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 Education and Research (BMBF) 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 100% (up…

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.50%
Funding pooliThe total budget available across all awards in this round.-

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