Funding for SMEs "KMU-innovativ: Electronics and Autonomous Driving; High Performance Computing"

The program "KMU-innovativ: Electronics and Autonomous Driving; High Performance Computing" funds innovative research projects by SMEs and collaborative projects in Germany. The aim is to strengthen the future market positioning of the participating SMEs in these technologically demanding and high-risk areas. The funding targets a wide range of actors active in these key fields.

The funding targets ambitious research and development in specific high-tech areas. Support is provided for projects that significantly exceed the state of the art and involve high scientific-technical and economic risk. The funded projects must be significant for the future market positioning of the participating SMEs.

Funding is provided in the form of grants, the amount of which depends on the type of applicant and the nature of the project. Projects can have a duration of up to three years.

Application submission and project implementation are subject to specific conditions, which concern both the nature of the applicants and the characteristics of the projects. Special requirements exist for collaborative projects and the exploitation of research results.

The application process is two-stage, starting with the submission of a project outline and, upon positive evaluation, followed by a formal funding application via the electronic system easy-Online.

The basis for this funding program is a specific guideline from the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF), published in the Federal Gazette.