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Accelerate the uptake of lifecycle assessment (LCA) for Safe and Sustainable by Design (SSbD) chemicals and materials and resulting products

The EFRE/JTF funding program for research and development (R&D) supports innovative projects aimed at enhancing the competitiveness and innovation capacity of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Saxony. This program is co-financed by the European Union and covers the period from 2021 to 2027. Eligible projects include the development of new or improved products and processes in various sectors, with a focus on fostering sustainable growth.

The funding is available for both individual R&D projects and collaborative R&D partnerships. SMEs in Saxony can apply for individual project funding, while collaborative projects must involve at least one SME, potentially working with large companies or research institutions. Collaborative projects must ensure that no single participant bears more than 70% of the eligible costs, and research institutions must be allowed to publish their results.

Additionally, funding for R&D pilot lines is available, allowing for the industrial validation of technologies in fields like environment, energy, and health. These pilot projects must demonstrate significant potential for industrial production in Saxony, contributing to employment growth and sustainability.

The program also supports projects under the Just Transition Fund (JTF), specifically targeting SMEs in the Leipzig region. However, new applications for this fund have been closed since June 30, 2024.

Funding is granted as non-repayable subsidies, with rates varying depending on company size and project type. For experimental development, SMEs receive up to 40%, and for industrial research, up to 65%. Collaborative projects can receive up to 80% in subsidies. Research institutions involved in partnerships can receive up to 90% for eligible project costs.

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Expected Outcome

The expected outcomes of the EFRE/JTF funding call are as follows:

  1. Development of Innovative Products and Processes: Successful projects should result in the creation of new or improved products, services, or manufacturing processes that can be commercially exploited within the European Union. These innovations are expected to drive technological advancements in key sectors.
  2. Increased Competitiveness and Innovation Capacity: By supporting R&D initiatives, the funding aims to enhance the competitiveness of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Saxony. The projects are expected to improve the ability of these businesses to innovate and compete in both national and global markets.
  3. Collaborative Innovation: For collaborative R&D projects, the call seeks to foster effective cooperation between SMEs, larger companies, and research institutions. These collaborations should lead to the pooling of resources and expertise, contributing to stronger innovation ecosystems.
  4. Sustainable Economic Growth: The program aims to support projects that align with the long-term sustainability goals of the region. This includes fostering growth in industries related to environmental sustainability, digitalization, mobility, energy, and health.
  5. Job Creation and Regional Development: Through the development of new technologies and the industrialization of pilot projects, the call aims to stimulate economic growth and job creation, particularly in Saxony. The outcomes should contribute to the regional economy by supporting sustainable industrial production and long-term employment opportunities.
  6. Support for SMEs in Transition Regions: For projects funded under the Just Transition Fund (JTF), the outcome should include the economic transformation of regions like Leipzig, promoting sustainable and inclusive development through new business opportunities and innovations.

Overall, the expected outcomes are economic growth, technological innovation, and sustainability, benefiting both the participating businesses and the broader Saxon region.

Scope

The scope of the EFRE/JTF funding call focuses on supporting research and development (R&D) projects aimed at enhancing innovation, competitiveness, and technological advancement. The call targets the following areas:

  1. Development of New Products and Processes: Funding is available for projects that aim to develop innovative or improved products, services, or processes that have not yet been commercially exploited within the European Union.
  2. FuE-Einzelprojektförderung (Individual R&D Project Funding): This supports individual R&D projects carried out by small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) based in Saxony.
  3. FuE-Verbundprojektförderung (Collaborative R&D Project Funding): This supports collaborative R&D projects involving at least one SME and other companies or research institutions, ensuring effective collaboration for mutual benefit.
  4. R&D Pilot Lines: The call also covers funding for pilot lines, which are industrial research projects designed to validate technological foundations. These lines focus on sectors such as environment, raw materials, energy, mobility, health, and digital technologies.
  5. Regional Focus - Just Transition Fund (JTF): Additional funding is available for SMEs in the Leipzig region through the JTF, supporting projects that promote sustainable economic transition. However, applications for this specific fund have closed as of June 30, 2024.

The call is open to various technological fields, including information and communication technologies (ICT), intelligent manufacturing, and sustainable technologies, with the aim of driving sustainable growth, job creation, and competitiveness in Saxony.

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