Funding for the Management of Innovation Networks (Phase 1) from the Central Innovation Programme for SMEs (ZIM)
Grants for the preparatory phase of national and international innovation networks: development of concepts and roadmaps. Applications possible continuously until 30.06.2027.
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Grant criteria
Funding objective
Support for management institutions to develop substantive and contractual foundations for innovation networks in the preparatory phase (Phase 1) within ZIM.
Eligible expenses
- Development and further advancement of the network concept
- Establishment of the network in the public sphere
- Creation of technological roadmaps
- Creation of contractual foundations for Phase 2
Eligible to apply
- Companies
- Educational Institutions
Funding requirements
- National network: at least 6 independent companies
- International network: at least 4 domestic and 2 foreign companies
- Neutrality of the management entity: no own economic interests
- Proof of technological competence and experience in project management and marketing
Documents required for application
- Application form
- Mandates granted by at least 6 companies
- Content concept
- Distinction from previous innovation networks
- Reference presentation of the applicant
- Current commercial register/association register excerpt or business registration
- Work and milestone planning
- Calculation of personnel and material costs including own contributions
- Bilateral agreements with network partners
- Declarations of received de minimis aid
- (for international networks) Mandates from at least 4 domestic companies
- (for international networks) Declarations of interest from international partners
Evaluation criteria
- Technological innovation content
- Market opportunities
Description
The Central Innovation Programme for SMEs (ZIM) supports SMEs and research institutions nationwide with a grant for the preparatory phase (Phase 1) of innovation networks. The aim is to promote neutral network management organizations in developing substantive and contractual foundations. Applications can be submitted continuously until June 30, 2027. A national network requires cooperation among at least six independent companies, while international projects require four domestic and two foreign companies. The management organization must demonstrate technological expertise, experience in project management, marketing, and coaching of innovation processes, and must not pursue its own economic interests. Funding covers, among other things, the development and further development of network concepts, public establishment, creation of technological roadmaps, and the establishment of contractual foundations for the second phase.
The funding amount is up to €210,000 for national and up to €260,000 for international networks, with a funding rate of 90% and 95%, respectively. The project duration is 12 months (national) or 18 months (international). Evaluation focuses particularly on the technological innovation content and market opportunities of the planned R&D projects. Applicants submit the application form, mandates from partner companies, content concept, cost calculation including own contributions, work and milestone planning, as well as bilateral agreements and evidence of received de minimis aid digitally. Eligible expenses include personnel costs, material costs, and third-party services. This offer is aimed at network managers who coordinate interdisciplinary innovation processes and wish to initiate sustainable R&D collaboration.
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