Innovation Fund SH Open
The Innovation Fund SH provides equity capital for innovative start-ups, SMEs, founders, and business successors in Schleswig-Holstein. The program strengthens the equity base and promotes innovations across various company phases, from seed to growth stage. It is designed to address a market weakness in risk financing and attract private investments in the state.
Who is Funded: Target Groups and Goals of the Innovation Fund SH
The Innovation Fund SH targets innovative companies based in Schleswig-Holstein or operating a business establishment there. It promotes the equity base of start-ups, young and/or innovative small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), as well as founders and business successors, to create or improve financing opportunities in the innovation sector. The program aims to reduce an identified market weakness in equity capital in Schleswig-Holstein and attract private investments.
What is Funded: Project Types and Costs
The Innovation Fund SH supports a wide range of innovative projects and investments across various company phases, from the seed phase to the growth phase. This includes technical and non-technical innovations, as well as sustainable investments and business successions. The funding covers diverse types of costs, from research and development expenses to investments in operating equipment and market launch.
Type and Extent of Funding: Equity Capital and Conditions
The Innovation Fund SH offers equity capital in the form of silent and open participations. The amount of participation varies depending on the company phase and can be up to EUR 1 million. A reasonable contribution of shareholder funds is required. The financing consists of public (ERDF and national co-financing) and private shares and is designed for long-term durations.
Conditions and Requirements: Funding Guidelines and Obligations
Funding by the Innovation Fund SH is subject to specific legal and operational conditions, including compliance with sustainability guidelines. Regulations for loss participation and control rights are defined, while collateral is generally waived. State aid conformity is ensured by the Brandenburg Model and the de minimis regulation. Furthermore, there are requirements for private and public financing shares.
Application Procedure: Step-by-Step to Funding
Applications for equity capital from the Innovation Fund SH are made directly to the fund management or through participating financial institutions. Early contact is recommended to make the process efficient. The fund management makes funding decisions independently, while private investors decide on their share.
Legal Basis: Legal Anchoring of the Innovation Fund SH
The Innovation Fund SH is based on the "Principles for the Acquisition of Participations within the Framework of the Innovation Fund SH" of June 16, 2023, and is integrated into the ERDF program 2021–2027 for Schleswig-Holstein. It operates within the framework of relevant EU regulations and guidelines to avoid state aid and achieve funding objectives in line with European requirements.
Funding Overview
Maximum Amount:
€1,000,000
Deadline:
always open
Open Until:
31.12.2029
Award Channel:
Demand Driven Scheme
Region:
Schleswig-Holstein (Germany)
Sectors:
Research and Development, Green Technology, Social Enterprises, Other
Funding Stages:
Basic Research, Applied Research, Experimental Development, Feasibility Study, Prototyping, Product Development, Process Optimization, Market Introduction, Scaling, Commercialization
Funding Provider
Program Level: Regional
Funding Body: State of Schleswig-Holstein (with funds from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF))
Managed By: Investitionsbank Schleswig-Holstein (IB.SH), Mittelständische Beteiligungsgesellschaft Schleswig-Holstein mbH (MBG)
Additional Partners: Wirtschaftsförderung und Technologietransfer Schleswig-Holstein GmbH (WTSH) – Acquisition of spin-offs, private investors
Website: Investitionsbank Schleswig-Holstein