Go Back
Description
Expected Outcome
Scope
Partner Requests
Contact
Related Fundings
Add to favorites:
Share:

7th IGP Funding Call: “Community-developed Business Models and Pioneer Solutions by Companies”

Disclaimer: This English translation and summary are provided for informational purposes only. In the event of any discrepancies or inconsistencies between this translation and the original German funding announcement, the original German version shall prevail.

Description

The 7th thematic call under the Innovation Programme for Business Models and Pioneer Solutions (IGP) supports jointly developed business models and pioneer solutions created through collaboration between companies. The IGP aims to strengthen the innovation capacity of the German economy beyond technological developments by supporting market-oriented non-technological innovations. The programme complements traditional R&D funding by focusing on innovative business models, services, organizational concepts and other non-technical innovations.

Funding Amount

  • Funding is provided as a non-repayable grant (project funding) in the form of co-financing under the applicable EU de minimis State aid rules.
  • Eligible project costs:
    • Feasibility Projects: up to €80,000 per project.
    • Market Readiness Projects: up to €330,000 per project.
  • Maximum eligible project costs for collaborative projects:
    • Feasibility Projects: up to €150,000 (combined across all project partners).
    • Market Readiness Projects: up to €600,000 (combined across all project partners).
  • Maximum funding rates:
    • Micro enterprises: up to 70% (Feasibility) / 55% (Market Readiness).
    • Small enterprises: up to 65% / 50%.
    • Medium-sized enterprises: up to 60% / 45%.
    • Non-profit SMEs: up to 75% / 60%.
    • Research institutions (including universities, as partners in collaborative projects only): up to 100% of eligible costs, subject to a maximum grant of €180,000 per institution.
  • Funding is subject to the applicable EU de minimis aid ceiling, which under the current programme rules is €300,000 per single undertaking over any three-year period. (The 2023 IGP Funding Guideline refers to the previous €200,000 ceiling; the programme FAQ has been updated to reflect the current EU De Minimis Regulation (EU) 2023/2831.)
  • Total funding available: Approximately €10 million is allocated to each IGP thematic call.

Submission Deadlines

  • Participation application deadline: 20 August 2026, 15:00 (CEST)
  • Late submissions will not be accepted.
  • Selected applicants may be invited to present their projects in a pitch session (expected January 2027).
  • Applicants invited to submit a full proposal should submit it within 6–8 weeks of the invitation.

Submission Conditions

  • Applications must be submitted exclusively online via the positron:s platform.
  • Applications undergo a competitive selection process.
  • Successful applicants proceed to jury evaluation and may be invited to pitch their project.
  • Only applicants invited after the first evaluation stage may submit a full proposal.
  • Full proposals must be submitted via the Federal Government's easy-Online application system.

Eligible Types of Businesses

Eligible applicants include collaborative projects involving at least two participating companies from the following categories:

    • Micro enterprises
    • Small enterprises
    • Medium-sized enterprises
    • Self-employed persons and freelancers
    • Craft businesses
    • Non-profit SMEs (e.g. gGmbH, gUG)
    • Founders intending to establish a company before full proposal submission
    • Research institutions and universities (only as partners in collaborative projects)

Applicants must have an establishment in Germany and satisfy the SME definition where applicable.

Eligible projects may also include:

  • Research institutions (e.g. universities) as project partners.

Affiliated or linked companies are considered a single entity and therefore cannot participate as cooperation partners within the same consortium.

Eligible Countries

  • Projects must be implemented in Germany.
  • Eligible applicants are SMEs, start-ups, self-employed persons, non-profit SMEs and (as cooperation partners) research institutions with a registered establishment or branch in Germany. The innovation itself may target international markets or international demand.

Expected Outcome

Projects are expected to develop market-oriented, collaborative non-technological innovations with clear advantages over existing solutions. The programme seeks projects with a high degree of innovation, good commercialization potential, positive effects for third parties, convincing project quality, qualified and motivated project partners, and a demonstrable funding need. Interdisciplinary and unusual forms of cooperation are viewed particularly positively under this call.

Scope

The call funds collaborative projects that comply with the general provisions of the IGP funding guideline and additionally: (1) pursue innovative improvements through the joint efforts of the participating business partners; and (2) develop market-oriented innovations offering advantages over existing solutions.

The call particularly welcomes cross-innovation projects, such as new organizational designs, services or digital applications developed across sectors or disciplines. Examples include collaborations between start-ups and established SMEs, the creative industries and manufacturing SMEs, or crafts businesses and young digital companies. Collaborations between closely related sectors are also eligible where the innovative added value of the cooperation is clearly demonstrated.

Partner Requests

Explore Real Collaboration Opportunities

🔍 As a logged-in member, you now have exclusive access to all active Partner Requests for this Funding Call.
See who’s looking for collaborators, explore exciting project ideas, and discover how others are planning to make an impact.

💡 Use these insights to get inspired—or take the next step and start a request of your own (first 3 entries for free).

Log in or registrate here for free.

Ask our experts about this call

Connect with the Listing Owner!

💬 Please log in now to send a direct message to our experts and ask your questions. Not a member yet? Sign up for free and start connecting today!

Related Funding and Finance Opportunities

Unlock Exclusive Funding Opportunities!

🔑 Get instant access to tailored funding opportunities that perfectly match your needs. This powerful feature is exclusively available to our professional members—helping you save time, stay ahead of the competition, and secure the right funding faster.

Upgrade to Professional now and never miss an important opportunity again! Already a member? Log in here to explore your matches.

Related Innovation Offers

Discover Tailored Innovation Offers!

🚀 Gain access to technology solutions that match your specific needs and interests—carefully selected to support your innovation goals. These offers are exclusively available to our professional members, helping you identify relevant technologies faster and start the right conversations with potential partners.

Upgrade to Professional now and explore your personalized technology matches today! Already a member? Log in here to view your tailored offers.

Related Knowledgeable Resources

Discover More with Professional: Related Knowledge Resources

🔒 You’re missing out on expert-curated knowledge specifically matched to this topic. As a professional member, you gain exclusive access to in-depth articles, guides, and insights that help you make smarter decisions, faster.

Whether you’re preparing a funding proposal, researching a new market, or just need reliable information—our professional knowledge matches save you hours of research and point you directly to what matters.

Upgrade to Professional now and instantly unlock relevant knowledge tailored to your needs! Already a member? Log in here to view your personalized content.