Market Launch Grant ERDF

The "Market Launch Grant ERDF" funding program is aimed at small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and members of liberal professions with a registered office or permanent establishment in the Free State of Saxony. The aim is to strengthen the competitiveness of the Saxon economy and support the economic exploitation of technical and non-technical innovations. Projects must be implemented in Saxony and contribute to strengthening the Free State's innovation strategy.

The funding object consists of projects for the market introduction of innovative products, processes, or services, or for the adaptation of existing offerings with the aim of significant improvements. The innovations must be based on research and development results and must not have been offered on the market before the application. The funding covers both direct and lump-sum indirect costs for market launch.

Funding is provided as project funding in the form of a non-repayable grant within the framework of co-financing. The amount of the grant is linked to the company size and age, with possible bonuses for companies bound by collective agreements or projects with ecological sustainability. Eligible expenses are limited, and a minimum limit also applies.

Applicants must meet certain legal and substantive requirements to be funded. These include the innovative content of the project, the rights of use for R&D results, and a coherent market launch plan. The program is also subject to specific EU state aid rules such as the De minimis Regulation and the GBER. There is no legal entitlement to the grant of funds.

The application for funding must be submitted electronically via the SAB funding portal before the start of the measure. Sächsische Aufbaubank (SAB) provides the necessary forms. For the proof of use, actual expenses must be substantiated, with indirect costs being settled on a lump-sum basis.

The funding program is based on the Guideline of the Saxon State Ministry for Economic Affairs, Labour and Transport for the promotion of projects for the market introduction of innovative products, processes, or services co-financed by the ERDF (FRL MEP-Z). It is also subject to other relevant state and EU legal provisions regulating the granting and administration of aid.