KMU-innovativ

KMU-innovativ — Stichtag

Funds German small and medium enterprises pursuing high-impact innovation in AI, climate, energy, and built environments.

KMU-innovativ is the Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space (BMFTR) initiative that simplifies access to R&D grants for German SMEs across eleven technology fields: biomedicine, bioeconomy, electronics and autonomous driving, ICT, interactive technologies, climate and energy, materials research, medical technology, photonics and quantum technologies, resources and circular economy, and future value creation. Each technology field operates under its own Bekanntmachung (call notice) with its own Projektträger (project manager) and Skizzentool (online concept-paper submission portal). The programme has operated since 2007 and by mid-2024 had supported thousands of projects representing over EUR 1 billion in grants, with approximately one quarter of all BMFTR SME funding flowing through KMU-innovativ.

The programme runs on twice-yearly binding Stichtage (cutoff dates) of 15 April and 15 October each year. This entry covers the 15 October 2026 cutoff. Applicants submit a Projektskizze (concept paper) online via the relevant technology field's Skizzentool by the Stichtag. Results are communicated within three months; selected applicants are then invited to file a full application (Antrag), with a further three-month target for funding decision. The lead applicant must be an EU-defined SME (fewer than 250 employees, turnover up to EUR 50 million or balance sheet up to EUR 43 million). Consortia may include multiple SMEs, research organisations, and larger companies, but the project coordinator must be an SME and the primary beneficiaries must be the SMEs involved. Newly founded companies may apply if they can demonstrate capacity to cover their own-funding share. A simplified credit check applies when the annual own-funding share across all BMFTR projects remains below EUR 100,000.

Funding is governed by EU state-aid rules under the General Block Exemption Regulation (AGVO), which determines the permissible ratio of grant to own funds and any SME bonus. There is no published programme-wide award cap—individual project volumes are determined by project scope and SME capacity. A free advisory hotline (0800 26 23 009, Lotsendienst) supports first-time applicants. Applicants should select one technology field, contact the relevant Projektträger early, align the concept paper to the specific Bekanntmachung for that field, and ensure the Projektskizze is submitted online before the 15 October 2026 cutoff.