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Funding for Technology and Knowledge Transfer through Patents, Standardization for Economic Exploitation of Innovative Ideas from Universities and Companies (WIPANO)
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Grant
Last updated: 14.6.2025

The WIPANO funding program by the BMWK supports companies, universities, and research institutions in the economic exploitation of innovative ideas. It specifically promotes technology and knowledge transfer through the patenting of research results as well as active participation in standardization processes. This contributes to securing intellectual property and transferring the latest findings into practice.

Who is funded?

The WIPANO funding program targets a wide range of stakeholders in Germany who wish to develop and commercialize innovative ideas. It supports companies of all sizes, universities, and research institutions in implementing their research results and utilizing intellectual property. The goal is to strengthen technology and knowledge transfer.

What is funded?

The WIPANO program funds projects and activities in two main areas: patenting, and standardization. Support includes both intellectual property rights registration and active participation in standardization bodies and cooperation projects for knowledge transfer.

Type and Scope of Funding

WIPANO offers financial support in the form of grants, with funding amounts and rates varying depending on the funding priority. The maximum funding duration is also specifically defined for each area.

Conditions and Requirements

For application and project implementation under WIPANO, specific conditions must be met, which differ depending on the funding priority. These include criteria regarding previous activities, external services, and the composition of cooperation projects.

Application Procedure

The application procedure for WIPANO can be one- or two-stage, depending on the chosen funding priority. Project outlines and formal applications must be submitted electronically via the easy-Online system.

Funding through the WIPANO program is based on a specific guideline from the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action, which regulates technology and knowledge transfer through patents and standardization.

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Funding Overview

Maximum Amount

Maximum Amount:

Up to €10,000 for patenting (Module 1), €6,000 for patenting (Module 2), €45,000 for standardization (companies), and €200,000 per consortium partner for knowledge transfer projects. Funding rates vary between 50% and 85% of eligible expenses.

Deadline

Deadline:

31.05.2026, 31.05.2027, 31.10.2027

Award Channel

Award Channel:

Demand Driven Scheme

Region

Region:

Germany

Sectors

Sectors:

Research and Development, Service Sector

Funding Stages

Funding Stages:

Applied Research, Experimental Development, Product Development, Market Introduction, Capacity Building, Policy Development

Funding Provider

Program Level: National

Funding Body: Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK)

Managed By: Projektträger Jülich (PtJ)

Website: Projektträger Jülich (PtJ)