Innovation Funding – Innovation Clusters (Application-Oriented Innovation Centers)
Within its innovation funding framework, the State of Hesse supports the establishment and expansion of innovation clusters and the innovation capacity of Hessian companies. This comprehensive program also promotes research and development, knowledge and technology transfer, as well as measures for CO2 reduction and innovative business start-ups through grants and equity capital.
Who is funded?
Innovation funding in Hesse targets a wide range of stakeholders who wish to contribute to strengthening the economic region and promoting innovation. This includes companies of all sizes, research institutions, universities, as well as associations and clubs that implement their projects within Hesse.
What is funded?
The program supports a variety of projects, including research and development projects, innovation clusters, measures for CO2 reduction, and the establishment of innovative new businesses. Funding extends across various phases and focuses on specific key areas of Hesse's innovation strategy.
Type and Extent of Funding
The program primarily offers non-repayable grants, but also equity capital for start-ups. The funding amount varies depending on the funding focus, with specific maximum rates and funding percentages established. A general project duration is not defined, but there are requirements for the minimum useful life of funded assets.
Conditions and Requirements
Accessing funding is tied to strict conditions, including compliance with state aid regulations, specific application requirements, and financial restrictions. Additionally, general obligations regarding economic efficiency and transparency must be observed to ensure the correct use of public funds.
Application Procedure
Applications for innovation funding must be submitted to the competent authorities before the start of the project. The process is generally in writing, and for ERDF co-financed projects also online, requiring detailed project documents and concepts. Approval is granted at discretion and after verification of compliance with funding conditions.
Legal Basis
Innovation funding in Hesse is based on a comprehensive legal framework that includes both state laws and EU regulations. The primary authorization is provided by the 'Guidelines of the State of Hesse for Innovation Funding,' supplemented by various laws and EU state aid rules.
Similar Programs
Funding Overview
Funding Status:
Other
Maximum Amount:
1.200.000 €
Open Until:
30.06.2024
Award Channel:
Demand Driven Scheme
Region:
Hesse (Werra-Meissner-Kreis, Vogelsbergkreis, Waldeck-Frankenberg district, Gießen district (excluding Langgöns, Linden, Pohlheim), Hersfeld-Rotenburg district (Bebra, Cornberg, Nentershausen, Ronshausen, Rotenburg an der Fulda, Wildeck), administrative districts of Kassel and Gießen, Odenwaldkreis, Odenwald municipalities in the districts of Bergstraße (Lautertal, Lindenfels, Fürth, Grasellenbach, Rimbach, Mörlenbach, Birkenau, Wald-Michelbach, Abtsteinach, Gorxheimertal, Hirschhorn, Neckarsteinach) and Darmstadt-Dieburg (Modautal, Fischbachtal, Groß-Umstadt), municipality of Biblis in the Bergstraße district)
Sectors:
Agriculture and Agribusiness, Healthcare, Medical Technology, Pharmaceutical Industry, Environmental and Climate Protection, Energy Production and Supply, Renewable Energy, Green Technology, Water and Waste Management, Information and Communication Technology, Software Development, Transportation and Logistics, Financial Technology, Creative Industries, Other
Beneficiaries:
Hesse's Economic Location
Application Type:
Optional Consortium
Funding Stages:
Basic Research, Applied Research, Experimental Development, Product Development, Process Optimization, Market Introduction, Commercialization, Planning, Implementation, Infrastructure, Service Delivery, Capacity Building, Awareness Campaigns
Funding Provider
Program Level:
Regional
Funding Body:
Hessian Ministry of Economics, Energy, Transport and Housing (HMWEVW), Hessian Ministry of Higher Education, Research and the Arts (HMWK)
Managed By:
Wirtschafts- und Infrastrukturbank Hessen (WIBank)
Additional Partners:
Beteiligungs-Managementgesellschaft Hessen mbH (BMH), RKW Hessen GmbH, HA Hessen Agentur GmbH, Hessen Trade & Invest GmbH, European Investment Fund (EIF), KfW, Bürgschaftsbank Hessen GmbH
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