KMU-innovativ

KMU-innovativ is the BMFTR's umbrella funding initiative for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs as defined by the EU: under 250 employees, annual turnover up to 50 m EUR or balance sheet up to 43 m EUR) conducting high-risk research. The programme runs across eleven technology fields including biomedicine, bioeconomy, electronics and autonomous driving, ICT, interactive technologies, climate and energy, materials research, medical technology, photonics and quantum, resources and circular economy, and Zukunft der Wertschöpfung (future value creation). The process is two-stage with binding deadlines: a Projektskizze (concept paper) is submitted to one of two annual cutoff dates (15 April or 15 October), with a selection decision communicated within three months; selected projects are then invited to file the full application (Antrag), with the funding decision typically issued within another three months of complete submission. Consortia with universities and research institutions are allowed, but the project lead (coordinator) must be an SME, and the primary benefit must accrue to the participating SME(s). A simplified credit-worthiness check applies where total project co-funding by the company is below 100,000 EUR per year.

Each grant below is a distinct funding opportunity with its own eligibility, scope, and deliverables.