Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space logo
Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space

The KMU-innovativ funding programme

Funds R&D projects at German SMEs and research institutions with rates up to 100%.

The KMU-innovativ funding programme is run by Germany's Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space (BMFTR) for R&D projects at SMEs and research institutions in named technology fields only — including bioeconomy, biomedicine, electronics and autonomous driving, medical technology, ICT, climate research, materials research, and photonics and quantum technologies — at funding rates of up to

KMU-innovativ backs projects in named technology fields only, including bioeconomy, biomedicine, electronics and autonomous driving, medical technology, ICT, climate research, materials research, and photonics and quantum technologies. It is not open to any topic outside these fields.

CycleiHow often this grant runs - e.g. annually, on a rolling basis, or a one-off call.No fixed schedule
Next deadlineiThe next date applications are due. Rolling means you can apply any time.15 Oct 2026
Decision timeiTypical time from the deadline to the funder's decision.-
Project durationiHow long the funded work is expected to run.24–36 months
Award typeiThe form of funding - grant, equity, loan, tax credit, etc.Grant
Match fundingiThe share of project costs you must cover yourself. 0% = fully funded.-
Funding pooliThe total budget available across all awards in this round.-

Sign up free to see the funding breakdown

Sign up free to see the industries in scope

Sign up free to see the full eligibility

Sign up free to see how to apply

Sign up free to see what you submit

Sign up free to see the timeline

Sign up free to see where teams trip up

Guides for this application

All guides →