Participation of Young Innovative Companies in International Leading Trade Fairs in Germany (Young Innovators)

The Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK) offers young, innovative micro and small enterprises (SMEs) from across Germany the opportunity to participate in selected international leading trade fairs in Germany through its "Young Innovators" program. Funding is provided to legally independent companies with a maximum of 50 employees, an annual turnover of up to €10 million, and a founding date no longer than ten years ago. A prerequisite is proof of a new development or significant improvement of products, processes, or services. The funding is provided as co-financing with a 60% grant for the first two trade fair participations and 50% from the third participation onwards, up to a maximum of €7,500 per exhibitor and trade fair. Only stand rental and stand construction at the joint stand organized by the trade fair organizer under the umbrella brand label "Innovation made in Germany" are eligible for funding. Applications must be submitted no later than eight weeks before the start of the trade fair via the BAFA-easy online portal and include, among other things, a project description, calculation of stand costs, and a De-minimis declaration.

Young companies benefit from the joint federal presence, which is accompanied by targeted service and advisory offerings from AUMA and the trade fair organizers. The selected international leading trade fairs are characterized by a high level of internationality among exhibitors and professional visitors and create ideal conditions to establish new foreign contacts, market product innovations, and open up export markets. The funding rate of up to €7,500 per exhibitor facilitates resource-efficient participation for SMEs at the federal stands and strengthens the competitiveness of young German tech and innovation companies in global markets.