State Technology Promotion – A – HORIZON Premium

Last updated: 14.6.2025
Grant

The HORIZON Premium is a funding program of the Free State of Saxony that supports small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in successfully participating in EU research programs such as HORIZON EUROPE. The program provides grants for external consulting services for application preparation, project management, and analysis of rejection reasons, to facilitate access to European funding for Saxon companies and increase their innovative strength.

Who is funded

The HORIZON Premium is aimed at small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with a registered office or operating facility in the Free State of Saxony that seek to participate in the EU research programs of HORIZON EUROPE. The goal is to improve cooperation between science and business and to strengthen the innovative power of Saxon companies by removing barriers to applying for and implementing European research projects.

What is funded

External services that support SMEs in participating in HORIZON EUROPE projects are funded. This includes the initial phase of application preparation, the establishment of project management and controlling for a coordinator role, and the analysis of rejection reasons. The support aims to increase the success rates of HORIZON EUROPE applications.

Type and Scope of Funding

The HORIZON Premium is granted as a non-repayable subsidy and amounts to up to 50 percent of the eligible expenses. The maximum funding amount varies depending on the project phase and the company's role as coordinator. A company can receive up to three premiums during the duration of HORIZON EUROPE.

Conditions and Requirements

Specific conditions apply to the HORIZON Premium for application and for the consulting services to be provided. The funding is subject to EU state aid regulations, particularly as SME aid for consulting services. Furthermore, there is no legal entitlement to the grant, as the decision is at the discretion of the approving authority.

Application Procedure

The application for the HORIZON Premium must be submitted to Sächsische Aufbaubank (SAB) before the start of the project. Approval is granted by a grant decision. The disbursement of funds is linked to the progress of the HORIZON EUROPE application process and occurs after invoicing and proof of use.

The funding program is based on the Directive of the Saxon State Ministry for Economy, Labour and Transport for the promotion of measures to increase the technological capability of the Saxon economy (RL Landes-Technologieförderung). It integrates both state and European state aid regulations to ensure compatibility with the EU single market.

Similar Programs

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Funding Overview

Funding Status

Funding Status:

Closed

Maximum Amount

Maximum Amount:

Up to 50% of eligible expenses, maximum 5,000 € (initial phase) or 10,000 € (initial phase as coordinator), plus 15,000 € (start-up phase as coordinator) and 1,000 € (analysis).

Open Until

Open Until:

31.12.2024

Award Channel

Award Channel:

Demand Driven Scheme

Region

Region:

Saxony (Germany)

Sectors

Sectors:

Research and Development

Beneficiaries

Beneficiaries:

Research and Development

Application Type

Application Type:

Single Applicant

Funding Stages

Funding Stages:

Planning, Implementation, Evaluation

Funding Provider

Program Level:

Regional

Funding Body:

Saxon State Ministry for Economy, Labour and Transport (SMWA)

Managed By:

Saxon Reconstruction Bank – Development Bank – (SAB)

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