Funding for Projects on "KMU-innovativ: Information and Communication Technology (ICT) – Software-intensive Systems (SWS)"

The funding program "KMU-innovativ: Information and Communication Technology (ICT)" is primarily aimed at small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Germany that implement high-risk research and development projects in the ICT sector. Universities, research institutions, associations, and large companies can also benefit from this funding as consortium partners. The program aims to promote innovations in software-intensive systems and strengthen the German economy in important application fields.

Projects focusing on industrial research and pre-competitive development in information and communication technologies, especially software-intensive systems, are funded. The projects must involve high scientific-technical and economic risk and should find application in various key industries.

The "KMU-innovativ: ICT" funding program offers grants for projects in the field of information and communication technologies. The funding amount varies depending on the applicant, and projects typically have a duration of up to three years. A specific project lump sum is offered for universities.

Specific conditions apply to the application and project implementation. These include the requirement of a business establishment in Germany, focus on high-risk R&D projects, SME participation, and regulation of cooperation in collaborative projects through a written cooperation agreement.

The application process for "KMU-innovativ: ICT" is two-stage. First, project outlines must be submitted, which are reviewed on fixed evaluation deadlines. Upon a positive decision, applicants are invited to submit a formal application via the electronic system easy-Online.

The "KMU-innovativ: Information and Communication Technology (ICT)" funding program is based on a specific guideline from the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF), which is published in the Federal Gazette and has undergone several amendments.