Industrial Collective Research (IGF)

The Industrial Collective Research (IGF) supports application-oriented and market-near research and development projects of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in cooperation with scientific or non-university research institutions. The aim of the initiative by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWi) is to strengthen the innovative capacity and competitiveness of the German Mittelstand. Applications can be submitted throughout the year, with a project duration of up to 36 months and a funding rate of up to 50% of eligible expenses. Personnel costs, material costs, as well as expenses for equipment and materials are funded, provided that the project demonstrates a pronounced innovative content, clear market relevance, and high-quality collaboration between the company and the research institution.

Eligible to participate are SMEs based in Germany that work together with at least one research institution on industry-related projects. For the application, a detailed project description, a financing plan, and a cooperation agreement are required. The DLR Project Management Agency assumes the technical support and evaluation of submitted applications on behalf of the BMWi. Through this funding, the German Mittelstand receives sustainable impulses for forward-looking technologies and production processes. Interested companies and research institutions thus gain access to valuable funding resources to accelerate their development processes and open up new market perspectives.