Innovation Voucher Bavaria (IGS / Innovationsgutschein)

Innovation Voucher Bavaria — Standard & Special

Backs research teams and institutions for Innovation Voucher Bavaria Standard & Special in artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and climate technology.

Eligibility · Germany · DE-BY

The Innovation Voucher Bavaria (Innovationsgutschein Bayern) is administered by Projektträger Bayern (PTB) at Bayern Innovativ on behalf of the Bavarian State Ministry of Economic Affairs, Regional Development and Energy (StMWi). The program subsidises external R&D services commissioned by small Bavarian companies and trade businesses, with the goal of developing or significantly improving a marketable product, process, or service in the field of technical or technological innovation. Applicants must have fewer than 50 FTE employees and annual turnover or balance sheet total of no more than €10 million, including affiliates, and must maintain a permanent establishment or branch in Bavaria.

Two variants are available. The Standard Innovation Voucher applies to eligible expenditure of €4,000 to €38,000 with a base funding rate of 40%, rising by 10 percentage points each for up to three qualifying conditions: location in a region with special need for action (RmbH), a university or comparable research institution as the primary R&D provider, or micro-enterprise status (fewer than 10 employees, under €2 million turnover), up to a maximum of 60%. The Special Innovation Voucher applies to eligible expenditure of €30,000 to €99,500 at a fixed 50% rate; it requires a university or research institution as the R&D provider and a positive independent expert assessment commissioned by PTB. Maximum grant amounts are €22,800 (Standard, at 60%) and €49,750 (Special). Grants are paid in arrears after the applicant has settled the R&D provider's invoice.

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis throughout the year. The R&D service provider may only be commissioned after receipt of the grant notification letter — no retroactive funding. An applicant may receive a maximum of three Innovation Vouchers within any 24-month period. The application requires a commercial register extract and a written offer from the R&D provider with itemised work packages. PTB reviews applications and issues approval; the Bavarian Chambers of Crafts and Industry & Commerce act as distribution partners.