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Funding for "SME-innovative: Bioeconomy" Grants
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Grant
Last updated: 14.6.2025

The Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) supports innovative research and development projects in the field of bioeconomy through "SME-innovative: Bioeconomy". This funding aims to strengthen the innovative capacity of small and medium-sized enterprises and to promote the development of climate-neutral, biogenic products that contribute to sustainability. The program is characterized by a simplified, fast application process and an open thematic scope to enable technologically demanding and high-risk projects.

Who is funded

The program targets a broad spectrum of applicants in Germany, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and mid-sized companies. Universities, non-university research institutions, and large enterprises can also receive funding, often within the framework of collaborative projects. The goal is to strengthen their innovation potential in the bioeconomy sector.

What is funded

Innovative research and development projects in the comprehensive field of bioeconomy are funded, provided they are scientifically demanding, high-risk, and make an application-oriented contribution to the development of a sustainable, bio-based economy. Various application fields and specific technological approaches are supported.

Type and Scope of Funding

The program offers financial support in the form of non-repayable grants, intended for projects with a standard duration of three years. Funding rates vary depending on the applicant and project type, with SMEs and research institutions being able to receive particularly high funding rates.

Conditions and Requirements

Specific legal and administrative conditions apply to the application and implementation of projects. This includes compliance with state aid regulations, special rules for collaborative projects, and regulations for budgeting and the publication of research results.

Application Process

The application process is two-stage, beginning with the submission of a project outline. Following a positive evaluation of the outline, an invitation to submit a formal funding application will follow. Early consultation is recommended for applicants.

Funding for "SME-innovative: Bioeconomy" grants is based on a specific guideline from the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF). This measure is firmly anchored in the Federal Government's High-Tech Strategy and the National Bioeconomy Strategy, and is subject to the provisions of German budgetary law as well as European state aid regulations under the GBER.

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Funding Overview

Maximum Amount

Maximum Amount:

35,000,000 €

Deadline

Deadline:

15.04.2025, 15.10.2025

Open Until

Open Until:

30.06.2027

Award Channel

Award Channel:

Competitive Tender

Region

Region:

Germany

Sectors

Sectors:

Agriculture and Agribusiness, Food Processing, Energy Production and Supply, Renewable Energy, Water and Waste Management, Information and Communication Technology, Green Technology, Research and Development, Environmental and Climate Protection

Funding Stages

Funding Stages:

Basic Research, Applied Research, Experimental Development, Feasibility Study, Prototyping, Pilot Testing

Funding Provider

Program Level: National

Funding Body: Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF)

Managed By: Project Management Agency Jülich (PtJ)

Website: Projektträger Jülich (PtJ)