Innovation Funding in Consumer Protection

This funding program is aimed at research institutions, companies, and other natural or legal persons and associations of persons residing in Germany who wish to carry out innovative research and development projects in consumer protection. The funding aims to strengthen the scientific basis of consumer policy and improve the quality of life for consumers.

The funding program supports innovative research and development projects that contribute to a better understanding of consumer behavior and improve the situation of consumers. This includes a broad spectrum of topics and development phases, from basic research to application development, with a clear focus on consumer protection in law and economics.

The program offers non-repayable grants for projects in the field of consumer protection. The maximum funding amount is €500,000 per project, with funding rates varying depending on the type of research and the type of applicant, and co-financing may be required.

Specific prerequisites apply to the funding regarding project start, usability of results, and adherence to scientific standards. In addition, state aid provisions of the GBER must be observed, which define funding intensities and exclusion criteria.

The application process takes place either via calls for proposals in a one-stage call procedure or two-stage in an individual case procedure, each via the electronic application system easy-Online. A detailed project description is required in both procedures.

The Consumer Protection Innovation Program is based on a specific funding guideline of the Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Nuclear Safety and Consumer Protection and is subject to the provisions of the Federal Budget Code and the EU's General Block Exemption Regulation.