NEXT.IN.NRW – Innovative Ideas, Services, and Products from Culture, Media, Creative Industries, AI, and ICT

Last updated: 14.6.2025
Grant

The NEXT.IN.NRW program supports research, innovation, and development projects in the pre-market phase in North Rhine-Westphalia. It promotes collaborative projects between business and science in the fields of culture, media, and creative industries, artificial intelligence, as well as information and communication technologies and cybersecurity. The goal is to drive digital transformation and strengthen the competitiveness of North Rhine-Westphalia as a business location.

Who is funded

The NEXT.IN.NRW program targets a wide range of applicants who wish to implement innovative collaborative projects in North Rhine-Westphalia. The funding aims to increase the state's competitiveness by strengthening research, innovation, and development.

What is funded

The program funds research, innovation, and development projects in the pre-market phase, focusing on specific thematic areas. The support includes technical and non-technical innovations that are intended to contribute to value creation and competitiveness in North Rhine-Westphalia.

Type and Extent of Funding

Funding is provided as a grant, and its amount depends on the type and size of the applicant. The project duration is clearly limited to ensure efficient progress.

Conditions and Requirements

To receive funding under NEXT.IN.NRW, applicants and projects must meet specific legal and substantive criteria. Particular importance is given to cooperation, compliance with state aid regulations, and alignment with the regional innovation strategy.

Application Procedure

The application procedure for NEXT.IN.NRW is structured in two stages, starting with a project outline followed by a detailed application. Evaluation is carried out by an appraisal committee, whose positive recommendation forms the basis for the further approval process.

The NEXT.IN.NRW funding program is based on a series of legal and administrative foundations, which are anchored at both state and EU levels. These regulations ensure the lawful and targeted implementation of the funding measure.

Similar Programs

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Funding Overview

Funding Status

Funding Status:

Closed

Maximum Amount

Maximum Amount:

up to 90 percent of eligible expenses

Allocated Budget

Allocated Budget:

rund 104 Mio. Euro

Open Until

Open Until:

31.12.2027

Award Channel

Award Channel:

Competitive Tender

Region

Region:

North Rhine-Westphalia (Germany), European Union (if project is primarily carried out in North Rhine-Westphalia)

Sectors

Sectors:

Creative Industries, Information and Communication Technology, Software Development, Green Technology, Research and Development, Service Sector

Beneficiaries

Beneficiaries:

Culture, Media, Creative Industries, Artificial Intelligence, Information Technologies, Cybersecurity

Application Type

Application Type:

Consortium Required

Funding Stages

Funding Stages:

Applied Research, Experimental Development, Prototyping, Product Development, Market Introduction, Commercialization, Process Optimization, Planning

Funding Provider

Program Level:

Regional

Funding Body:

Ministry of Economic Affairs, Industry, Climate Protection and Energy of the State of North Rhine-Westphalia (MWIKE)

Managed By:

Innovation Promotion Agency NRW (IN.NRW)

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