InnoFounder

The InnoFounder Hamburg funding program is aimed at business founders and young companies with fewer than 5 employees who wish to implement innovative and knowledge-based startup projects in Hamburg. The goal is to improve the startup climate, promote innovative ideas, and strengthen Hamburg's competitiveness.

The InnoFounder funding program supports innovative startups from all sectors, with a special focus on novel digital startup projects and those contributing to the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Lump-sum grants for living expenses and startup-specific costs in the pre-founding and early business development phases are funded.

The InnoFounder program offers non-repayable grants to cover living expenses and startup costs. Funding is provided as a fixed amount for a maximum of 18 months, with a monthly lump sum per person and maximum amounts per startup project.

Specific conditions apply to InnoFounder funding regarding the company's headquarters, the innovativeness of the project, and project maturity. The funding is subject to EU de minimis regulations. Regular success monitoring through milestone reviews is planned.

The InnoFounder application process involves submitting specific documents such as a project outline and resumes to IFB Innovationsstarter GmbH. Selection is made through a pre-selection and presentation before an awarding committee, before IFB Hamburg decides on approval. Disbursement occurs monthly after the decision becomes final, followed by a proof of use and success monitoring.

The InnoFounder funding program is based on a specific funding guideline that came into force on July 01, 2018. The granting of funds is carried out in accordance with the Hamburg State Budget Ordinance and is subject to the EU's de minimis state aid rules.