International ZIM project funding

07.07.2025

ZIM also promotes cooperation with foreign partners in specific R&D projects as well as in networks.

German project partners can also receive funding for projects with foreign partners via the Central Innovation Program for SMEs (ZIM). Take advantage of the opportunity to receive funding for cooperation with the following countries until the end of the year:

Applications accepted until 15.09.2025:

• Finland

Acceptance of applications until 18.09.2025:

• Sweden

Acceptance of applications until 24.09.2025:

• Brazil
• Flanders (Belgium)
• Luxembourg (Belgium)
• Luxembourg Austria
• Austria Switzerland
• Czech Republic
• Turkey
• Wallonia (Belgium)

Acceptance of applications until 30.09.2025:

• Taiwan

Acceptance of applications until 08.10.2025:

• Singapore

By funding international innovation networks, the Central Innovation Program for SMEs (ZIM) supports small and medium-sized enterprises and research institutions in networking with international players and in implementing joint technological innovation projects with high market potential.

The ZIM funding conditions apply to the German cooperation partners. The participating German companies can receive a funding rate increased by up to 10%. All foreign cooperation partners are listed as "non-eligible cooperation partners" in the ZIM application and must secure their own funding (confirmed by a letter of intent).

To support cross-border cooperation projects

• ZIM offers ongoing bilateral and multilateral calls for proposals with over 20 countries/regions worldwide,
• the IraSME network facilitates multinational cooperation with selected countries and organizes two calls for proposals and several networking and information events each year, and
• ZIM is involved in the EUREKA network and offers German applicants the opportunity to submit downstream applications for EUREKA network projects.

An overview of all participating countries/regions and current calls for proposals can be found under International Calls for Proposals.

Do you need support? The cluster team will be happy to help you!