Paused
ZIM has not accepted new applications since 7 July 2026. A relaunch is not guaranteed. International partnerships in open calls are exempt. R&D costs already incurred can receive retroactive funding through the Forschungszulage.
ZIM R&D Project
Up to 45% grant for an individual project and up to 60% in international cooperation.
Highest rate for small companies in international cooperation.
The Central Innovation Programme for SMEs funds market-oriented research and development as individual or collaborative projects.
How much funding could you receive?
Indicative calculation using the highest rate.
45 % × €500,000 = €225,000
Estimated funding
€225,000
Small young company in an individual project.
Which key figures apply to ZIM R&D Project?
| Highest funding rate | up to 45% individually, up to 60% in international cooperation |
| Individual project rates | 45% for small companies in structurally weak regions or small young companies, 40% for small, 35% for medium-sized, 25% for other mid-sized companies |
| Eligible costs, individual project | up to €690,000 |
| Eligible costs, cooperation | up to €560,000 per company, up to €280,000 per research institution |
| Maximum eligible costs, overall project | €3M |
| Eligible applicants | SMEs and companies under 500 employees, under 1,000 when cooperating with an SME, German establishment required |
| Project start | directly after confirmed receipt of the application at your own risk |
Updated: September 2026. Source: Official program page
What is funded?
Personnel costs, plus a flat rate for other costs of up to 100% of personnel costs, as well as contracts with third parties up to 35% of personnel costs.
Which funding rates apply?
| Company | Individual project | National cooperation | International cooperation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small, structurally weak region | 45% | 55% | 60% |
| Small and young | 45% | 50% | 60% |
| Small | 40% | 45% | 55% |
| Medium-sized | 35% | 40% | 50% |
What we see in practice with ZIM R&D Project
- ·The same costs cannot receive funding twice. We assess which program creates the greatest leverage for each project.
- ·ZIM only funds projects that have not started before confirmed receipt of the application.
- ·The flat rate for other costs makes up to an additional 100% of personnel costs eligible without itemised evidence.
Secure your R&D costs through the Forschungszulage now.
15-minute intro call. We assess which costs incurred since 2022 are eligible.