Innovation Fund SH

The Innovation Fund SH provides equity capital to small and medium-sized enterprises, as well as start-ups and craft businesses in Schleswig-Holstein, to strengthen their equity base during the seed, start-up, and growth phases. In the form of silent or open participations ranging from €50,000 up to €1 million, the fund supports innovative projects – from product and process developments to prototype construction, market entry, and business succession. The aim is to finance technology- and knowledge-based projects that promote both technical and non-technical innovations, such as novel organizational and marketing concepts. Through the participation, creditworthiness is to be improved and access to further external capital facilitated, provided a qualified rating and compliance with the IB.SH sustainability guideline are met. Applications can be submitted on an ongoing basis.

Funding is provided for spin-offs from universities and research institutions as well as young and established SMEs that have their business headquarters or a branch in Schleswig-Holstein. The public funding share amounts to 85%, with the remaining 15% as own contribution. Eligible expenses include, among others, R&D costs, patent and expert fees, personnel costs, operational and business equipment, rental and market launch costs, real estate and construction investments, as well as intangible assets. Renovations and refinancing of existing bank liabilities are excluded. Selection is based on the degree of innovation, sustainability criteria, and creditworthiness assessment. By providing mezzanine and equity capital, sustainable growth financing is enabled, promoting the regional innovation and competitive boost in Schleswig-Holstein.