Funding from the Central Innovation Program for SMEs (ZIM) - R&D Individual Projects

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Who is funded?

The Central Innovation Program for SMEs (ZIM) supports various mid-sized companies and research institutions in Germany. The aim is to strengthen innovation capabilities and competitiveness by funding research and development projects.

What is funded?

ZIM funds a broad spectrum of research and development activities as well as supporting measures for market launch. The funding is open to all topics and is not limited to specific technologies or industries. It supports individual R&D projects, cooperation projects, innovation networks, feasibility studies, and services for market launch.

Type and Extent of Funding

Funding under ZIM is provided as a non-repayable grant in the form of co-financing. The amount of the grant and the maximum funding amounts vary depending on company size, project type (individual project, cooperation, innovation network, feasibility study, market introduction), and location.

Conditions and Requirements

The approval of ZIM funding is subject to specific conditions regarding application, project implementation, and the involvement of cooperation partners. Special attention is paid to the market introduction concept and compliance with state aid regulations.

Application Process

The ZIM application process is ongoing and is carried out electronically or using official forms. Project management agencies play a central role in advising, reviewing, and processing applications. Funding decisions are based on quality, completeness, and funding priorities.

Legal Basis

Funding under the Central Innovation Program for SMEs (ZIM) is based on specific guidelines from the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy and is in line with national and European state aid rules, particularly the General Block Exemption Regulation.