Networking Activities Between Universities and Companies (ESF+ 2021–2027)
Grant for projects on knowledge transfer from universities to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and their networking in Bavaria. Funding up to 50% of eligible costs, project duration up to 36 months. Applications can be submitted at any time.
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Grant criteria
Funding objective
Projects for targeted knowledge transfer from universities to predominantly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and for networking between universities and companies in Bavaria.
Eligible expenses
- Personnel costs
- Material costs
- Residual cost flat rate
Non-eligible expenses
- Projects under €200,000
- Tax, legal, and business consulting
Eligible to apply
- Educational Institutions
Funding requirements
- At least one university and 10 independent companies in the network
- Minimum 75% SME quota
- Own contribution 10% of eligible expenses
- Eligible total costs at least €200,000
- Network meetings and knowledge transfer exclusively in Bavaria
Documents required for application
- Project description
- Financing plan
- Cooperation agreement
- Proof of own contribution
Evaluation criteria
- Fulfillment of the indicators knowledge transfer and network meetings
- SME quota
- Concept fulfillment and achievement of results
Description
Funding Action 2 of ESF+ Bavaria strengthens knowledge transfer and network building between universities and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Bavaria. Projects are funded in which at least one university cooperates with ten independent companies, achieving a minimum SME quota of 75% within the network. A co-financing share of 10% of the eligible expenses must be provided. The project duration is up to 36 months, and the funding amount can cover up to 50% of the eligible costs. Eligible costs include personnel costs, material costs, and a residual cost lump sum. Projects with total costs below €200,000 as well as tax, legal, and business consulting are not funded. Applicant universities submit the project description, financing plan, cooperation agreements, and proof of co-financing electronically at any time via ESF Bavaria 2021.
This measure makes the innovation potential of universities accessible to SMEs and their employees. In each project year, at least five knowledge transfer events with five participants each from five companies, as well as two network meetings with ten participants each from ten companies, must be documented. The content is aligned with Bavaria’s innovation priorities: mobility, life sciences, energy, materials/substances, and digitalization. The approving authority is the Bavarian State Ministry for Science and the Arts (Department F.4). The aim of the action is the sustainable networking of research and industry, the qualification of employees, and the creation of synergies for a future-proof economic and innovation landscape in Bavaria.