Funding in Germany

In Germany, there are numerous state subsidies and grants from the federal and state governments that companies can take advantage of. We know the German (and European) funding landscape and all the important funding programmes so that we can find exactly the right one for your project.

Using funding programmes in Germany

Innovation and investment funding for companies

Various types of funding are available to German companies in this country. These funds provide incentives for business investments, technological developments or product innovations – and ultimately promote competitiveness. We successfully apply for funding programmes such as the Zentrale Innovationsprogramm Mittelstand (ZIM) for SMEs or the research tax allowance on a daily basis. We will be happy to examine your individual funding options – also with regard to EU funding – so that you can fully develop your innovative strength.

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Thilo Riehl
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Types of funding

The types of funding available in Germany include grants, low-interest loans, subsidised consulting services and federal funding programmes:

  • Non-repayable grants are of particular interest to companies and are used for investments or development projects for new products and processes. A prerequisite for non-repayability is the proper utilisation of the funding.
  • The research allowance "Forschungszulage" is a tax subsidy in the area of R&D for personnel expenses and contract research and can also be applied for retrospectively.
  • Companies also benefit from low-interest loans offered by state institutions or development banks such as KfW (Kreditanstalt für Wiederaufbau).
  • Consulting and coaching services are also funded by the state: The innovation voucher "go-inno" covers half of the costs for external consulting; the programme "Förderung von Unternehmensberatungen für KMU" (Promotion of business consulting for SMEs) even covers all costs. Such services can be used for topics such as business start-ups, company development, succession planning or international market development.
  • Funding programmes of the federal states also offer support at a local level and focus on creating jobs, strengthening the economy or promoting regionally required innovations.

We will be happy to advise you on which funding programme is best for your project and also support you with the application and processing. We attach great importance to an individual, customised funding roadmap so that you can make the best possible use of the available grants.

The German funding landscape at a glance

Germany has an established culture of funding through various federal ministries such as the BMBF, BMWK, BMU and BMEL. Their funding programmes contribute to important goals such as the energy transition or increasing economic strength. These are supplemented by funding programmes of the individual states. You can read more about the funding landscape in Germany – clearly and simply explained in our blog article.

Do you lack an overview? Are you looking for a suitable funding programme? Then we would be happy to act as a compass for you and navigate you successfully through the German funding landscape.

Federal funding programmes in Germany

In Germany, you will find a large number of nationwide funding programmes. However, applicants often lack an overview. This is where EurA AG can help – as a renowned management consultancy with more than 20 years of experience. We know the complex world of subsidies – you can find a selection of national programmes here. We will be happy to advise you individually at any time.

Zentrales Innovations­pro­gramm Mittel­stand

The ZIM programme is all about promoting innovative ideas. The BMWK programme supports SMEs and even companies with up to 1,000 employees with this open-technology funding programme. It offers financial support from the development of ideas to the market launch of new products, technologies or processes.

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Research tax allowance (For­schungs­zulage)

The great advantage of this funding instrument for companies of all sizes: you can simply start your R&D project; you can apply for funding afterwards. The programme is completely technology-neutral. The programme supports your own personnel costs as well as external development services. These expenses are subsidised by up to 35%. In total, you can receive up to €3.5 million in funding per year from this programme.

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Decarbonisation in the industry

The BMWK promotes innovative projects – both in innovation and investment – that reduce CO2 emissions in industry. This funding is intended to support companies in utilising environmentally friendly technologies and processes. The aim is to convert industrial companies to more sustainable production methods.

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KMU-innovativ
for SMEs

With KMU-innovativ, small and medium-sized enterprises receive funding for new technologies. In addition to personnel costs and external services, material costs and even investments are also subsidised. The programme focuses on collaborative projects and individual projects on twelve specific topics, among others. The application procedure is two-stage. Deadlines for the evaluation of outlines are 15 April and 15 October.

