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Saxony R&D project grant

EFRE/JTF-Technologieförderung – FuE-Projektförderung (Einzelprojekte)

Small firms, single project: 40% (experimental development) / 50% in Leipzig, 60% in Chemnitz/Dresden (industrial research) of eligible costs; +5 points on development for 'significant' projects (e.g. firm ≤5 years old); no general cap. Provided by Sächsische Aufbaubank (SAB) / SMWA.

SaxonyGrantEquity-free
Official page Check my fit across all programs

Key facts

Amount
Small firms, single project: 40% (experimental development) / 50% in Leipzig, 60% in Chemnitz/Dresden (industrial research) of eligible costs; +5 points on development for 'significant' projects (e.g. firm ≤5 years old); no general cap
Duration
Not fixed
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
Business site in Saxony; project carried out in Saxony

Who can apply

  • KMU of commercial economy
  • Novel result + exploitation plan
  • Up to 36 months
  • Two steps: project idea with outline (Projektskizze) in the SAB portal, then full application

What usually blocks applicants

  • Own co-financing 50–60% for small firms
  • Software eligibility not explicit — ask SAB
  • Must apply before starting

What the official documents say

  • Small firm, single project: experimental development 40%; industrial research 50% (Leipzig) / 60% (Chemnitz, Dresden) (p. 1)
  • Medium firm, single project: experimental development 30%; industrial research 50% (Leipzig) / 55% (p. 1)
  • 'Significant' project bonus or joint project: +5 points on experimental development (small firm 45%) (p. 1)
  • Large companies cannot run single projects; in joint projects research institutes get 90% (p. 1)
Official PDF (DE): Förderquoten FuE-Projekte

Why founders miss it

This is the Saxon ZIM alternative while federal ZIM is paused, and it pays 40–50% of your R&D salary costs in Leipzig.

Deadline and timing

Project outlines any time; special calls may set fixed dates

Frequently asked

How much does Saxony R&D project grant pay?

Small firms, single project: 40% (experimental development) / 50% in Leipzig, 60% in Chemnitz/Dresden (industrial research) of eligible costs; +5 points on development for 'significant' projects (e.g. firm ≤5 years old); no general cap

Who can apply for Saxony R&D project grant?

KMU of commercial economy Novel result + exploitation plan Up to 36 months Two steps: project idea with outline (Projektskizze) in the SAB portal, then full application

When is the Saxony R&D project grant deadline?

Project outlines any time; special calls may set fixed dates

Where do I apply for Saxony R&D project grant?

On the official page: https://www.sab.sachsen.de/efre/jtf-forschung-und-entwicklung-projektf%C3%B6rderung-fue-projektf%C3%B6rderung-2021-bis-2027. Applications are accepted in DE.

Do I have to pay back Saxony R&D project grant or give up equity?

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

Can solo founders apply for Saxony R&D project grant?

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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