Disclaimer: This English translation is provided for informational purposes only. In the event of any discrepancy, inconsistency, or difference in interpretation between this translation and the original German version, the original German version shall prevail.

Overall Description

KMU-innovativ: Electronics and Autonomous Driving; High-Performance Computing supports high-risk, industry-led research and pre-competitive development projects in electronics, autonomous driving and high-performance computing.

The programme aims to strengthen the innovation capacity and market position of German SMEs, accelerate the transfer of research results into commercial applications and improve cooperation between SMEs, research institutions and other companies. First-time applicants to federal research funding are particularly encouraged.

Funding Amount

No fixed maximum grant per project or total programme budget is specified.

• Commercial companies and research institutions undertaking economic activities: normally up to 50% of eligible project costs
• Eligible SMEs may receive a bonus, reducing the required own contribution from 50% to 40%; this corresponds to funding of up to 60%
• Universities and non-university research institutions undertaking non-economic activities: up to 100% of eligible project expenditure
• Universities and university hospitals may receive an additional 20% project allowance for non-economic research projects

An appropriate own contribution is required from commercial applicants. Projects are normally funded for up to three years.

Submission Deadlines

Project outlines may be submitted continuously and are assessed on:

• 15 April
• 15 October

The next assessment deadline is 15 October 2026.

These are assessment cut-off dates rather than strict exclusion deadlines. Outlines received after a cut-off may be considered in the following assessment round.

Submission Conditions

Applications follow a two-stage procedure:

1. Project outline: A German-language outline must be submitted through the designated online outline tool.
2. Formal application: Applicants whose outlines are positively assessed are invited to submit a full application through easy-Online.

The project outline should:

• Not exceed 12 pages, excluding the cover page and directories
• Use Arial of at least 10-point size, line spacing of at least 1.15 and margins of at least 2 cm
• Demonstrate a clear connection to the programme’s eligible technologies and applications
• Explain the state of the art, novelty and patent position
• Demonstrate high scientific, technical and commercial risk
• Present the work plan, resources, costs and financing
• Explain the project’s market potential and commercialisation strategy
• Demonstrate the applicant’s ability to provide the required own contribution
• Address skills development and qualification opportunities
• Describe the project’s contribution to environmental sustainability
• Include a signed declaration concerning the applicant’s status as an undertaking in difficulty

For collaborative projects:

• At least one SME must participate.
• The project must be initiated and should be coordinated by an SME.
• At least 50% of the total grant must be allocated to the participating SMEs and eligible medium-sized companies.
• The need for collaboration must be explained.
• Partners must conclude a written cooperation agreement.
• Letters of interest must be included for participating partners that are not requesting funding.

Eligible Types of Businesses

Eligible applicants are:

• SMEs meeting the EU SME definition
• Medium-sized commercial companies with no more than 1,000 employees and annual turnover not exceeding €100 million, but only as partners in collaborative projects with SMEs
• Universities, but only as partners in collaborative projects
• Non-university research institutions, but only as partners in collaborative projects

Projects without SME participation are not eligible.

Eligible Countries

Germany

At the time the grant is paid:

• Companies must have a permanent business establishment or branch in Germany.
• Universities and research institutions must have an eligible establishment in Germany.

Foreign organisations may participate as consortium partners, but their project costs are not funded under this programme. They must participate on a self-funded basis or obtain support from another source.

Funded project results may be exploited in:

• Germany
• European Economic Area countries
• Switzerland