Innovation Funding – Research, Development, Innovation, Knowledge and Technology Transfer, and Technology Marketing
The State of Hesse promotes innovative projects in the areas of research and development, knowledge and technology transfer, and technology marketing. Investments for CO2 reduction and high-technology based business start-ups are also supported. Funding is usually provided as a grant, sometimes as equity capital, and aims to strengthen competitiveness and sustainable growth in Hesse.
Who is funded
Hesse's innovation funding is aimed at a wide range of stakeholders who want to implement innovative projects in research, development, knowledge transfer, and technology marketing. This includes companies, especially small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), freelancers, research institutions, as well as specific cluster organizations and innovative business start-ups. The funding is focused on projects within Hesse and supports the strengthening of regional competitiveness and sustainable growth.
What is funded
The program promotes a variety of innovation activities, ranging from research and development to knowledge transfer, measures for CO2 reduction, and support for business start-ups. Both tangible and intangible investments are considered, which improve the state of the art in Germany and support the key areas of the Hessian innovation strategy.
Type and Extent of Funding
Funding is primarily provided as a non-repayable grant, sometimes as equity capital. Funding amounts vary depending on the applicant and the type of project, with up to 100 percent of eligible expenses being covered for certain projects. The funding guideline ended on June 30, 2024.
Conditions and Requirements
The approval of funding is at the discretion of the responsible bodies and requires compliance with comprehensive legal, budgetary, and state aid regulations. This includes the prohibition of early project start, ensuring overall financing, and observing De minimis rules and publicity obligations.
Application Process
The application process requires written submission before project commencement to the responsible bodies, the Wirtschafts- und Infrastrukturbank Hessen (WIBank) or the ministries. Applications are reviewed at discretion, with certain criteria such as the leverage of private investments and the involvement of SMEs being considered in the selection. Online submission via the WIBank customer portal is foreseen for ERDF co-financed projects.
Legal Basis
The funding is based on the guidelines of the State of Hesse for Innovation Funding from March 29, 2023, which in turn are based on various state and EU laws and regulations, in particular the General Block Exemption Regulation (GBER). The guideline was valid until June 30, 2024.
Similar Programs
No similar programs found.
Funding Overview
Funding Status:
Closed
Maximum Amount:
1,200,000 €
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), Kassel administrative district, Gießen administrative district, Odenwaldkreis, Odenwald municipalities of Bergstraße district (Lautertal, Lindenfels, Fürth, Grasellenbach, Rimbach, Mörlenbach, Birkenau, Wald-Michelbach, Abtsteinach, Gorxheimertal, Hirschhorn, Neckarsteinach), Odenwald municipalities of Darmstadt-Dieburg district (Modautal, Fischbachtal, Groß-Umstadt), Biblis municipality in Bergstraße district) (Germany)
Sectors:
Agriculture and Agribusiness, Healthcare, Environmental and Climate Protection, Green Technology, Energy Production and Supply, Renewable Energy, Information and Communication Technology, Software Development, Transportation and Logistics, Financial Technology, Creative Industries, Research and Development, Service Sector, Other
Application Type:
Optional Consortium
Funding Stages:
Basic Research, Applied Research, Experimental Development, Prototyping, Product Development, Process Optimization, Market Introduction, Commercialization, Planning, Infrastructure, Service Delivery, Capacity Building, Awareness Campaigns
Funding Provider
Program Level:
Regional
Funding Body:
Hessian Ministry of Economics, Energy, Transport, Housing and Rural Development, Hessian Ministry of Science and Research, Art and Culture, European Regional Development Fund (ERDF)
Managed By:
Wirtschafts- und Infrastrukturbank Hessen (WIBank)
Additional Partners:
Beteiligungs-Managementgesellschaft Hessen mbH (BMH)
Website: