DigiRess Circular: digital circular business models
DigiRess Circular (BMUKN, VDI TZ)
EUR 100,000 to 1 million per project for up to about 3 years; small firms get up to 85% of costs, so about 15% is your own share. Provided by Federal Environment Ministry (BMUKN), project agency VDI Technologiezentrum.
Key facts
- Amount
- EUR 100,000 to 1 million per project for up to about 3 years; small firms get up to 85% of costs, so about 15% is your own share
- Duration
- up to about 3 years
- Type
- Grant
- Who receives it
- Company
- Equity
- Equity-free
- Repayable
- No
- Stages
- Prototype, Pre-revenue, Revenue, Incorporated
- Solo founders
- Yes
- Full-time required
- Unclear
- Company required
- Yes
- University link required
- No
- Application languages
- DE
Who can apply
- Commercial companies (Unternehmen der gewerblichen Wirtschaft); start-ups and micro firms are the main target
- Funding line (c) covers digital circular business models: sharing, reuse, resale and return platforms
- Two stages: project sketch on the VDI TZ portal, then a formal application
- Do not start the project before applying
What usually blocks applicants
- Freelance income only, without a trade registration or company
- Project smaller than EUR 100,000
- No money for the 15% own share
Deadline and timing
Next deadline: 15 December 2026
Sketch cut-offs 15 Jun and 15 Sep 2026 (passed) and 15 Dec 2026; no 2027 dates yet.
Frequently asked
How much does DigiRess Circular: digital circular business models pay?
EUR 100,000 to 1 million per project for up to about 3 years; small firms get up to 85% of costs, so about 15% is your own share
Who can apply for DigiRess Circular: digital circular business models?
Commercial companies (Unternehmen der gewerblichen Wirtschaft); start-ups and micro firms are the main target Funding line (c) covers digital circular business models: sharing, reuse, resale and return platforms Two stages: project sketch on the VDI TZ portal, then a formal application Do not start the project before applying
When is the DigiRess Circular: digital circular business models deadline?
Sketch cut-offs 15 Jun and 15 Sep 2026 (passed) and 15 Dec 2026; no 2027 dates yet.
Where do I apply for DigiRess Circular: digital circular business models?
On the official page: https://www.digiress.de/digiress-circular/. Applications are accepted in DE.
Do I have to pay back DigiRess Circular: digital circular business models or give up equity?
No, it does not have to be paid back. It takes no equity.
Can solo founders apply for DigiRess Circular: digital circular business models?
Yes, solo founders can apply.
Sources and verification
Checked on 9 October 2026. Facts read directly from the official source. This page is orientation, not an eligibility decision.
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