The German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Protection (BMWK) has launched a new funding programme for future-proof mobility to support the German automotive and mobility industry in meeting current and future challenges. It is called ‘DNA of future-proof mobility. Digital – Sustainable – System-compatible’ ('DNS der zukunftsfähigen Mobilität. Digital – Nachhaltig – Systemfähig'). This programme follows on from the 'New Vehicle and System Technologies' (‘Neue Fahrzeug- und Systemtechnologien’) funding programme. It aims to strengthen the industry's innovative capacity, competitiveness and resilience by funding research and development projects (R&D) that address the central guiding themes of digitalisation, sustainability and system capability. The programme's focus is on the development of scalable, industry- and sector-wide solutions with high transfer potential.
Key topics of the funding programme
The programme focuses on three main areas that will have a significant influence on the future development of mobility:
Digitalisation: technologies such as AI, machine learning, digital twins, simulation-based methods, software-defined vehicles, and connected and cooperative driving.
Sustainability: Development of sustainable vehicles and components, closing material and product cycles, promoting energy-efficient drive concepts and implementing resource-saving production processes.
System capability: Development of innovative systemic mobility solutions, optimisation of software architectures and vehicle functions, and improvement of interoperability between different transport systems.
Eligibility to apply and funding requirements
Applications for funding may be submitted by commercial companies, in particular small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), as well as universities and research institutions. The projects should have a high level of innovation, contribute to solving specific problems, further develop the state of the art and be associated with a high level of technical and economic risk.
The projects to be funded must be collaborative projects involving at least two partners.
Scope and level of funding
Companies can receive funding of up to 50% of the project costs, with a maximum funding amount of €35 million per project. SMEs benefit from increased funding rates.
Application process and deadlines
The application process is divided into two stages. Initially, interested parties submit a project outline. These outlines are evaluated on the deadlines of 31 March and 30 September. If the outline is evaluated positively, the applicant is invited to submit a formal application for funding. There is also the possibility that the programme will set specific priorities through separate calls for funding, to which specific deadlines will apply. TÜV Rheinland Consulting GmbH acts as the project management agency.
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As a project and network manager, I support my clients every day with the design, application, coordination and implementation of national and international funding projects. Even during my studies in mechanical engineering at the KIT, I was particularly interested in the development process from initial idea to the first prototype. By participating in several co-operative innovation projects with well-known companies during my studies and working at EurA for many years, I was able to acquire in-depth knowledge in the field of innovation and project management. As main contact person for ZIM, I am always close to the current challenges of our customers. Outside of EurA, I volunteer on the board of our local sports club and ski club. I am happy to answer your questions and support you in turning your innovative project idea into a commercially viable product.
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