KMU-innovativ: Priority for Cutting-Edge Research in SMEs

BMBF has opened a number of its specialised programmes of research funding especially for projects of cutting-edge research in SMEs. The industrial research and pre-competitive development projects are funded to strengthen the innovation capability of SMEs in Germany. The aim is to make research funding as part of specialised programmes more attractive to SMEs. Therefore, BMBF has facilitated and accelerated the application and granting procedure, extended the advisory services for SMEs and has designed support measures in important technology areas that are not bound to a certain sector or research direction.

Initially, SMEs with top research will in future be given preferential access in seven technology areas which are of special importance for growth and prosperity in Germany. These technology fields are:

• biotechnology
• nanotechnology
• information and communications technologies
• production technology
• technology for resources and energy efficiency
• optical technologies
• civil security

The details of funding are specified in the corresponding call for proposals.

Procedure

Competent staff is available for any questions. The "Guidance Service for Companies" of the Federal Funding Advisory Service provides support for basic questions on funding. Detailed subject-related questions are answered by the staff of the corresponding project management organisation in charge of the specific technology area. The following six steps show the way from the idea to the implementation of a research project.

1. Contact to the Guidance Service for Companies at the Federal Funding Advisory Service

Via the advisory service hotline "Guidance Service for Companies" (+49 30 20199-599), you can clarify which opportunities you have of receiving funding for your research project as part of KMU-innovativ. Information on alternative funding opportunities will be provided should this not be the right point of contact for your project.

2. Project outline

As a first step, it is sufficient to submit a short description of your project idea in the form of a project outline. There is a special online tool for submitting outlines. An easy menu navigation guides you through the whole process of preparing a proposal. In this way, it is ensured that the project outline contains all relevant aspects for the evaluation and that the maximum length of 10 pages is not exceeded.

3. Evaluation of the project outline within two months

Project outlines can be submitted at any time. On several dates in the year, all project outlines are evaluated that have been submitted by this date. Project proposals that are submitted compete with each other.

The following criteria form the basis for the evaluation:

• significance of the research objective: social need and relevance of the product
• scientific and technological quality of the proposed solution
• level of innovation of the scientific and technological concept
• technological and economic potential
• qualification of the partners
• quality of the project management and, if necessary, of the collaboration structure
• quality and applicability of the utilisation plan, commercialisation prospects, market potential
• contribution of the project to the future positioning of the company on the market
• assessment of the social, economic and ecological opportunities and risks involved in the scientific and technical innovations.

All applicants will be informed about the result at the latest two months after the deadline for the assessment.

4. Application for funding

When a project outline is convincing, the applicant will be invited to submit an application for funding. Applications are submitted online via the electronic application system "easy". There you will also find guidelines, fact sheets and instructions on research funding.

5. A decision on the application for funding will be made within two months

Important criteria for a positive funding decision are excellence, degree of innovation and the contribution of the project to the solution of current questions relevant to society. The evaluation criteria are contained in detail in the respective funding guideline.

The project management organisation appointed by BMBF examines the applications. When the application is complete and fulfils the formal criteria, a decision on funding will be made within two months after the positive evaluation.

6. Realisation of the research project with SME-innovative 

After receiving the notification of approval, the implementation of the research project can be started. The funds will be provided successively according to the progress of the project. The total accounting will be prepared when the project is completed. Here, a final report is to be handed in and the further utilisation of the results is to be explained.

Current calls for proposals

Evaluation dates are 15th of April and 15th of October.