Funding from the Central Innovation Programme for SMEs (ZIM) – Innovation Network Closed
The Central Innovation Programme for SMEs (ZIM) is a funding programme of the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action, which supports small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and research institutions in sustainably strengthening their innovative capacity through research and development projects. It stands out due to its open-topic approach and explicit promotion of national and international innovation networks, thereby unlocking value creation potential and mitigating technological risks.
Who is funded
The Central Innovation Programme for SMEs (ZIM) targets small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and research institutions in Germany, fostering their innovative capacity and competitiveness through research and development (R&D) projects. Particular emphasis is placed on promoting innovation networks, both national and international, and supporting project-related network management.
What is funded
The ZIM programme funds research and development projects without thematic restriction to specific technology fields or sectors. Various project forms are supported, including individual and cooperative projects by companies, innovation networks, as well as feasibility studies and market entry services.
Type and Extent of Funding
ZIM funding is provided as a non-repayable grant in the form of co-financing. The amount of funding varies depending on company size, project type (individual, cooperative, international cooperative projects), structurally weak region, and project phase. Maximum funding amounts are set for R&D projects, innovation networks, and feasibility studies.
Conditions and Requirements
ZIM funding is tied to specific conditions to ensure the innovative capacity and sustainable competitiveness of companies. These include requirements for the innovation content and technical risk of projects, cooperation rules, budget guidelines, and compliance with state aid rules.
Application Procedure
The ZIM programme allows for continuous application submission, where the quality and completeness of the documents are crucial for approval. The procedure includes specific submission requirements for various project forms and a competitive evaluation of applications by project executing agencies and the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy.
Legal Basis
The Central Innovation Programme for SMEs (ZIM) is based on a specific guideline from the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy and is primarily subject to EU state aid rules, particularly the General Block Exemption Regulation.
Additional Information
This information provides supplementary details on the general conditions and procedures of the ZIM programme.
Funding Overview
Maximum Amount:
2,300,000 EUR
Open Until:
31.12.2024
Award Channel:
Competitive Tender
Region:
Germany
Funding Stages:
Experimental Development, Feasibility Study, Market Introduction, Basic Research, Applied Research, Prototyping, Product Development
Funding Provider
Program Level: National
Funding Body: Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK)
Managed By: VDI/VDE Innovation + Technik GmbH
Website: VDI/VDE Innovation + Technik GmbH