KMU-innovativ: Resources and Circular Economy
The "KMU-innovativ: Resources and Circular Economy" program by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) supports small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in innovative research and development projects. It aims to strengthen the research competence of SMEs in the areas of resource efficiency, sustainable water management, and circular economy, and to promote the transfer of research results into marketable products and services. Funding is provided as a grant for individual or collaborative projects with high scientific and technical risk.
Who is funded
The "KMU-innovativ: Resources and Circular Economy" program supports small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and their consortium partners in Germany in innovative research and development projects. The goal is to strengthen innovation potential in key areas such as resource efficiency, water management, and circular economy, and to promote the transfer of research results into practical application.
What is funded
The program focuses on innovative research and development projects in the areas of resource efficiency and sustainable water management. Application-oriented and cross-technology projects with a high scientific and technical risk and a clear economic exploitation perspective are funded.
Type and Scope of Funding
The program offers non-repayable grants for projects in resource efficiency and circular economy. The maximum funding amount per individual or collaborative project is 500,000 Euros, with funding rates varying depending on the type of applicant and project category.
Conditions and Requirements
To receive funding under "KMU-innovativ: Resources and Circular Economy", applicants must meet certain legal and substantive requirements. These include requirements for project characteristics, cooperation agreements in collaborative projects, and compliance with state aid regulations.
Application Procedure
The application process is two-stage and begins with the submission of a project outline via an online tool. A positive evaluation leads to an invitation to submit a formal funding application. Applicants are encouraged to contact the Federal "Research and Innovation" Funding Advisory Service early.
Legal Basis
Funding is based on a specific directive of the Federal Ministry of Education and Research and is subject to the provisions of the Federal Budget Code and EU state aid regulations, particularly the General Block Exemption Regulation.
Similar Programs
No similar programs found.
Funding Overview
Funding Status:
Open
Maximum Amount:
€500,000
Deadline:
October 15, 2025, April 15, 2026
Open Until:
June 30, 2027
Award Channel:
Framework Programme Call
Region:
Germany, European Economic Area, Switzerland
Sectors:
Construction and Building Materials, Energy Production and Supply, Renewable Energy, Water and Waste Management, Textile and Apparel Industry, Environmental and Climate Protection, Service Sector
Beneficiaries:
Resource efficiency, sustainable water management, circular economy
Application Type:
Optional Consortium
Funding Stages:
Basic Research, Applied Research, Experimental Development, Prototyping, Pilot Testing, Product Development, Commercialization
Funding Provider
Program Level:
National
Funding Body:
Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF)
Managed By:
Project Management Jülich (PtJ), Project Management Karlsruhe (PTKA)
Additional Partners:
Federal Funding Advisory Service "Research and Innovation" (Guidance Service for Companies)