Funding of Innovation Assistants in Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises

Funding Objective and Program Procedure: In Rhineland-Palatinate, the Ministry of Economic Affairs, Transport, Agriculture and Viticulture offers small and medium-sized technology-oriented enterprises (SMEs) a non-repayable grant for the new hiring of university graduates from scientific-technical degree programs as innovation assistants. The goal is to strengthen technology and knowledge transfer within the framework of specific research and development projects. Personnel costs for a full-time position are funded with fixed monthly amounts of up to EUR 2,100 (small enterprises) or EUR 1,750 (medium enterprises) for a maximum of 24 months. The funding volume is granted as de minimis aid; applications can be submitted at any time, provided they are submitted before the employment contract is concluded. A minimum gross salary basis of EUR 3,500 (social security gross) and an employment contract for 24 months are mandatory prerequisites.

Funding Requirements and Procedure: Eligible to apply are SMEs according to the EU definition with headquarters or a place of business in Rhineland-Palatinate, which do not yet have the relevant professional qualification for the advertised assistant position within their own company (excluding management). The degree must not be older than three years. Double or replacement funding of departing employees is excluded; parallel public funds for personnel costs must not be used. The project plan must clearly relate to industrial research or experimental development. Required documents include the application form, financial plan, SME declaration, de minimis declaration, administrative regulation, and ANBest-P, as well as later proof of use/fund drawdown. The Investment and Structural Bank Rhineland-Palatinate (ISB) handles application submission, approval, and accounting. Further information is available on the ISB website.