Funding for the Development of Research Infrastructures at Universities of Applied Sciences (HAW-OpenSpace)
Funding of excellent research infrastructures at universities of applied sciences with up to EUR 2 million. Applications are possible until 03.08.2026.
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Grant criteria
Funding objective
The aim of the guideline is to strengthen application-oriented research at Universities of Applied Sciences through targeted investments in excellent research infrastructure within open innovation spaces (OpenSpace) related to the Hightech Agenda Germany.
Eligible expenses
- Equipment for the innovation space
- Project-related expenses (including community building)
- Interdisciplinary research and development work
- Transfer and scaling measures
Non-eligible expenses
- Pure construction measures
- Investments from basic funding
- Room rentals
Eligible to apply
- Educational Institutions
Funding requirements
- Public or state-recognized/predominantly state-refinanced University of Applied Sciences
- Involvement of at least one non-university application partner
- Establishment of the innovation space at only one location
- Proof of a research data management plan
- Use of research results only in Germany, Switzerland, or the EEA
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Documents required for application
- Formal funding application (electronically via easy-Online)
- Project description (max. 25 pages)
- Legally binding cover letter signed by the university management (max. 3 pages)
- Explanations of the financing plan
- Letter of intent from at least one application partner
- Optional: Letters of intent from additional application partners
- Optional: List of topic-specific publications (max. 5 entries per researcher)
Description
The funding guideline HAW-OpenSpace supports Universities of Applied Sciences (HAW) in Germany in establishing excellent, interdisciplinary research infrastructures within open innovation spaces. With a funding amount of up to EUR 2 million and a maximum duration of 36 months, the Federal Ministry for Research, Technology and Spaceflight (BMFTR) makes targeted investments in key technologies relevant to the high-tech agenda. The three-phase project framework begins with a setup phase lasting up to 12 months for equipping the innovation space and community building, followed by an approximately 18-month R&D phase for inter- and transdisciplinary research and development activities. In the final six-month scaling phase, transfer and demonstration measures take precedence to sustainably translate research results into practical applications.
Eligible to apply are public as well as state-recognized or predominantly state-funded HAW. Private universities may also submit applications under conditions (annual own contribution, non-commercial use). Mandatory inclusion of at least one non-university application partner as well as proof of a research data management plan are prerequisites. Funded are equipment investments, project-related community-building measures, interdisciplinary R&D activities, as well as transfer and scaling projects; however, pure construction measures, room rents, or basic funding investments are not eligible. The funding rate is up to 100% of eligible expenses, for private HAW up to 85% depending on the share (increasing to 50% own contribution by 2030). The informal application including project description, financing plan, cover letter from university management, and declarations of interest from application partners must be submitted electronically via the easy-Online system by 03.08.2026.
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