Funding of projects for the optimization of operational resource efficiency and the promotion of the circular economy
Grant for small and medium-sized enterprises as well as research institutions in Lower Saxony to increase operational resource efficiency and circular economy. Applications can be submitted annually by the deadlines of 15.12.2025 and 01.03.2026. Latest project end date 30.09.2029.
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Grant criteria
Funding objective
The program supports companies in investments in material- and resource-efficient machinery and equipment as well as in the redesign of products and production chains. In addition, university and non-university research institutions in cooperation with SMEs are funded in the conception and implementation of studies and idea competitions to improve resource efficiency and the circular economy in Lower Saxony.
Eligible expenses
- Investments in machinery and equipment
- Redesign of products and production chains
- Design and implementation of studies and idea competitions
Non-eligible expenses
- Projects with ERDF funding from other state programs or EU funds
- Cumulative funding with GRW excluded
- Funding under €20,000 at the time of approval
Eligible to apply
- Companies
- Educational Institutions
Funding requirements
- Meet the EU SME definition
- Operating site in Lower Saxony
- Expert opinion for investment projects
- Expressions of interest from Lower Saxony SMEs in studies
- Overall project financing secured
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Documents required for application
- Application form via customer portal
- Expert report
- Letters of intent from Lower Saxony SMEs
- Project description
- Financing plan
Evaluation criteria
- Technical feasibility
- Proof of CO2 savings
- Contribution to resource efficiency
Description
The program “Support for projects to optimize operational resource efficiency and promote the circular economy” is aimed at small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) as well as university and non-university research institutions in Lower Saxony that implement projects on material and resource efficiency in cooperation with SMEs. Funding is provided for investments in own machinery and equipment as well as redesigns of products and production chains. Furthermore, studies and idea competitions can be conceived and conducted to develop innovative concepts for closed material cycles. The funding rate ranges between 35% and 80% depending on the measure and the state aid framework, with a maximum of up to €1 million available for investment projects and up to €100,000 for studies or idea concepts. Key evaluation criteria include technical feasibility, proof of significant CO₂ savings, and a measurable contribution to resource efficiency.
Applications can be submitted via the NBank customer portal by December 15, 2025, and March 1, 2026; the latest possible project end date is September 30, 2029. Prerequisites for approval include, among others, compliance with the EU SME definition, having a business location in Lower Saxony, an expert opinion for investment projects, and declarations of interest from Lower Saxony SMEs for study projects. Overall financing must be secured, and a commitment period of five years applies. Interested companies and research institutions can find all necessary forms as well as further information on the application process on the website of the Investment and Development Bank of Lower Saxony.
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