SME-Innovative: Future of Value Creation
Funding of innovative research and development projects for small and medium-sized enterprises to strengthen German value chains. Deadline: 15.04.2026.
Discover your potential with AI support
- Find out if this grant matches your project
- Develop your application together with AI
- Get matched with many more suitable grants
Grant criteria
Funding objective
Support for small and medium-sized enterprises in the development and implementation of innovative solutions in industrial value chains and in strengthening technological sovereignty.
Eligible expenses
- Personnel expenses
- Material costs
- External services
- Travel expenses
- Equipment and investment costs
Non-eligible expenses
- Retroactive costs
- Debt settlement
- Institutional and administrative costs
Eligible to apply
- Companies
- Founders
Funding requirements
- SMEs as defined by the EU
- Registered office or branch in Germany
- Submission of an innovative research and development concept
- Proof of required own contributions or co-financing
Documents required for application
- Project description
- Financing and investment plan
- Curricula vitae of the project managers
- Company balance sheet or profit and loss statement
Evaluation criteria
- Innovative content of the project
- Contribution to strengthening value chains
- Technical feasibility
- Economic viability and market relevance
Description
The funding program SME-Innovative: Future of Value Creation is aimed at small and medium-sized enterprises as well as start-ups in Germany that wish to implement research- and development-intensive innovation projects within industrial value chains. The goal is to strengthen technological sovereignty through the development and implementation of novel solutions in production and manufacturing industries. Grants are provided for personnel expenses, material costs, external services, travel expenses, as well as equipment and investment costs. Thus, the program contributes to increasing the level of innovation, securing national value chains, and ensuring the sustainable competitiveness of SMEs in the global market environment.
Eligible to participate are EU SMEs with headquarters or branches in Germany that submit an innovative research and development concept and can demonstrate the required own contribution or co-financing. The evaluation focuses primarily on the degree of innovation of the project, its contribution to strengthening value chains, technical feasibility, as well as economic viability and market relevance. For the application, a detailed project description, a financing and investment plan, as well as proof of the qualifications of the project leaders and the current company financial statements must be submitted. The next deadline for the submission of complete applications is April 15, 2026. Interested project applicants receive support in preparation and submission through the Project Management Agency Karlsruhe (PTKA).
Ready to secure your funding?
Register now and let our AI guide you through the application process – from eligibility check to finished application.