Industrial research is funded as a grant. Market-oriented phases such as experimental development by SMEs, production setup and market launch are funded through a low-interest loan.
Pro FIT Berlin
Up to 80% financing for Berlin R&D projects.
A grant for industrial research and a low-interest loan for market-oriented phases.
How much funding could you receive?
Indicative calculation using the highest rate.
80 % × €500,000 = €400,000
Estimated funding
€400,000
Grants are capped at €500,000.
Which key figures apply to Pro FIT Berlin?
| Highest funding rate | 80% |
| Project financing | grants up to €500,000, loans up to €1M |
| Loan term | up to 10 years |
| Accounting | simplified accounting |
| Decision | committee meets monthly |
| Project start | possible after submission at your own risk |
Updated: September 2026. Source: Official program page
Who it really fits
- ✓Companies with a registered office or independent establishment in Berlin
- ✓SMEs applying individually or in a consortium
- ✓Large companies only with an SME and a research institution
- ✓Research institutions only with at least one company
Process and timeline
- 01
Application
project description plus work, time, cost and financing plans
- 02
Project start
possible after submission at your own risk
- 03
Assessment
technical and market review by two external reviewers
- 04
Financial review
by IBB
- 05
Decision
by the monthly committee, typically after 2 to 3 months
What we see in practice
For AI projects, IBB expects clear information on the objective of the method, success criteria, and the scope and origin of training data.
Research projects must exceed the state of the art. In market-oriented phases, the unique selling points matter.
Common pitfalls
A major change to the technical roadmap after submission risks requiring a completely new application.
Combination with other funding is possible but usually reduces Pro FIT funding because EU state aid ceilings apply.
Tip: Pro FIT early-stage financing
For newly established, technology-oriented small corporations in Berlin. Up to 100% of eligible expenditure, with a combined maximum of €500,000, including up to €200,000 in early stage 1.
Unsecured loan with a term of up to 10 years.
Which questions do we hear most often?
Industrial research is funded as a grant. Market-oriented phases such as experimental development by SMEs, production setup and market launch are funded through a low-interest loan.
The project can start after submission at your own risk.
In our experience, assessment through to the decision typically takes two to three months. The committee meets monthly.
You may also consider
Does Pro FIT fit your Berlin project?
In the intro call, we check the research phase, financing type and process.