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Energy research programme

With its 8th Energy Research Programme, the BMWE has developed a comprehensive strategy to drive forward the energy transition in Germany and achieve the goal of climate neutrality by 2045. This programme specifically promotes research and development projects that offer innovative solutions for a sustainable energy system.

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GRW for structurally weak areas

The GRW programme is escpecially for structurally weak areas and provides support for investments, e.g. in municipal infrastructure. This improves the employment situation, strengthens the local economy and facilitates structural change. GRW stands for "Gemeinschaftsaufgabe Verbesserung der regionalen Wirtschaftsstruktur" which means jointly improving regional economic structures.

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Deutsche Bundes­stiftung Umwelt (DBU)

The German Federal Environmental Foundation (Deutschen Bundesstiftung Umwelt, DBU) supports projects for environmental relief and sustainability. These include research and demonstration projects as well as practical measures. The programme is aimed in particular at small and medium-sized enterprises. The application process has two stages and can be submitted at any time.

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Federal funding for efficient buildings

The BAFA's BEG (Bundesförderung für effiziente Gebäude) supports measures for the energy-efficient refurbishment and modernisation of buildings. The funding programme includes financial incentives for companies and local authorities in the area of sustainable construction and housing. It is intended to help increase energy efficiency.

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State funding programmes in Germany

State funding programmes complement your nationwide funding opportunities and play a decisive role in the financing of innovation projects at regional level. We help you to make the best possible use of the full potential of regional funding programmes for your company. We have compiled a selection for you here:

ProFIT Berlin

The ProFIT programme of Investitionsbank Berlin (IBB) promotes research, innovation and technology in all phases of the innovation process. It is aimed at small and medium-sized enterprises, start-ups and research institutions in the capital or in Brandenburg. The open-technology funding programme aims to strengthen Berlin's competitiveness as a business location.

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InvestBW for Baden-Württemberg

The InvestBW funding programme supports companies with research, development and innovation projects in Baden-Württemberg. It is aimed at companies of all sizes and sectors. Both individual company projects and joint projects with other companies or universities and research institutions are eligible for funding.

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FTI-Thüringen TECHNOLOGIE

The "FTI-Thüringen TECHNOLOGIE" funding guideline provides grants for R&D projects and innovation vouchers in Thuringia. Up to 40 % of personnel costs are covered. In this way, the Free State is pursuing its innovation strategy for intelligent specialisation and economic change in Thuringia.
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BayTP+ for Bavaria

BayTP+ is a technology funding programme for Bavaria that supports the development of new products, production processes and knowledge-based services. It is aimed at the innovative strength of medium-sized Bavarian companies. BayTP+ is open to all sectors and supports projects in all phases - from development to application.

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PROFI for Hamburg

The Hamburg Investment and Development Bank (IFB Hamburg) supports companies, universities and research institutions in the Hanseatic city with its programme for innovation called "PROFI" for short. The funding programme offers attractive grants to drive forward new technologies, product developments and process optimisations.
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Innovation funding in Lower Saxony

In Lower Saxony there is the low-threshold innovation funding programme for SMEs and skilled trades of the NBank. It is aimed specifically at small and medium-sized enterprises and craft businesses. It offers a non-repayable grant of 35 to 45% for new or improved products and services.
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Corporate innovation funding (BIF)

The funding programme BIF (Förderung von betrieblichen Innovationen) supports SMEs in Schleswig-Holstein with financial grants to develop innovative ideas, improve processes and introduce new technologies. It funds projects for research, development, training and the implementation of innovative concepts.

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EFRE/JTF technology funding Saxony

The "ERDF/JTF Technology Funding 2021 to 2027" programme is of interest to SMEs in Saxony. It offers grants for the acquisition of technological knowledge (e.g. in the form of patents) and consultancy services. The programme covers 50% of the eligible costs of the R&D project.

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Would you like to find out more about funding in Germany?
Then get in touch with us!

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