- Dr Denise Ott
- 06.02.25
- 2 min
- Sustainability consulting
Your contact person
André Felber
The Central Innovation Programme for SMEs (ZIM) will continue with a new and improved guideline from 1 January 2025. The Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Protection (BMWK) published the changes on 11 December 2024. The aim of the reform is to continue to strengthen the innovative power of small and medium-sized businesses in a targeted manner and to make the path from idea to marketable products even more successful. To this end, the project budgets for all project types have been increased and there is greater freedom when it comes to involving external contractors. We have put together an overview of the changes for you.
The Central Innovation Programme for SMEs (Zentrales Innovationsprogramm Mittelstand, ZIM) is one of the most important funding programmes of the German federal government to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Germany. It is no longer possible to imagine innovative SMEs without it.
ZIM provides funding for:
The new ZIM guideline brings comprehensive improvements that will particularly benefit young, small companies and new applicants. Here is an overview of the main changes:
From January 2025, there will be a reorganisation of project funding. AiF Projekt GmbH will take over the management of cooperation projects, while VDI/VDE Innovation + Technik GmbH will be responsible for individual projects, feasibility studies and innovation networks. This should ensure more efficient processing of applications.
Important: Applications submitted under the old guidelines by 31 December 2024 will be processed by the new project management agencies from 2025.
The adjustments to the ZIM guideline were made to provide even better support for small and medium-sized companies in Germany. Young companies will find it easier to access funding through the ZIM feasibility study, thanks to funding based on the de minimis principle and improved conditions. Funding for freelance services also better meets the requirements of modern companies. The increased funding will provide better financial security for ambitious projects. At the same time, the greater support for market launch increases the chances of innovative ideas successfully finding their way to market.
If you are planning a research or development project, we are your reliable partner. From the idea to its realisation, we offer you comprehensive support.
Take advantage of the opportunities offered by the new ZIM guidelines and start your next innovation project with us at your side. Make an appointment now and learn more about the new funding opportunities.
Text: Birgit Miriam Hering
Your contact person
André Felber
EurA AG
T- 079619256-0Max-Eyth-Straße 2
73479 Ellwangen
info@eura-ag.com