Saxony State Technology Funding – D – Patent Commercialization by Universities and Research Institutions

The State Technology Funding in Saxony targets a wide range of actors who contribute to strengthening the innovation power and competitiveness of the Saxon economy. The focus is on cooperation between science and industry, supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) as well as research institutions in the Free State of Saxony, to promote technological progress and knowledge transfer.

The funding encompasses diverse measures to strengthen technological capability, from patent commercialization and innovation consulting to infrastructure investments. Eligible expenses include both personnel and material costs that directly serve the project purpose. Certain expenses are explicitly excluded to ensure efficient and targeted use of funds.

Funding is generally provided as a grant within the framework of project funding, mostly as co-financing. The amount of the grant and the funding rate vary depending on the funding module and the type of measure. Fixed-amount financing is also foreseen for individual service packages.

Funding is tied to various conditions that concern both the application and project implementation. These include specific requirements for applicants, consortium formation guidelines, compliance with state aid regulations, and rules for budget utilization and the earmarking of funded assets.

The application process varies depending on the funding module, but is often two-stage and requires the submission of project outlines before the formal application. Approval is granted by Sächsische Aufbaubank (SAB), partly in coordination with other ministries or federal authorities.

The funding program is based on a specific directive of the Saxon State Ministry for Economic Affairs, Labor and Transport and is closely linked to budgetary and European state aid regulations. These legal bases ensure the legitimacy and compliance with funding guidelines.