Funding in Research, Development, and Innovation (FEI Guideline)
The FEI Guideline of the State of North Rhine-Westphalia supports individual and joint projects in research, development, and innovation. It targets companies, research institutions, and universities to strengthen the competitiveness and transformation of the economy in NRW. The goal is to implement the Regional Innovation Strategy 2021-2027.
Introduction
The FEI Guideline of the State of North Rhine-Westphalia is a funding program to strengthen research, development, and innovation. It aims to increase the competitiveness of companies and drive the transformation of the economy in NRW, especially towards climate neutrality. The program is aligned with the implementation of the Regional Innovation Strategy 2021–2027.
Who is Funded
The funding targets a wide range of actors in North Rhine-Westphalia involved in research, development, and innovation to strengthen the regional economy and society.
What is Funded
The program supports a variety of projects in research, development, and innovation, including basic research, industrial research, experimental development, infrastructures, and process and organizational innovations. The aim is to create innovative products, processes, and services that have high technological content and contribute to solving societal challenges.
Type and Scope of Funding
The FEI Guideline primarily offers non-repayable grants, but also loans for business start-ups. The funding amount varies depending on the type of project and applicant size, ranging from 25% to 100% of eligible expenses, with specific maximum amounts per project. A de minimis threshold of 25,000 euros must be met.
Conditions and Requirements
Specific conditions apply to applicants and projects regarding implementation, cooperation, state aid law, and budget. In particular, projects must take place in NRW and comply with the provisions of the GBER and, where applicable, the De minimis Regulation.
Application Procedure
Applications are generally submitted in writing before project commencement, either via the EFRE.NRW.online portal or using specific application forms. Projects are selected through competitions, theme-oriented calls, or on a case-by-case basis. Contact persons and specific requirements can be found in the respective calls.
Legal Basis
The funding program is based on the Guideline on the Granting of Subsidies in the Field of Research, Development and Innovation (FEI Guideline – FEI RL) and is supplemented by further state and EU legal provisions that form the legal framework for the funding.
Similar Programs
Funding Overview
Funding Status:
Open
Maximum Amount:
55,000,000 €
Deadline:
always open
Open Until:
30.06.2027
Award Channel:
Framework Programme Call
Region:
North Rhine-Westphalia (Germany)
Sectors:
Research and Development, Other
Application Type:
Optional Consortium
Funding Stages:
Basic Research, Applied Research, Experimental Development, Feasibility Study, Market Introduction, Infrastructure, Process Optimization
Funding Provider
Program Level:
Regional
Funding Body:
Ministry of Economic Affairs, Industry, Climate Action and Energy of the State of North Rhine-Westphalia (MWIKE), Ministry of Culture and Science, State Chancellery, Ministry of Labour, Health and Social Affairs, Ministry of Agriculture and Consumer Protection, Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Transport, Ministry for Federal and European Affairs, International Affairs and Media
Managed By:
Ministry of Economic Affairs, Industry, Climate Action and Energy of the State of North Rhine-Westphalia (MWIKE), NRW.BANK (for loans)
Additional Partners:
NRW.BANK (for loan disbursement)
Website: