Funding for Securing and Attracting Highly Qualified Personnel for Research, Development, and Innovations (FTI-Thuringia Personnel)

This funding program targets small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and research institutions in Thuringia that wish to attract or retain highly qualified personnel for research, development, and innovations. The program aims to increase R&D intensity in the Free State and promote knowledge transfer into the Thuringian economy.

The FTI-Thuringia PERSONNEL program promotes measures for attracting and further training highly qualified personnel in the areas of research, development, and innovation. The funding includes the awarding of company scholarships, the new hiring of innovative personnel, and the support for research groups.

The FTI-Thuringia PERSONNEL program provides non-repayable grants to support highly qualified personnel. The funding amount varies depending on the funding object: scholarships for students and doctoral candidates, grants for innovative personnel, and full funding for research groups. Project durations are also specifically defined for each category.

The funding is subject to specific conditions, including compliance with the De minimis regulation, rules for early project commencement, and proper business management. Applicants must also ensure that research groups are accompanied by industry advisory boards and comply with budgetary and state aid regulations.

The application procedure for the FTI-Thuringia PERSONNEL program primarily takes place via the online portal of the Thüringer Aufbaubank. While applications for scholarships and innovative personnel can be submitted continuously, applications for research groups are subject to specific deadlines. Approval is granted after reviewing the documents and, if necessary, external expert opinions.

The FTI-Thuringia PERSONNEL funding program is based on a specific guideline of the Free State of Thuringia and is primarily regulated by European regulations, especially the European Social Fund Plus (ESF+), as well as national budgetary and administrative law.