SME-innovative: Energy Efficiency, Climate Protection, and Climate Adaptation
KMU-innovativ supports small and medium-sized enterprises in high-risk research and development projects in the areas of energy efficiency, climate protection, and climate adaptation through a grant.
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Grant criteria
Funding objective
The funding aims to support German SMEs in challenging research and development projects. The goal is to advance innovative technologies to increase energy efficiency, improve climate protection, and adapt to climate change. Through simplified application procedures and a two-stage award process, the innovative capacity of SMEs is to be further strengthened.
Eligible expenses
- Eligible research costs
- Personnel costs
- Material costs
Non-eligible expenses
- Acquisition of real estate
- Retroactive costs
- Debt settlement
Eligible to apply
- Companies
- Educational Institutions
Funding requirements
- Permanent establishment, branch, or other facility in Germany at the time of disbursement
- The project must entail a high scientific-technical and economic risk
- SMEs must meet the EU criteria for small and medium-sized enterprises (for bonus)
- A written cooperation agreement is required for collaborative projects
- The project results may only be used in Germany, the European Economic Area, or Switzerland
Documents required for application
- Project outline
- Funding application
- Proof of required equity capital
- Cooperation agreement (for joint projects)
Evaluation criteria
- Degree of innovation of the project
- Scientific and technical excellence
- Economic risk
- Market potential and future market positioning
Description
SME-innovative: Energy Efficiency, Climate Protection, and Climate Adaptation is a nationwide funding initiative specifically designed to support small and medium-sized enterprises as well as educational institutions in carrying out high-risk research and development projects. The focus is on forward-looking projects in the fields of energy efficiency, climate protection, and climate adaptation that make essential contributions to the sustainable shaping of the economy and the environment. Funding is provided as a grant, covering up to 50% of eligible personnel costs, material costs, and research expenses. Particular emphasis is placed on the scientific and technical excellence and the economic potential of the planned projects, thereby strengthening the innovative capacity of the German Mittelstand.
The funding measure centers on demanding requirements: applicants must have a business location, branch, or other establishment in Germany, and the respective project must involve significant scientific-technical as well as economic risk. In the case of collaborative projects, a written cooperation agreement between the participating partners is required. Furthermore, the project results achieved may only be utilized in Germany, the European Economic Area, or Switzerland. The selection process is based on strict evaluation criteria such as the degree of innovation, market orientation, and future market positioning potential. Thanks to a two-stage award process and simplified application procedures, the initiative particularly supports those applying for funding for the first time.
The duration of the funded projects is set at 24 months, providing sufficient time to transform innovative ideas into marketable solutions. Evaluation deadlines are April 15 and October 15 each year, with late submissions of project outlines possibly being considered only at the next deadline. To facilitate access to research funding, the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) offers a central guidance service for companies. This service assists in identifying active funding opportunities, explains funding modalities, and facilitates the necessary technical exchange. Thus, the initiative significantly contributes to easing access to cutting-edge technologies and promising research projects in Germany and sustainably improving the competitiveness of the Mittelstand.