Funding for Projects on "Digital Applications to Increase Resource Efficiency in Circular Production Processes – Model Projects Coal Regions (DigiRess II)"

This funding program primarily targets commercial enterprises, especially small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), that implement projects in the Rhenish Lignite Mining Region. The overarching goal is to promote digital solutions for increasing resource efficiency and circular economy, in order to support structural change in the region and achieve climate goals.

The program funds projects that enable more efficient resource management in companies through digital solutions. This includes measures to reduce direct resource input, avoid waste and emissions, increase product and service life, promote internal and cross-company circularity, and ensure the reprocessing and reuse of products. The projects should address concrete digitalization measures and can focus on the digital optimization of production processes, the digital optimization of product design, or digital business models for resource-efficient and circular value creation.

The program offers non-repayable grants for projects in the field of resource efficiency and digitalization. The funding amount varies depending on company size and the chosen aid modality (De minimis or GBER), with an appropriate own contribution being a prerequisite. Projects can be funded for a period of up to three years.

Specific conditions apply to participation in the funding program regarding project commencement, cooperation in collaborative projects, and compliance with state aid regulations. Additionally, aspects of sustainability and Green IT must be considered, and funding recipients must ensure transparency and cooperation regarding project information.

The application procedure for DigiRess II is designed in two stages and is managed by VDI Technologiezentrum GmbH. First, interested parties submit a project outline, which is evaluated according to specific criteria. If the evaluation is positive, applicants will be invited to submit a formal funding application via the electronic system "easy-Online".

The DigiRess II funding program is based on a specific funding guideline from the Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Nuclear Safety and Consumer Protection (BMUV) and is bound by the provisions of the Federal Budget Code and European state aid regulations.