, and Innovation is the central legal basis of the program. It is based on the provisions of the State Budget Code and the Bremen Administrative Procedure Act. Furthermore, the program is closely linked to EU state aid law, in particular the General Block Exemption Regulation, which regulates the compatibility of certain aid with the internal market.