Funding of Projects in the "KMU-innovativ: Future of Value Creation" Program
The BMBF's "KMU-innovativ: Future of Value Creation" program supports small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and research institutions in high-risk pre-competitive research and development projects. It aims to advance entrepreneurial value creation in areas such as production, services, and labor through innovative projects, partly co-financed by the ESF Plus.
Who is Funded
The "KMU-innovativ: Future of Value Creation" program supports small and medium-sized enterprises, as well as universities and research institutions in Germany. The aim is to strengthen entrepreneurial value creation through innovative research and development projects in production, services, and labor. The results of the projects should primarily be utilized in Germany, the EEA, and Switzerland.
What is Funded
The program supports innovative research and development projects dealing with the future of value creation, particularly in the areas of production, services, and labor. Funding includes the development of new products and technologies, as well as the optimization of processes and the design of new business models.
Type and Extent of Funding
The program provides grants, the amount of which depends on the type of applicant institution, the project type, and the regional co-financing conditions of the ESF Plus. Projects typically have a duration of two to three years.
Conditions and Requirements
Participation in the "KMU-innovativ: Future of Value Creation" program is subject to specific requirements regarding the project character, collaboration in collaborative projects, and the utilization of results. Applicants must also demonstrate the relevance and novelty of their project.
Application Process
The application process is two-stage and begins with the submission of a project outline to the Project Management Agency Karlsruhe. Following a positive evaluation, applicants are invited to submit a formal funding application via the electronic system easy-Online.
Legal Basis
The legal basis of the 'KMU-innovativ: Future of Value Creation' funding program is a guideline from the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) dated June 28, 2023, supplemented by an amendment announcement. These documents define the funding conditions and modalities and are publicly accessible.
Similar Programs
No similar programs found.
Funding Overview
Funding Status:
Open
Maximum Amount:
Usually 50 percent of eligible costs for companies and research institutions with economic projects; up to 100 percent of eligible expenditures for universities and non-university institutions. For ESF Plus co-financed projects, up to 40 percent for more developed regions and up to 60 percent for transition regions. SMEs can receive a bonus of 20 percent, mid-sized companies 10 percent.
Deadline:
15.10.2025, 15.04.2026
Open Until:
Ongoing
Award Channel:
Framework Programme Call
Region:
Germany
Sectors:
Information and Communication Technology, Service Sector, Research and Development, Education and Vocational Training, Other
Beneficiaries:
Production, Services, Work
Application Type:
Optional Consortium
Funding Stages:
Applied Research, Experimental Development, Product Development, Process Optimization
Funding Provider
Program Level:
National
Funding Body:
Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF)
Managed By:
Project Management Agency Karlsruhe (PTKA)
Website: