Innovation Funding from the Media Innovation Center Babelsberg (MIZ)

The Media Innovation Center Babelsberg (MIZ) supports innovative media projects by natural and legal persons residing or domiciled in Berlin or Brandenburg. The funding targets a wide range of applicants, including students, graduates, startups, experienced journalists, as well as media professionals and companies from the media sector whose projects aim to strengthen media diversity and innovation in regional broadcasting.

MIZ Babelsberg supports innovative media ventures with a technical and content focus, which are related to radio or TV and are at the interface with new media, as well as cross-media format ideas. The focus is on experimental projects in various stages of development that unlock new application and usage possibilities, with certain cost categories needing to be considered.

MIZ Babelsberg offers financial support in the form of grants or scholarships. The maximum funding amount per project is €50,000.00, with media professionals required to contribute a 25% own share. Scholarship amounts vary depending on the degree. The funding period is limited to a maximum of 12 months, and the use of MIZ facilities and equipment is also offered.

Applicants for MIZ Innovation Funding must have their registered office or residence in Berlin or Brandenburg and possess the necessary competence to carry out the project, evidenced by academic degrees or references. Projects must have a coherent, original concept and meet specific innovation criteria. There is a disclosure and reporting obligation to MIZ, and the de minimis regulation must be observed.

Applications for MIZ Innovation Funding can be submitted continuously, with call periods and deadlines published on the MIZ website. A mandatory consultation and the submission of a meaningful project sketch are required before the application deadline. The selection of projects takes place after an evaluation by expert committees or juries, followed by a presentation (pitching) of the most promising projects.

The innovation funding of the Media Innovation Center Babelsberg (MIZ) is based on the guideline "Principles for Project Funding at the Media Innovation Center Babelsberg (MIZ) – Innovation Funding" from September 2020. The legal basis of the MIZ funding programs primarily derives from the State Treaty on Cooperation between Berlin and Brandenburg in the Field of Broadcasting (Medienstaatsvertrag MStV) as well as the regulations of the State Budget Ordinance Berlin (LHO) and the ANBest-P.