WIPANO Patent Grant for SMEs
WIPANO - Patentierung für Unternehmen
50% 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). Provided by BMWE / Projektträger Jülich.
Check if you qualify for WIPANO Patent Grant for SMEs
Answer a few questions about you and your project. The co-pilot opens WIPANO Patent Grant for SMEs 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
- 50% 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)
- Duration
- up to 24 months
- 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
- Unclear
- University link required
- No
- Application languages
- DE
- Location
- Branch or establishment in Germany
Who can apply
- Commercial SME under the EU definition with a site in Germany
- No patent or utility-model application in the years before applying (foerderdatenbank states 3 years)
- Services must come from paid external providers (e.g. patent attorney); documents not older than 6 months
- Module 2 only after module 1 is complete
- Apply via easy-Online
What usually blocks applicants
- Company filed a patent recently
- Patent attorney already engaged and paid before application
- Not a commercial business (e.g. pure hobby project)
Deadline and timing
Next deadline: 31 October 2027
Rolling until 31 Oct 2027 (guideline of 8 Jan 2024, amended 19 Jun 2024).
Frequently asked
How much does WIPANO Patent Grant for SMEs pay?
50% 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)
Who can apply for WIPANO Patent Grant for SMEs?
Stages: prototype, pre-revenue, revenue, incorporated. Solo founders can apply. Location: Branch or establishment in Germany. The full list of conditions is under Who can apply above.
When is the WIPANO Patent Grant for SMEs deadline?
Rolling until 31 Oct 2027 (guideline of 8 Jan 2024, amended 19 Jun 2024).
Where do I apply for WIPANO Patent Grant for SMEs?
On the official page: https://www.foerderdatenbank.de/FDB/Content/DE/Foerderprogramm/Bund/BMWi/wipano-foerderung.html. Applications are accepted in DE.
Do I have to pay back WIPANO Patent Grant for SMEs or give up equity?
No, it does not have to be paid back. It takes no equity.
Can solo founders apply for WIPANO Patent Grant for SMEs?
Yes, solo founders can apply.
Sources and verification
Checked on 19 October 2026. Most facts read from the official source; some details need confirmation. This page is orientation, not an eligibility decision.
More funding in Germany (nationwide)
- Support for the Self-Employed (SGB II 16c)Usually a loan, grant only in individual cases (grants capped at EUR 5,000 per business; loans can be higher) for necessary business equipment; plus free coaching via third-party providers
- Prototype FundUp to EUR 47,500 (individual) or EUR 95,000 (team) for 6 months; optional 4-month Second Stage up to EUR 31,667 (individual) or about EUR 63,000 (team)
- KMU-innovativ ICTProject 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
- DigiRess Circular: digital circular business modelsEUR 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
- EXIST Research TransferPhase I: team salaries at the host institution (up to 4 FTE, public pay scale) plus up to EUR 250,000 for materials, equipment and IP, incl. EUR 10,000 coaching; Phase II: grant to the new company of up to EUR 180,000 (75%, own funds 1:3)
- KMU-innovativ: Medical TechnologyDe minimis route: up to 80% (small firms) or 70% (medium) of costs, max EUR 300,000 over 3 years; GBER route: 50% industrial research / 25% experimental development, up to 80% with SME and collaboration bonuses