The Brandenburger Innovationsfachkräfte program supports the employment of student assistants and innovation assistants in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) located in Brandenburg. This initiative is designed to retain academic talent in the region and initiate innovation processes within companies. The program is funded by the Ministry of Economic Affairs, Labour, Energy and Climate Protection of Brandenburg and co-financed by the European Social Fund Plus (ESF+).

The program targets SMEs with at least one operating site in Brandenburg. It supports part-time employment of full-time enrolled students (Werkstudierende) and full-time employment of innovation assistants (recent graduates or individuals with a recognized advanced vocational qualification) who work on a defined innovation project within the company.

Innovation assistants must not have previously worked in the same company in a regular employment relationship, and their last degree must be no older than 36 months. The supported task must be new to the company, involving the implementation of innovative methods, services, or processes.

The duration of funding for Werkstudierende is between 6 and 12 full calendar months. For innovation assistants, the standard funding period is 18 months, which can be extended to 24 months for sustainability-related innovation topics.

The minimum gross salary for Werkstudierende (based on a 20-hour workweek) is 1.076,00 Euro per month. For innovation assistants working 38 hours per week, the minimum gross salary is 2.750,00 Euro per month. Funding amounts vary depending on the working hours and salary according to standard tables defined in the official directive.

The application process is handled via the ILB customer portal and includes registration, online application submission, receipt confirmation, and optional early start of the employment on the applicant’s own risk. The program is effective from 22 November 2022 and runs until 31 December 2028.