Funding of joint German-Chilean research and development projects (R&D projects)

The funding instrument of the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWi) supports cooperative research and development projects between German SMEs and Chilean partners. The goal is the joint realization of innovative products, processes, or technical services with high market potential. Projects from all technology and application areas that can be completed within 24 months are eligible for funding. Eligible applicants are small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with a business location in Germany as well as Chilean companies that have existed for at least 24 months and can demonstrate turnover for the last two years. Project proposals can be submitted until March 31, 2026; the documents are continuously reviewed and decisions communicated within four months.

For a successful application, a jointly completed “Proposal Application Form” in English, national funding applications (a ZIM application for German partners, the Crea y Valida form for Chilean partners), and a draft cooperation agreement (Consortium Agreement) are required. The consortium agreement regulates the distribution of tasks, work packages, personnel months, and protection and usage rights and must comply with the national funding conditions of both countries. While German partners submit their application via the digital “Förderzentrale Deutschland,” Chilean partners submit the form through Corfo. A balanced project structure requires that no partner assumes more than 70% (for two partners) or 50% (for more than two partners) of the personnel months, and research institutions may not be involved with more than 50% overall. Early coordination with AiF Projekt GmbH as the German project sponsor and Innova Chile/Corfo is recommended to optimally support the funding process.