Question 1

How does the intro call work?

Accepted Answer

The intro call takes 15 minutes. We look at your situation and check which programs are a realistic fit.

Question 2

How long does an application take?

Accepted Answer

Data gathering to submission usually takes about 6 weeks. For the Forschungszulage, a decision typically follows within 12 weeks. Multi-stage project grants like KMU-innovativ or BayTOU take several months.

Question 3

Can multiple programs be combined?

Accepted Answer

Yes, many programs can be combined as long as the same costs are not funded twice. We check combinability as part of program selection.

Question 4

Is the Forschungszulage compatible with ZIM?

Accepted Answer

Generally yes, as long as the funded cost items do not overlap. We structure the project so both programs can run cleanly side by side. Note: ZIM has temporarily not accepted new applications since 7 July 2026.

Question 5

How much is the Forschungszulage?

Accepted Answer

The Forschungszulage is 35% of eligible costs for SMEs and 25% for other companies. For projects starting from 2026, effectively up to 42% of staff costs, including the 20% overhead allowance, is possible. The cap is €4.2 million per year.

Question 6

When is the money paid out?

Accepted Answer

For the Forschungszulage, after assessment by the tax office based on a separate application. For project grants like ZIM, via fund drawdowns during the project term.

Question 7

What happens if the application is rejected?

Accepted Answer

We analyze the reasons with you and assess whether a revision or another program makes sense.

Question 8

How much effort is it for us?

Accepted Answer

Usually a briefing on your tech stack or research approach, rough cost data and access to existing documents such as pitch decks or specialist specifications are enough. We structure the rest.

Question 9

Are software and AI projects eligible?

Accepted Answer

Often yes. Most programs require an R&D or innovation component, which is often present in software, AI, FinTech or process innovations. A short discussion of your tech stack or research approach clarifies eligibility.

Question 10

Can applications be made retroactively?

Accepted Answer

For the Forschungszulage, yes. It is claimed through a separate application to the tax office after the end of the financial year, not via the tax return. This works within the four-year assessment period, currently back to financial year 2022. The deadline for 2022 ends on 31 December 2026. Project grants like ZIM require an application before the project starts.

Question 11

Can you apply for ZIM right now?

Accepted Answer

ZIM has had a temporary application stop since 7 July 2026. Applications with international partners in open bilateral and multilateral calls are exempt. Reopening is targeted for early 2027. Single projects are funded at up to 45%, international cooperations at up to 60%.

Question 12

What is the BSFZ certificate?

Accepted Answer

It is the mandatory pre-check by the Bescheinigungsstelle Forschungszulage confirming a project meets eligible R&D criteria before the tax office grants the Forschungszulage.

Question 13

How large is a typical funding amount?

Accepted Answer

It depends heavily on the program and company size, ranging from low five-figure amounts for feasibility studies to several million euros per year for the Forschungszulage.

Question 14

Who is liable in case of an audit?

Accepted Answer

Legal responsibility lies with the company, but we ensure documentation is audit-proof from day one and answer authority follow-up requests.

Question 15

Do you work with our tax advisor?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we coordinate directly with your tax advisor, especially for the Forschungszulage, where the claim is filed with the tax office.

Question 16

Where is our data stored?

Accepted Answer

GrantOS runs on AWS and Supabase with processing in Germany. Data is encrypted at rest and in transit, and the production database is backed up daily.

Question 17

Who has access to our data?

Accepted Answer

Access rights are role-based, and each client can technically see only their own data through client separation. All access is personal and protected with two-factor authentication, and access is logged.

Question 18

Do you enter into a data processing agreement?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Email privacy@morrowcollective.eu and we will send you our DPA.

Question 19

Which service providers do you use?

Accepted Answer

We select subprocessors based on security and data protection criteria and enter into data processing agreements or EU Standard Contractual Clauses with all of them. You can request the list, and we inform you about new service providers.

Question 20

Do you use AI with our data?

Accepted Answer

Yes, for structuring and text suggestions that our specialists revise. We use AI providers exclusively under business contracts with a data processing agreement or EU Standard Contractual Clauses. Our specialists own every application. Your data is never used to train AI models. Particularly sensitive documents such as payroll data or employment contracts are handled as confidential in GrantOS: only authorized people can see them, and they are never passed to AI models.

Question 21

Who is your data protection officer?

Accepted Answer

Johannes Caspari, available at privacy@morrowcollective.eu.

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