Market launch: using ZIM services and funding opportunities

The Central Innovation Programme for SMEs (ZIM) offers extensive funding for the market launch of innovative products, processes and services. This support is particularly valuable for companies that have successfully completed their research and development (R&D) and are now planning their market launch.

Before a company launches an innovation on the market, it is crucial to thoroughly assess the prospects of success and market opportunities. That´s why the Central Innovation Programme for SMEs (ZIM) supports small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with targeted funding measures for market launch. The funding can be used to co-finance innovation consulting, innovation support services as well as trade fair appearances and advice on product design and marketing. These measures help companies to optimise their market entry strategies and carry out the necessary market analyses and preparations for their market entry.

Market launch services: Who is eligible to apply?

Companies with an approved ZIM project are eligible to apply. The market launch services must relate to this research project. Up to three applications for market launch services can be submitted per funded R&D project. These can be submitted from the time of approval, but no later than 12 months after the end of the project. Implementation of the requested service is possible up to 30 months after the end of the project.

Eligible services include:

a) Innovation consulting
Advice and training to acquire, protect and use knowledge and intellectual property and to apply relevant standards and regulations

b) Services to promote innovation
Market research, conducting tests and product certifications to develop new and improved products, access to information sources such as databases, use/rental of office space and research laboratories

c) Trade fair appearances and marketing advice
Specific support for the funded research project, including trade fair appearances and advice on product design and marketing strategy. These services are covered by the de minimis regulations.

Funding rate, funding amount and requirements

R&D projects funded by ZIM often develop new product ideas to a prototype stage of maturity. However, it is only possible to speak of an innovation once the product has been successfully launched on the market. For this reason, the ZIM programme also supports measures for the market launch of completed projects. The funding amounts to an attractive 50% of the eligible costs, with a maximum total cost of 60,000 euros.

Important: The measures must be directly related to the R&D project approved and funded by ZIM. Company-specific services without a concrete connection to the ZIM project cannot be funded (e.g. ISO 9001 certification of the company, TISAX certification or general trade fair appearances).

Conclusion

ZIM not only supports companies with feasibility studies and the development of innovations, but also plays a key role in their market launch. Financial grants for a wide range of support services ensure that new products and processes can be successfully launched on the market. ZIM thus makes a significant contribution to strengthening the innovation potential and competitiveness of SMEs.

Nevertheless, this ZIM funding programme is still little used: Only 16.2% of all companies with approved R&D projects submit applications for market launch services. This is despite the fact that the approval rate for services is 86%. (Source: ZIM evaluation 2024).We therefore advise you to make full use of your funding potential and apply for this supplementary funding for your ZIM project. We will be happy to support you in the pre-selection of the planned services for the market launch.

Text: Noah Schmid