SME-innovative: Materials Research (ProMat_SME)

The program targets a wide range of actors in the field of materials research and development in Germany. Primarily, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are funded to strengthen their innovative capacity. Additionally, universities and non-university research institutions, as well as medium-sized companies, are eligible to apply, often in collaboration with SMEs in collaborative projects. The overarching goal is to promote innovation in Germany and to solve socially relevant issues through material innovations.

The program focuses on high-risk industrial research and pre-competitive development projects in the field of materials research. The funded projects should demonstrate a high degree of innovation and significantly exceed the state of the art. Cross-thematic material developments are supported in six specific application areas, with manufacturing processes and techniques, as well as simulation and modeling, being considered additionally. Projects in the areas of food, feed, luxury foods, and cosmetics are excluded.

The program provides non-repayable grants to support research and development in materials science. Funding rates vary depending on the type of applicant and project phase, with SMEs and small companies potentially receiving higher grants. The maximum project duration is generally two years, and up to three years in justified cases.

The funding guideline sets specific conditions for applicants, including the requirement for a permanent establishment in Germany and the coordination of collaborative projects by an SME or medium-sized company. Requirements for the degree of innovation, scientific and technical quality, and state aid regulations are also described in detail, particularly with regard to the GBER and cumulation rules. Transparency and the provision of data for success monitoring are also important aspects.

The application procedure is two-stage and begins with the submission of a project outline. Early contact with the Federal Funding Advisory Service 'Research and Innovation' is recommended, especially for first-time applicants. After a positive evaluation of the outline, an invitation to submit a formal funding application via the electronic system easy-Online follows. Project outlines and applications are evaluated based on clearly defined criteria.

The funding guideline is based on the 'Guideline for the Promotion of Projects on the Topic 'KMU-innovativ: Materials Research (ProMat_KMU)' and is embedded in the Federal Budget Code as well as the General Block Exemption Regulation (GBER) of the EU. These legal frameworks ensure the legitimacy of the funding and compliance with European state aid rules.