KMU-Innovative
The Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) aims to support cutting-edge research in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) through the "KMU-Innovative" funding program. This program focuses on technologies and research fields of strategic importance to Germany and Europe.
Do you want to drive your innovation forward? Discover how the "KMU-Innovative" funding program can support your company!
KMU-Innovative
Who?
Innovative SMEs in Germany (<250 FTEs)
How?
Funding of up to €1.5 million per partner with a maximum funding rate of 70%.
What?
Personnel costs, partial material costs, and overhead costs for R&D projects.
When?
Planned project start in approximately 6 months, with a duration of up to 3 years.
Ideal Funding for High-Risk Breakthrough Innovations in the Early Stages
Early-Stage Development
Unlike other programs such as ZIM, KMU-Innovative supports projects up to Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 5. Higher technical risks typically arise in early development phases, where funding helps supplement private investments.
High Funding Rate for Groundbreaking Innovations
With funding rates of up to 70%, the BMBF supports projects that represent a significant leap in innovation. The goal is to significantly exceed the state of the art while simultaneously creating market potential for the future.
Focus on Technical Risks
The focus of the application should be on the technical risks of the development. These risks underline the research-oriented nature of the project and help close the funding gap often not covered by private investors.
Program Overview: Funding Opportunities for SMEs in Key Technologies
KMU-Innovative targets small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Germany that are actively working in defined technological fields. An overview of the current focus areas can be found here: KMU-Innovative. Project drafts can be submitted twice a year, in spring and autumn. Collaborative projects with other SMEs or research institutions are strongly encouraged. Startups are also welcome to participate in joint projects, provided they can cover their share of the costs.
In certain cases, companies with up to 1,000 employees and annual revenues of up to €100 million are also eligible to apply. Exceptionally, large enterprises may be funded if the primary benefits of the project directly support the participating SMEs.
How to Meet the Criteria for KMU-Innovative
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KMU Status
✔️ Companies with a maximum of 250 employees within a corporate group are eligible for funding.
✔️ Additional restrictions apply to balance sheet totals and revenue size.
Project Characteristics
✔️ Projects must exceed the current international state of the art and deliver new insights for companies.
✔️ Technical development risks must be present.
✔️ A clear pathway to commercial exploitation must be demonstrated.
Collaboration Conditions
✔️ In collaborative projects, work must be evenly distributed, and a cooperation agreement must be established.
✔️ Innovation networks require at least six eligible companies and a coordinating network management entity.
Some of our Partners
Steps to a Successful KMU-Innovative Application
Initial Contact with the Funding Agency
In the first meeting, the project is discussed jointly with the funding agency. This significantly increases your chances of success!
Draft Development
The project draft is prepared, optimized collaboratively, and submitted on time.
Review by the Funding Agency
The funding agency takes approximately three months to decide whether to invite you to submit the full application.
Full Application Preparation
Using the insights gained from the feedback on the draft, the full application is developed and submitted.
Submission of Payment Requests
Throughout the project duration, payment requests are submitted jointly with us at regular intervals.
Interim and Final Reports
A report on the project's progress and completion is prepared collaboratively and submitted to finalize the project.
Our Goal
Our KMU-Innovative experts at GrantLift have often started their work on KMU-Innovative projects at university institutions and continued to develop their expertise in professional contexts. This enables us to bring extensive experience in this program to the table. Additionally, we conduct thorough reviews of all applications before submission to ensure the highest quality.
