Central Innovation Program for SMEs (ZIM)
The Central Innovation Program for SMEs (ZIM) is the German Federal Government's premier funding initiative for innovative projects by small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Designed to enhance the innovation capacity and competitiveness of SMEs, ZIM offers a wide range of funding opportunities.
With ZIM support, SMEs can undertake ambitious research and development projects and accelerate the market launch of innovations. Funding is provided as non-repayable grants, and projects often involve collaboration with research institutions, ensuring the integration of cutting-edge expertise.
Interested? Discover how ZIM can empower your business and drive your innovation forward!
ZIM
Who?
SMEs in Germany
How?
Project costs up to €550,000, with a maximum funding rate of 60%
What?
Personnel, contract, and overhead costs for R&D projects with a timely market launch
When?
Planned project start in approximately 6 months, with a duration of up to 3 years
Three Ways to Leverage ZIM Support
R&D Cooperation Projects: Strength in Collaboration
Collaborative projects with partners, such as SMEs, research institutions, innovation networks, or international organizations, benefit from enhanced support. These partnerships not only improve the likelihood of success but also increase funding rates.
Feasibility Study Funding
ZIM provides funding for feasibility studies to help prepare for future projects. These studies evaluate the viability and market potential of innovative products—a critical step in mitigating risks and maximizing returns.
R&D Individual Projects: Driving Innovation Independently
Companies applying individually can leverage ZIM funding to accelerate the development of new products, processes, or applications. The focus is on achieving faster market entry, with a maximum funding rate of up to 45%.
ZIM – Driving Innovation for SMEs
ZIM funding offers companies a wide range of opportunities to strategically advance their innovation projects. It mitigates risks and accelerates the transformation of research results into market-ready products. One of ZIM's core objectives is to foster a sustainable innovation culture and facilitate knowledge exchange through partnerships with research institutions.
This creates synergies that empower companies to respond more swiftly to market changes and strengthen their competitiveness. By supporting SMEs, ZIM reinforces their innovative capabilities and further establishes Germany as a leading center for innovation.
How to Meet the Criteria for ZIM
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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 provide new insights for companies.
✔️ Technical development risks must be present.
✔️ The company’s share of costs must be credibly covered.
Collaboration Conditions
✔️ For collaborative projects, work must be evenly distributed, and a cooperation agreement must be established.
✔️ Research institutions and universities are eligible for special funding rates of up to 100%.
Some of Our Partners
The 5 Steps to a Successful ZIM Application
Draft Creation
A 3–4 page project draft is prepared by us and discussed with the funding agency. This significantly increases your chances!
Full Application Preparation
Using the insights gained from the draft feedback, the complete application is prepared and submitted.
Review by the Funding Agency
The ZIM funding agency has three months to decide on the approval of your application.
Submission of Payment Requests
Throughout the project duration, payment requests are submitted jointly with us at regular intervals.
A report on the project's progress and completion is prepared together with us and submitted to finalize the project.
Our Mission
At GrantLift, our ZIM experts bring years of experience, often beginning their work with ZIM applications at university institutions and advancing their expertise in professional contexts. This ensures we have extensive knowledge of the program to guide our clients effectively.
Before submission, all applications undergo a meticulous review process, benefiting from the expertise of in-house funding specialists. Our success-driven approach ensures that we remain dedicated to your project until the final payout, maximizing your chances of achieving outstanding results.
