ZIM – Innovation network
ZIM – Kooperationsnetzwerk (Innovationsnetzwerk)
Paused by the funder
Application stop in force since 7 July 2026, 12:00. BMWE states that lifting the suspension is targeted for early 2027 ('Anfang 2027'), subject to funds being available in the 2027 federal budget.
Degressive grant towards the network management services over the network phases.
Bundesministerium für Wirtschaft und Energie (BMWE)
public · national
Deadline: closed — Befristeter Antragsstopp: no new applications or project outlines accepted since 7 July 2026, 12:00.
This funder does not publish a success rate. We rank it using the rate observed across similar programmes and label it as an estimate rather than implying we know.
Major bid — written case, budget, possibly partners.
Who can apply
- Up to 499 employees
- Sectors: any, manufacturing, deeptech
- Stage: pre_seed, seed, series_a, growth
- R&D activity required
- Locally registered entity required
Network of at least six SMEs managed by a network management organisation.
How to apply
- Check eligibility and prepare the R&D project description (once applications reopen). — link
- Register and submit via the ZIM online portal (easy-Online / ZIM portal). — link
- Technical and economic assessment by the ZIM project management agency.
- Grant decision (Zuwendungsbescheid) before project start.
What you will need
- Project description (R&D content, work plan, exploitation plan)
- Company data / SME self-declaration
- Cost and financing plan
- Cooperation agreement (if applicable)
Source. https://www.zim.de/ZIM/Redaktion/DE/Meldungen/2026/3/2026-07-07-befristeter-antragsstopp.html — checked 2026-08-14
"Eine Aufhebung der Aussetzung der Antragsannahme wird für Anfang 2027 angestrebt"