Central Innovation Programme for SMEs
Zentrales Innovationsprogramm Mittelstand (ZIM)
Closed for now
The funder has not said when this reopens.
Maximum grant amounts and funding rates are set in the ZIM-Richtlinie and were not stated on the pages verified; recorded as null rather than estimated. Funds market-oriented R&D projects, technology- and sector-open.
Bundesministerium für Wirtschaft und Energie (BMWE)
public · national
Deadline: closed — TEMPORARILY SUSPENDED: a befristeter Antragsstopp applies "ab 7. Juli 2026, 12:00 Uhr" for "alle Projektformen sowie Projektskizzen". Applications already submitted will still be approved where funds allow, and international cooperation applications are excepted. "Eine Aufhebung der Aussetzung der Antragsannahme wird für Anfang 2027 angestrebt."
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.
Moderate — a form and supporting documents.
Who can apply
- Stage: seed, series_a, growth
- R&D activity required
- Locally registered entity required
"unterstützt innovative KMU über die Förderung von Forschung und Entwicklung marktorientierter FuE-Projekte". Exact KMU headcount and turnover limits were not stated on the verified page.
How to apply
- Choose the project form: FuE-Einzelprojekt, FuE-Kooperationsprojekt (at least two companies, or one company and a research institution), or Innovationsnetzwerk. — link
- Submit the application fully digitally via the Förderzentrale Deutschland — currently suspended until the Antragsstopp is lifted. — link
What you will need
- R&D project description and work plan
- Cost and financing plan
- Proof of SME status
Source. https://www.zim.de/ZIM/Redaktion/DE/Meldungen/2026/3/2026-07-07-befristeter-antragsstopp.html — checked 2026-08-14
"ab 7. Juli 2026, 12:00 Uhr […] Dies gilt für alle Projektformen sowie Projektskizzen […] Eine Aufhebung der Aussetzung der Antragsannahme wird für Anfang 2027 angestrebt"