R&D Projects in Companies
Funding of research and development projects in Hessian companies with grants of up to €500,000 (max. 50% of eligible expenses). Submissions possible at any time.
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Grant criteria
Funding objective
Funding of research and development projects by companies with industrial research or experimental development character to strengthen the economic and scientific potentials of the Hessen location and to implement the Hessian Innovation Strategy.
Eligible expenses
- Personnel expenses
- Material costs
- Contract research
- Investments under hire-purchase agreements
- Instruments and equipment
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Non-eligible expenses
- Land acquisition
- Construction services
- Value-added tax
Eligible to apply
- Companies
Funding requirements
- Company headquarters or establishment in Hesse
- SME or small company with medium-sized market capitalization
- Research character of industrial research or experimental development
Documents required for application
- Project description
- Financing plan
- Exposé or draft
- Time and activity records
Evaluation criteria
- Innovative content of the project
- Scientific and technical competence
- Contribution to the Hessian Innovation Strategy
- Economic efficiency and feasibility
Description
Companies with headquarters or business premises in Hesse receive a non-repayable project grant under the ERDF program "R&D Projects in Companies" for the implementation of industrial research or experimental development projects. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) as well as small companies with medium-sized market capitalization can apply for grants of up to €500,000 – corresponding to a funding rate of 25% to 50% of eligible expenses. Covered are personnel costs, material costs, contract research, leasehold investment, instruments and equipment, depreciation, as well as expenses for consulting and services. The project duration is generally up to 36 months. The goal is to strengthen Hesse’s economic and scientific potentials in line with the Hessian Innovation Strategy and to implement new products, processes, or services in one of the future competence fields. Continuous submission of applications is possible at any time.
Interested companies are professionally supported by the HA Hessen Agentur, while the Wirtschafts- und Infrastrukturbank Hessen (WIBank) is responsible for approval and disbursement. The application includes a detailed project description, a financing plan, and documentation of hours and activities. Selection is based on the degree of innovation, scientific-technical competence, contribution to the innovation strategy, and feasibility. An advisory board issues funding recommendations, with the final decision made by WIBank. Aid law requirements (EU GBER) and separate accounting of all eligible expenses must be observed. After approval, regular reports, documentation, and a final utilization report ensure transparency and project progress. This guarantees that innovative development projects are implemented purposefully and that Hesse’s innovation location is sustainably strengthened.
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