Financial injection for development progress

Research results from KIT's scientific laboratories are often promising, but the path from research to practical application in industry requires more than just knowledge. Investments in technology, infrastructure and resources are essential for the necessary validation, further development and scaling up to the market. Funding programs are a very good option for this start-up financing. We are the front office for specific funding programs in the field of technology transfer and innovation and therefore your first point of contact if you need funding. The process for applying for public funding can vary depending on the program. We can advise you on some funding programs and assist you with the application process.

How we support you with your funding application

The scope of support depends on the respective funding program. Here are some examples of how we can support you:

  • Initial consultation on transfer-oriented funding programs
  • Help with the selection of suitable funding programs and advice on requirements and deadlines
  • Support in preparing applications and checking formal requirements
  • Pre-assessment and feedback to optimize the application documents
  • Submission of the final application documents as front office
  • Support with monitoring and reporting
  • Exchange of experience on previously approved projects

 

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KIT – NEULAND Innovation Fund

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NEULAND Innovation funds

The NEULAND Innovation Fund is an internal KIT investment program for technology transfer projects in the scientific institutes. The aim is to work together with an industrial partner to further develop scientifically sound ideas with market-relevant potential into a commercializable product that can be manufactured and sold by the industrial partner in the future. The innovation fund is financed by returns from license income. The Innovation Fund is therefore based on the “generation principle”: projects receive funding with the aim of generating returns for the researchers, the institutes and the Innovation Fund.

Key points of the funding:

  • Applications can be submitted at any time, open to all topics
  • Individual duration and amount of funding
  • Pre-projects, technology transfer projects and spin-off projects are eligible for funding

Further information on the KIT Innovation Fund can be found at www.kit-neuland.de.

Transfer-oriented funding programs

As a rule, research results are still a big step away from a concrete product. The market relevance of the technology, process or software must be validated. Investments are required that are not usually covered by the classic funding programs for research. This is where special funding programs for technology transfer and innovation come into play.

We currently advise you on the following programs and support you with the application:

Knowledge transfer projects can be applied for in all scientific disciplines funded by the DFG. These are pre-competitive projects in which a scientific question is worked on together with an application partner (commercial company or a non-commercial, non-profit organization). The funding serves to transfer scientific findings and results of basic research into application (e.g. through prototypes, an exemplary application or concepts for practical use).

Key points of the funding:

  • Application possible at any time, two-stage application procedure
  • Duration up to 3 years
  • Approx. 600,000 euros per project
  • Only knowledge transfer projects that were preceded by a DFG-funded project can be funded. The application requires the consent of the persons involved in the previous project as applicants and co-responsible persons.
  • Funding body: German Research Foundation (DFG)

More about funding

 

The Federal Agency for Leap Innovations (SPRIND) has set itself the task of finding and promoting highly innovative ideas with the potential for a leap innovation (also known as disruptive innovation). SPRIND supports “high potentials” from research institutions, universities and industry with money and know-how before, during and after the founding of their company so that they can successfully implement their innovations. Funding is possible within the framework of challenges and projects.
Please note that SPRIND is not a funding provider in the traditional sense and does not have any standardized funding guidelines. We therefore ask you to contact us before applying.

Key points of the funding:

Find out about current calls for proposals and the requirements for submitting an application on the official website.

 

The VIP+ funding measure supports scientists in examining and proving the innovation potential of research results and developing possible areas of application. In this way, VIP+ creates the conditions for the further development of research results into innovative products, processes or services. At the same time, the risk for third parties to invest in further development is reduced. VIP+ funding therefore goes beyond purely scientific issues. It serves to build a bridge to subsequent utilization or application.

Key points of the funding:

Further information on the funding program can be found online. To the funding guideline

 

DATI is a new, independent funding agency of the BMBF that aims to transfer research results into application and promote innovation in Germany. DATI is intended to help bring research results into economic and/or social application through an effective transfer of ideas, knowledge and technology and to leverage innovation potential. The program supports universities, SMEs and other stakeholders in the innovation process, promotes cooperation between science and industry and provides funding and advice.

Key points of the funding:

As DATI is currently still under construction, you will find the latest information on the website. About the funding

 

FOR as a front office for ZIM

If you are interested in ZIM – “Zentrales Innovationsprogramm Mittelstand”, a large innovation programme for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), please contact the Research Office (FOR) at KIT.

Nothing suitable?

In addition to the grants listed, additional or one-off programs are always advertised at short notice. Therefore, please contact us if you have not found what you are looking for here.

 

Start-up funding

Especially in the early start-up phase, founders need financial resources to drive their business idea forward and bring it to life. Funding programs can provide a financial boost for setting up a business. Depending on the business idea, various federal and state funding programs are available. The KIT-Gründerschmiede team can advise you on possible funding programs.

To the funding advice