innovate! academy (Joachim Herz Foundation)
The "innovate! academy" supports interdisciplinary, high-risk research projects in engineering, natural, and materials sciences (TRL 3–6) with up to €100,000 in project funding, personnel positions, and a comprehensive support program.
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Grant criteria
Funding objective
Funding of interdisciplinary, high-risk research projects between completed basic research and market readiness in engineering, natural, and materials sciences with a focus on transfer to practice and preparation for start-up formation.
Eligible expenses
- Personnel costs (TVL-14 position or equivalent)
- Project funds (material costs up to €100,000)
- Travel expenses
- Seminar program
- Data acquisition and processing
Eligible to apply
- Educational Institutions
- Public Institutions
- Non-profit Organizations
Funding requirements
- PhD completed no longer than ten years prior to the application deadline
- Employment or job offer at a public-law or tax-privileged research institution in Germany
- Interdisciplinary research project at the interface of engineering, natural, and materials sciences
- Focus on transfer orientation and preparation for founding
Documents required for application
- Curriculum vitae (max. 4 DIN A4 pages)
- Milestone schedule (max. 2 DIN A4 pages)
- Cost plan/funding budget (template in the portal)
- Proof of achievements (doctoral certificate or transcript of records)
- Letter of recommendation
- Confirmation of position by the research institution
- Optional: Graphics, research results
Evaluation criteria
- Scientific excellence and quality of the project
- Potential of the transfer project (market/competition analysis, TRL assessment)
- Feasibility, resource planning, and IP situation
- Motivation of the applicant
- Networks and collaborations with partners
- Relevance and societal benefit/impact
Description
The innovate! academy of the Joachim Herz Foundation supports interdisciplinary and high-risk research projects at the interface of engineering, natural, and materials sciences (technology readiness levels 3–6). The focus is on the use of water as an active design element for novel materials and technologies, for example in areas such as artificial photosynthesis, electrochemical energy storage, membrane and filtration technologies, as well as bioinspired coatings. This funding opportunity supports scientific projects that advance the transfer from basic research to practical application and enable preparation for start-ups. Participants benefit from an intensive accompanying program that imparts skills in translation, spin-offs, and science communication, and promotes exchange with other researchers as well as stakeholders from industry and society.
Funding is provided for postdoctoral researchers, junior research group leaders, and junior professors whose doctorate was completed no more than ten years ago and who are employed at a public-law or tax-privileged research institution in Germany. The grant includes a personnel position according to TVL-14 (or equivalent), up to €100,000 in material resources, as well as travel expenses, data acquisition, and a seminar program (10–15 working days). The maximum funding amount is €250,000 over 24 months. Selection is conducted in two stages by an expert panel, based on scientific excellence, transfer potential, resource planning, and societal impact. The application deadline is from January 12 to March 31, 2026, with project start possible from October 2026. Applications must include a CV, milestone plan, budget plan, proof of achievements, letters of recommendation, and confirmation from the research institution.
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