Funding Guideline Accelerators ERDF 2021–2027 – FRL Accelerators
Funding for the establishment and operation of economically viable accelerators in Saxony with ERDF grants of up to 50% for accelerators and up to 90% for start-ups; applications for Module 2 and 3 are continuously possible, next call for Module 1 from 13.06.2025.
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Grant criteria
Funding objective
The Free State of Saxony supports economically viable accelerators in the support of early-stage start-ups through the development and expansion of structured support services (coaching, mentoring, networking) for faster development and market readiness, co-financed by ERDF funds.
Eligible expenses
- Personnel expenses
- Material costs
- Investment expenses
- Intangible expenses
- External services
Eligible to apply
- Companies
- Founders
Funding requirements
- Location and activity in the Free State of Saxony
- Module 1: Participation in a competitive process with a binding concept for establishment and operation
- Thematic focus outside established accelerators
- Location with sufficient acquisition potential for start-ups
- Module 2: Operational for at least 12 months and support of at least 5 start-ups
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Documents required for application
- Concept for the establishment and operation of an accelerator
- Financing plan
- Notification of an authorized signatory (Form No. 61547-1)
- Declaration of the beneficial owner (Form No. 65222-3)
- SME assessment (Form No. 60314) and Annex 1
- Letter of recommendation from the coach/mentor (Module 3)
Evaluation criteria
- Quality and innovation content of the concept
- Relevance to the regional research and economic environment
- Sustainability aspects
- Economic viability
- Growth potential for start-ups
Description
With the funding guideline Accelerators ERDF 2021–2027, the Free State of Saxony supports the establishment and operation of economically viable programs for the early promotion of innovative start-ups. The EU co-financed program promotes three modules: establishment of new accelerators (Module 1), expansion of existing support facilities (Module 2), and start-up financing for technology- and knowledge-based start-ups (Module 3). Operators receive a grant of up to 50% of eligible expenses for Modules 1 and 2, while start-ups in Module 3 are funded with up to 90%. Through structured coaching, mentoring, and networking offers, founders are supported towards faster development and market maturity. Applications for Modules 2 and 3 can be submitted at any time; the next call for Module 1 starts on June 13, 2025.
Eligible for funding are small and medium-sized enterprises as operators of accelerators as well as start-ups up to three years after founding with headquarters in the Free State of Saxony. The maximum funding amount is €900,000 for new, €600,000 for existing accelerators, and up to €30,000 per start-up. The funding period extends up to 36 months; eligible costs include personnel, material, and investment expenses, intangible services, as well as external services. For Module 2, facilities must have been operational for at least 12 months and have already supported five start-ups, while start-ups in Module 3 must operate functionally and legally independently from the accelerator. Applicants submit a meaningful concept, financing plan, SME proof, and recommendations from mentors. Evaluation criteria include the level of innovation, regional research and economic environment relevance, sustainability approach, economic viability, and growth potential of the projects.