Federal technology support programs

KMU-innovativ

KMU-innovativ is open to small and medium-sized enterprises in the technology fields 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. For more information, visit www.kmu-innovativ.de.

Central Innovation Program for SMEs (ZIM)

ZIM is a nationwide, technology- and industry-open funding program for SMEs and business-related research institutions working with them. Launched in July 2008, it offers SMEs a reliable perspective to support 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 entrepreneurially active liberal professions, and thus contribute to their growth combined with the creation and safeguarding of jobs Funding opportunities:

• ZIM individual projects (individual company R&D projects of companies)
• ZIM cooperation projects (R&D cooperation projects between companies and of companies with research institutions)
• ZIM Cooperation Networks (Cooperation networks as a unit of network management and R&D projects)