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Leveraging multimodal data to advance Generative Artificial Intelligence applicability in biomedical research (GenAI4EU)

The EFRE/JTF - InnoPrämie 2021-2027 is a grant program designed to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Saxony. It provides financial assistance for the use of external research and development (R&D) services, aimed at fostering the development of new products, processes, or services, as well as improving existing ones. The program offers up to 40,000 EUR annually, covering 50% of eligible R&D expenses for projects that typically should not exceed six months.

Eligible costs include external scientific work such as market research, feasibility studies, material studies, and manufacturing techniques, as well as R&D activities focused on bringing innovations to market readiness, such as design and construction services, product testing, laboratory work, and preparations for certification. Universities, non-university research institutions, and private providers, both national and international, can serve as R&D partners.

Ineligible expenses include internal costs like personnel, travel, or advertising, as well as the purchase of equipment and software. Additionally, services provided by affiliated companies, relatives, or internal outsourcing are not eligible. Companies facing financial difficulties or those not based in Saxony are excluded from the funding.

The program is especially relevant for SMEs, including those in the cultural and creative sectors, as well as freelance engineers. Up to two InnoPrämien can be granted per year. Applications are submitted through the funding portal, and projects can only begin after the submission of the application. However, the applicant assumes the risk of non-approval or partial approval.

This initiative is part of Saxony's broader efforts to promote technological innovation and economic development in the region, particularly within the framework of the EU's Just Transition Fund (JTF).

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Expected Outcome

The expected outcomes of the projects funded under the EFRE/JTF-Technologieförderung 2021-2027 call, particularly from the Just Transition Fund (JTF), are focused on driving innovation, competitiveness, and sustainable development in the Mitteldeutsches Revier region. Specifically, the desired outcomes include:

  1. Innovation and Product Development: Successful projects are expected to result in the development of new or significantly improved products, processes, or services that are innovative and unique within the European Union (EU). These innovations should enhance the technological capabilities of SMEs.
  2. Increased Competitiveness: Projects should strengthen the competitiveness of the funded SMEs by enhancing their ability to innovate and adapt to evolving market conditions, particularly in the context of the energy transition and coal phase-out.
  3. Energy Efficiency and Environmental Protection: The funded projects should contribute to greater energy efficiency and promote environmentally friendly technologies, supporting broader goals of climate protection and sustainability.
  4. Digital Transformation: Outcomes should support the digitalization of the business processes, products, or services of the participating SMEs, helping them modernize and future-proof their operations.
  5. Economic Sustainability: The projects are expected to contribute to the long-term economic viability of SMEs, leading to job creation, industrial growth, and the resilience of businesses against the negative economic impacts of the coal phase-out in the region.
  6. Technology Transfer and Knowledge Acquisition: Successful technology transfer initiatives should enable SMEs to acquire cutting-edge technological knowledge, further supporting the development and commercialization of new innovations.

In summary, the overarching expected outcome is to support a sustainable and innovative transition for the local economy, enabling businesses to thrive in the post-coal era.

Scope

The funding call from the Sächsisches Staatsministerium für Wirtschaft, Arbeit und Verkehr (Saxon Ministry of Economic Affairs, Labour, and Transport) invites applications for research and development (R&D) projects, technology transfer initiatives, and the InnoPrämie under the Just Transition Fund (JTF) and EFRE/JTF-Technologieförderung guidelines for the period 2021-2027. The primary goal is to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in developing innovative products, processes, and organizational structures. This funding aims to foster energy efficiency, environmental protection, digitalization, and economic resilience in the Mitteldeutsches Revier (Leipzig and Nordsachsen regions).

Key areas of funding include:

  1. Individual R&D Projects: These projects focus on innovative technology-oriented developments aimed at increasing the competitiveness of SMEs by creating new or improved products and processes. These innovations must be new to the European Union (EU).
  2. R&D Pilot Lines: Funding is available for setting up pilot production lines to validate and optimize newly developed technologies or products, facilitating the transition to commercial manufacturing.
  3. Technology Transfer: This supports the acquisition of technological knowledge by SMEs from external providers, with a focus on product or process innovation and adaptation to modern standards.
  4. InnoPrämie: This grant is for accessing external R&D services to develop or improve products, processes, or services, as well as for technical implementation support.

The funding is offered as a non-repayable grant through a co-financing model. Applications for individual R&D projects and pilot lines follow a two-stage process, while technology transfer and InnoPrämie applications use a single-stage process. The total budget for this call is €14.15 million, with a submission deadline of March 31, 2024.

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