Central Technology Program Saar

The Central Technology Program Saar is aimed at innovative companies and non-profit organizations based or operating in Saarland that wish to advance research and development (R&D). Funding is provided for individual or collaborative projects carried out in cooperation with universities and research institutions. The grant amount depends on the company size and project scope, ranging from 25% to 80% of eligible expenses, with a maximum funding rate of up to €500,000. Particularly supported are individual company R&D activities, newly created R&D positions, as well as external technical services. The content must relate to the focus areas of the Saarland innovation strategy – such as mechatronics, automation, production technology, information and communication technology, life sciences, materials, or energy.

The two-stage application process begins with the submission of a project proposal for preliminary review by the Ministry of Economic Affairs, Innovation, Digitalization and Energy. Upon positive evaluation, the application and supplementary documents follow. Ongoing submission allows for short-term applications without fixed deadlines. A formal cooperation agreement between the participating SMEs and research institutions is a prerequisite for collaborative funding. Eligible applicants are companies according to the EU SME definition as well as, beyond the General Block Exemption Regulation (GBER), collaborative partners from universities and research. This program makes a significant contribution to strengthening Saarland as an innovation location and promotes future-oriented technologies as well as sustainable value creation through targeted ERDF support.