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

This programme supports high-risk, application-oriented R&D projects led by SMEs and medium-sized companies in photonics and quantum technologies. It aims to strengthen companies engaged in cutting-edge research and accelerate the transfer of pre-competitive technologies into practical and commercial applications.

Projects are evaluated based on scientific and technical excellence, innovation, commercial potential and their contribution to addressing socially relevant challenges.

Funding Amount

• Funding per project: No fixed minimum or maximum specified.
• Total programme budget: Not specified.
• Companies and economically active research organisations: Generally up to 50% of eligible project costs, depending on the project’s proximity to market.
• SMEs: Additional bonuses may be available under EU State-aid rules.
• Universities and non-university research institutions: Up to 100% of eligible project expenditure for non-economic activities.
• Universities and university hospitals: Additional project allowance of 20%.
• SME allocation: At least 50% of the requested funding should benefit participating SMEs, including applicable SME bonuses and university project allowances.
• Typical project duration: Up to three years.
• Funding instrument: Non-repayable project grant.
• Applicants must normally provide an appropriate own contribution; for commercial companies this is generally at least 50% of eligible costs.

Submission Deadlines

Project outlines are assessed twice annually:

• 15 April
• 15 October

The next assessment date is 15 October 2026.

Outlines may be submitted at any time. The dates are assessment cut-offs rather than strict exclusion deadlines; late submissions may be considered at the following cut-off.

Submission Conditions

• The application procedure has two stages:
  1. Submission and competitive evaluation of a project outline.
  2. Submission of a formal application through easy-Online following a positive evaluation.
• Project outlines should not exceed 10 A4 pages.
• The outline must describe the project objectives, state of the art, innovation, patent situation, technical and economic risks, market potential, work plan, financing and exploitation strategy.
• Projects must involve significant scientific and technical risk.
• Applicants must demonstrate research, development and production expertise in photonics or quantum technologies.
• Companies entering these fields for the first time may participate, but cooperation with an experienced partner is recommended.
• The project must be implemented in Germany.
• Results may be commercially exploited only in Germany, the European Economic Area or Switzerland.
• Applicants must have a permanent establishment, branch or other operational presence in Germany when funding is paid.
• Collaborative projects require a written cooperation agreement.
• Projects without participation by a commercial enterprise are not eligible.
• Projects must not begin before the formal application is submitted and the applicable funding conditions are met.
• Applicants must examine whether EU or EUREKA funding would be suitable and briefly report the outcome in the formal application.

Eligible Types of Businesses and Organisations

Eligible for individual and collaborative projects:

• SMEs meeting the EU definition.
• Medium-sized companies with up to 1,000 employees or annual turnover of up to €100 million, provided they are not majority-owned by large enterprises.

Eligible as partners in collaborative projects:

• Universities and higher-education institutions.
• Non-university research organisations.
• Large companies and other enterprises that do not meet the SME or medium-sized-company criteria.

Eligible Countries

• Germany
• Funded projects must be carried out in Germany.
• Applicants must have a German establishment, branch or other operational facility when the grant is paid.
• Project results may be exploited in Germany, the European Economic Area and Switzerland.