Funding of projects in the field "SMEs Innovative: Medical Technology"

The funding program SME Innovative: Medical Technology is aimed nationwide at small and medium-sized enterprises as well as educational institutions active in the fields of research & innovation, health, digitalization, and work & social affairs. Under the leadership of the Federal Ministry of Education and Research, an annual funding volume of up to EUR 30 million is provided. The goal is to strengthen the medium-sized medical technology sector by supporting particularly innovative, high-risk research and development projects in cooperation with universities, research institutions, and clinics. The measure is intended to create reliable foundations for subsequent product developments and clinical trials as well as to open up new growth potentials. Funding is granted as a grant in a two-stage process via the electronic application portal easy-Online; submission deadlines are April 15 and October 15 of each year.

Eligible for funding are exclusively EU-defined SMEs with a business establishment in Germany, participating in collaborative projects with at least one SME acting as the coordinating partner. Large companies are excluded; universities, research institutions, and clinics may participate as partners in projects. A written cooperation agreement according to BMBF form no. 0110, proof of a planned market launch of the medical product, and in the case of individual projects, proof of corresponding competencies are required. Indirect aid to participating companies must be avoided, and clinical studies must be conducted, registered, and published in Germany. The technical evaluation is based on the degree of innovation, the demonstrated medical or care-related need, the potential for efficiency improvements in healthcare, as well as the economic feasibility in the first or second healthcare market. The application process is divided into two phases: initial project outline and subsequent formal funding application.