Central Innovation Program for SMEs (ZIM)

The Central Innovation Programme for SMEs (ZIM) supports small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) nationwide as well as their research partners in innovation-driven R&D projects. As a grant program, it funds both individual projects and cooperative projects with research institutions to develop new products, processes, or services and to enhance competitiveness. Funding covers personnel, material, and service expenses and can be applied for at any time. Requirements include SME status according to the EU definition, a registered office in Germany, and a clearly defined research and development component within the project. Applications are evaluated based on the degree of innovation, market prospects, and level of cooperation.

Interested companies and start-ups submit a completed application form, a precise project description, a detailed financing plan, and the CV of the project management for the application process. Eligible costs include personnel and material costs, equipment and material procurement, as well as external research services. Investments in infrastructure and ongoing administrative costs are not eligible. Support by AiF Projekt GmbH as a proven project sponsor ensures expert guidance from application submission through fund utilization and reporting. In this way, innovative ideas are systematically transformed into marketable solutions, sustainably strengthening the innovative capacity of the German SME sector.