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Chilean-German cooperation: Fourth ZIM call launched

Subtitle Joint research and development projects by SMEs from both countries can be applied for until March 2026

18.11.2025

On October 15, 2025, the fourth call for proposals was published as part of the bilateral ZIM program between Germany and Chile. The call is aimed at small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that want to jointly develop innovative products, services or processes. Projects can be submitted on an ongoing basis - the call will run until March 31, 2026. The aim is to strengthen technological cooperation between the two countries and promote marketable innovations.

With the fourth ZIM call launched on October 15, 2025, the bilateral cooperation between Germany and Chile is continuing its successful promotion of joint research and development (R&D) projects. The Central Innovation Program for SMEs (ZIM) supports projects that develop new products, technical services or processes with high market potential and bring them to market maturity .

A consortium must consist of at least one Chilean and one German company. Applications can be submitted on a continuous basis and projects are reviewed on an ongoing basis. While German partners submit their applications via ZIM , Chilean companies use the platform of the national funding agency CORFO.

For German applicants, the regular ZIM funding conditions apply, supplemented by a funding rate increased by up to 10% and a maximum grant of up to 3 million euros per project.

To support potential applicants, a free information webinar will be held by AiF Projekt GmbH on November 13, 2025, in which the Bavarian Research Alliance (BayFOR) will also present its advisory and support services. Registration is possible online.

For companies and research institutions that are still looking for suitable partners, a matchmaking platform will be set up to accompany the call. This connects researchers and SMEs from both countries and facilitates the initiation of joint projects.

The current call therefore offers excellent opportunities to establish bilateral innovation partnerships and sustainably strengthen the international competitiveness of SMEs in Germany and Chile.