DBU Project Funding for Environmental Innovation
DBU Projektförderung (Umweltinnovationen, KMU)
As a rule 50% of project costs for companies; awards often EUR 100,000-400,000 per project; bonuses for SMEs and cooperation projects possible. Provided by Deutsche Bundesstiftung Umwelt (DBU).
Check if you qualify for DBU Project Funding for Environmental Innovation
Answer a few questions about you and your project. The co-pilot opens DBU Project Funding for Environmental Innovation for you and shows what already fits, what blocks you and what to do next.
- Concrete reasons, not a score
- Deadline and first steps
- Other programs that fit you
Key facts
- Amount
- As a rule 50% of project costs for companies; awards often EUR 100,000-400,000 per project; bonuses for SMEs and cooperation projects possible
- Duration
- typically 18-36 months
- Type
- Grant
- Who receives it
- Founder or team
- Equity
- Equity-free
- Repayable
- No
- Stages
- Prototype, Pre-revenue, Revenue, Incorporated
- Solo founders
- Yes
- Full-time required
- Unclear
- Company required
- Unclear
- University link required
- No
- Application languages
- DE
Who can apply
- Innovative, model-like environmental projects; special focus on SMEs
- Companies, partnerships (GbR), associations and private individuals can apply
- Topics include energy, resources, sustainable products, water, building, food, nature conservation, plus open-topic funding
- Two stages: 3-10 page outline via the online portal, then a full application if invited
What usually blocks applicants
- 50% own contribution
- Several months of processing (4-6 months at best)
- Strong competition; project must be clearly innovative for the environment
Deadline and timing
Outlines accepted any time; no deadlines.
Frequently asked
How much does DBU Project Funding for Environmental Innovation pay?
As a rule 50% of project costs for companies; awards often EUR 100,000-400,000 per project; bonuses for SMEs and cooperation projects possible
Who can apply for DBU Project Funding for Environmental Innovation?
Stages: prototype, pre-revenue, revenue, incorporated. Solo founders can apply. The full list of conditions is under Who can apply above.
When is the DBU Project Funding for Environmental Innovation deadline?
Outlines accepted any time; no deadlines.
Where do I apply for DBU Project Funding for Environmental Innovation?
On the official page: https://www.dbu.de/en/promotion/project-funding/. Applications are accepted in DE.
Do I have to pay back DBU Project Funding for Environmental Innovation or give up equity?
No, it does not have to be paid back. It takes no equity.
Can solo founders apply for DBU Project Funding for Environmental Innovation?
Yes, solo founders can apply.
Sources and verification
Checked on 19 October 2026. Facts read directly from the official source. This page is orientation, not an eligibility decision.
More funding in Germany (nationwide)
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- WIPANO Patent Grant for SMEs50% of external costs: up to EUR 10,000 for the patent or utility-model filing process (module 1) plus up to EUR 6,000 for cost-benefit analysis and first exploitation steps (module 2)