Central Innovation Program for SMEs (ZIM)
Nationwide eligible grants for R&D projects by small and medium-sized enterprises as well as research institutions: up to €550,000, funding rates 25%–60%. Applications accepted on an ongoing basis.
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Grant criteria
Funding objective
Support for research and development activities aimed at the market introduction of innovative products, processes, or technical services through grants for small and medium-sized enterprises, including crafts and liberal professions, as well as research institutions.
Eligible to apply
- Companies
- Educational Institutions
Funding requirements
- Companies as defined by the EU with an establishment in Germany
- Projects with high technical risk and international level of innovation
- Project implementation in the Federal Republic of Germany
Description
The Central Innovation Program for SMEs (ZIM) supports R&D projects nationwide by small and medium-sized enterprises as well as research institutions with tailored grants. In individual R&D single projects and cooperations, the program offers flexible support for technical development work and innovative product ideas. Funding rates between 25% and 60% of eligible costs can be claimed, with a maximum grant of up to €550,000 per project. Applications can be submitted continuously without fixed deadlines, enabling particularly exciting development phases to be quickly secured with financial resources. Whether feasibility studies, market launch services, or network projects – the thematic openness allows for a broad distribution of ideas from various industries and technology sectors.
Small and medium-sized enterprises including crafts and liberal professions, as well as universities and non-university research institutions, are eligible for funding, provided the project involves a high technical risk and international innovation level and is fully implemented in Germany. ZIM supports both in-house and cooperative projects that create sustainable competitive advantages and new market opportunities. Interested organizations receive comprehensive advice from the responsible project management agency regarding application formalities, funding requirements, and funding rates. The entry into a ZIM project is designed to be straightforward to quickly advance innovative ideas and efficiently pave the way to market maturity.