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KMU-innovativ ICT

KMU-innovativ: Informations- und Kommunikationstechnologien (IKT)

Project grant: 50% of eligible costs for industrial research, 25% for experimental development, plus 20 points for small firms (10 for medium); max 80%; usually up to 3 years. Provided by BMFTR (Projektträger DLR).

Germany (nationwide)GrantEquity-free
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Key facts

Amount
Project grant: 50% of eligible costs for industrial research, 25% for experimental development, plus 20 points for small firms (10 for medium); max 80%; usually up to 3 years
Duration
Usually up to 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
No
Company required
Yes
University link required
No
Application languages
DE
Location
German business

Who can apply

  • KMU of the commercial economy (gewerbliche Wirtschaft), EU SME definition
  • Research-active SME must initiate and lead the project; since Nov 2024 focus on software-intensive systems
  • Two stages: outline (max 10 pages, in German) via kmu-innovativ.de, then full application

What usually blocks applicants

  • Research-heavy; solo firm must show R&D capacity
  • Freiberufler status may not count as gewerblich
  • Communication technology and IT security topics were removed in Nov 2024

What the official documents say

  • Companies: 50% for industrial research, 25% for experimental development; small +20, medium +10 points; max 80% (p. 10)
  • SMEs of the commercial economy; branch in Germany needed at payout; a research-active SME must lead (p. 4)
  • Outline max 10 A4 pages incl. cover page, Arial min 10 pt, in German (p. 7)
  • Projects usually run up to 3 years (p. 5)
Official PDF (DE): Bekanntmachung: Richtlinie zur Förderung von Projekten zum Thema „KMU-innovativ: Informations- und Kommunikationstechnologie (IKT)“ (BAnz AT 20.12.2021 B6), version 2021-11-15
  • Focus narrowed to software-intensive systems; communication systems and IT security removed (p. 1)
  • Project agency is now DLR Projektträger, Berlin: kmu-innovativ.IKT@dlr.de (p. 1)
Official PDF (DE): Zweite Änderung der Bekanntmachung „KMU-innovativ: IKT“ (BAnz AT 12.11.2024 B2), version 2024-10-31

Why founders miss it

A federal ICT research grant that small firms can lead alone. Next deadline 15 Oct 2026; after that, plan for 15 Apr 2027.

Deadline and timing

Next deadline: 15 October 2026

Outlines evaluated at the 15 Apr and 15 Oct cut-offs; next 15 Oct 2026, then 15 Apr 2027

Frequently asked

How much does KMU-innovativ ICT pay?

Project grant: 50% of eligible costs for industrial research, 25% for experimental development, plus 20 points for small firms (10 for medium); max 80%; usually up to 3 years

Who can apply for KMU-innovativ ICT?

KMU of the commercial economy (gewerbliche Wirtschaft), EU SME definition Research-active SME must initiate and lead the project; since Nov 2024 focus on software-intensive systems Two stages: outline (max 10 pages, in German) via kmu-innovativ.de, then full application

When is the KMU-innovativ ICT deadline?

Outlines evaluated at the 15 Apr and 15 Oct cut-offs; next 15 Oct 2026, then 15 Apr 2027

Where do I apply for KMU-innovativ ICT?

On the official page: https://www.foerderdatenbank.de/FDB/Content/DE/Foerderprogramm/Bund/BMBF/kmu-innovativ-ikt-30771.html. Applications are accepted in DE.

Do I have to pay back KMU-innovativ ICT or give up equity?

No, it does not have to be paid back. It takes no equity.

Can solo founders apply for KMU-innovativ ICT?

Yes, solo founders can apply.

Sources and verification

Checked on 8 October 2026. Most facts read from the official source; some details need confirmation. This page is orientation, not an eligibility decision.

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