The Alliance of Industrial Research coordinates part of the research funding provided by the Federal Ministry of Economics and Climate Protection.

The "Joint Industrial Research" programmes and the "Central Innovation Programme for SMEs" play a key role in this.

Central Innovation Programme for SMEs

The Central Innovation Programme for SMEs (ZIM) is one of the most important funding instruments for increasing the innovative strength of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Universities are involved via R&D co-operation projects in which at least one SME and one research institution must be involved. The maximum funding amount for the research institution is 220,000 euros.

ZIM applications consist of a formal application and a project description. In addition, a sample of the planned co-operation agreement must be submitted with the application. The co-operation agreement must be signed no later than 40 days after receipt of the approval notice.

In ZIM projects, it is generally possible to start the project before the approval notice arrives. If you intend to do this, the third-party funding department will require a contingency guarantee in case the project is not approved as expected.

Industrial Collective Research

Joint industrial research projects provide funding for scientific and technical research projects that are carried out by a consortium of several companies or research institutions. The implementation of these projects is jointly organised by representatives of companies from one sector or technology field.

Funding is provided without any thematic restriction to specific fields of technology or sectors. A legally binding signature is only required once the project has been approved.

If you have any questions about personnel costs or internal organisational details, we will of course be happy to help.