Federal technology funding programs

ZIM is a nationwide, technology- and sector-open funding program for SMEs and business-related research institutions working with them. Launched in July 2008, it offers SMEs a reliable perspective for supporting their innovation efforts until the end of 2014. The ZIM is intended to sustainably support the innovative strength and competitiveness of companies, including the skilled trades and the entrepreneurial liberal professions, and thus contribute to their growth in conjunction with the creation and safeguarding of jobs.

Funding opportunities:

• ZIM individual projects (individual R&D projects by companies)
• ZIMcooperation projects (R&D cooperation projects between companies and between companies and research institutions)
• ZIMcooperation networks (cooperation networks as a unit of network management and R&D projects)

KMU-innovativ

KMU-innovativ is open to small and medium-sized enterprises in the fields of technology that are particularly important for Germany's future: Biotechnology, nanotechnology, information and communication technologies, optical technologies, production technology, technologies for resource and energy efficiency, security research and medical technology. Further information is available at www.kmu-innovativ.de.