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ZIM R&D Funding
From idea to funded R&D project: With ZIM you fund your growth and competitive advantage. We support you throughout the entire application process and project reporting so that you can fully focus on your innovation.
Central Innovation Program for SMEs (ZIM)
The ZIM program of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action is Germany’s most important funding program for small and medium-sized enterprises. It provides grants of up to €360,000 for research and development projects, covering personnel costs, external services, and project-related overheads.
Beyond financial support, companies benefit from strong cooperation networks, faster market entry of innovative products, and enhanced competitiveness. Felsaris supports you from the initial idea through the application process to successful reporting – fast, reliably, and success-oriented.
Cut your internal workload from over 200 hours to just 8 hours
Increase your approval chance to nearly 95%
Maximize your funding and avoid unnecessary budget cuts
ZIM-Funding for Research & Development
We handle the entire application process for you.
We review your project with regard to all key approval criteria.
Even if you only have a rough idea of your innovation, we help you turn it into a solid, fundable concept.
We help coordinate the work packages among the partners.
We inform you about the key aspects of cooperation within the ZIM project.
Your ZIM Application in 3 Months
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Get your free ZIM idea check by our expert David Leimann:
Additional Packages
Express Package
Designed for companies that want to secure ZIM funding especially fast and efficiently.
Processing within just 1 month after receiving all project details
Priority handling without delays
Full service from initial idea to final application
€5,000 down payment – fully credited towards the fee
Project start possible just 6 weeks after initial contact
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Market Research
Designed for startups and small businesses that want to present their market potential clearly and maximize approval chances.
Tailored market analysis & revenue forecast
Fast and error-free preparation for the application
Strong positioning of your innovation in the market
Significantly higher approval rate with professional support
Project Support
& Administration
We take care of the administrative workload in your ZIM project so you can fully focus on the content and innovation.
Preparation and submission of interim and final reports
Support with funding requests and proof of fund utilization
Tracking of project times and preparation of required documentation
Drafting and handling of requests for project duration changes or amendments
Timeline of a ZIM Funding Application
Kick-off meeting
Collection of all relevant materials
Assessment of innovation level
Market and competitor research
If applicable, submission of a project sketch (Projektskizee)
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Preparation of the first draft of the application
Meeting to clarify open details
Preparation of market research
Development of work packages and timeline
Coordination with project partners
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Response to specific inquiries
Implementation of minor adjustments as requested by the ZIM authorities
Submission of additional documents if required
Coordination on the final version of the application
Support until approval is granted
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Support with funding disbursement
Preparation and submission of interim and final reports
Time tracking and documentation
Assistance with justifications for project plan changes or amendments
Ongoing administrative support throughout the project
ZIM Review for Sketches & Applications
ZIM Sketch Check
Quick review of your project sketch with an assessment of funding eligibility. Perfect for gaining early certainty.
Free review of your sketch
Initial assessment of funding eligibility
Suggestions for possible improvements
ZIM Application Check
Detailed review of your complete application with concrete recommendations for improvements and to increase approval chances.
Comprehensive application review
Specific recommendations for optimization
Clear view of opportunities and risks
What financial support does ZIM provide?
Many costs directly related to the development of your innovation can be funded. Personnel expenses, contracts with external development partners, and other expenditures such as building rent are among the largest cost items.
Personnel Costs
ZIM funds the direct personnel costs of employees who are directly involved in research and development activities within the project. This includes scientific staff, engineers, technicians, or other qualified specialists. Activities in administration, management, or sales are not eligible.
External Services
ZIM provides grants for third-party services that are essential for the R&D project. This includes development contracts or specialized testing services outsourced to external companies or research institutions. Pure consulting services or routine tasks are not eligible.
Overhead Allowance
A flat-rate overhead allowance of up to 20% can be claimed to cover expenses such as electricity, materials, and consumables. With additional items such as building rent or machinery depreciation, up to 100% can be recognized.
Maximum Funding Rates in ZIM
ZIM funding rates depend on the type of project, the size, age, and location of your company. It is also decisive whether the project is a national or international cooperation.
Small enterprises employing fewer than 50 people within the corporate group and having an annual turnover or annual balance sheet total of max. €10 million.
Small enterprises employing fewer than 50 people within the corporate group and having an annual turnover or annual balance sheet total of max. €10 million.
Young enterprises established no more than 10 years ago.
Small enterprises employing fewer than 50 people within the corporate group and having an annual turnover or annual balance sheet total of max. €10 million.
Medium-sized enterprises employing fewer than 250 people within the corporate group and having an annual turnover of max. €50 million or an annual balance sheet total of max. €43 million.
Affiliated medium-sized enterprises with fewer than 500 employees.
Affiliated medium-sized enterprises with fewer than 1,000 employees.
(one company)
FAQ
What is the Central Innovation Program for SMEs (ZIM)?
ZIM is the open-topic innovation funding program of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK). It supports small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) as well as other mid-sized companies in carrying out market-oriented research and development projects. Additional measures such as feasibility studies or market launch support can also be funded.
ZIM is your gateway to government-financed innovation.
Who is eligible to apply?
Eligible applicants are SMEs with a permanent establishment in Germany. In addition, mid-sized companies with up to 500 employees and – in cooperation projects – even companies with up to 1,000 employees can participate. Non-profit research institutions are also eligible in cooperation projects.
Funding is only available for companies and partners with real R&D relevance.
What are the funding rates?
Funding rates depend on company size, age, region, and project type. Examples:
Individual projects: up to 45% (small enterprises in structurally weak regions)
National cooperation projects: up to 55% (small enterprises in structurally weak regions)
International cooperation projects: up to 60% (small or young enterprises)
The smaller the company and the more cooperative, the higher the funding rate.
What is the maximum project size?
Maximum eligible costs:
Individual projects: €690,000
Company share in cooperation projects: €560,000
Research institutions: €280,000
The maximum total funding per project is €3,000,000.
ZIM makes even large-scale innovation projects possible.
Which costs are eligible?
Eligible costs include project-related personnel, R&D contracts with scientifically qualified third parties, project-related materials, and a flat-rate overhead allowance. Not eligible are administration, sales, travel, or routine tasks.
Only costs that directly drive innovation are funded.
What additional modules exist?
In addition to R&D projects, ZIM also funds:
Feasibility studies (up to €125,000, funding rates 50–70%)
Market launch support (50% subsidy, up to three applications per project)
Innovation networks (funding of network management with degressive rates)
ZIM covers the full innovation cycle – from idea to market launch.
How long does a ZIM project last?
Typical project duration for R&D projects is 18 to 36 months. Feasibility studies may last up to 12 months.
Enough time for real development without losing sight of the market.
When and where do I apply?
Applications can be submitted continuously but must always be filed before the project starts. Since 2025:
Individual projects and networks: VDI/VDE-IT
Cooperation projects: AiF Projekt GmbH
Starting early saves time – and boosts approval chances.
Can international partners participate?
Yes, cooperation with foreign partners is possible. German partners benefit from higher funding rates. Foreign companies themselves are not funded under ZIM but may access their own national programs.
International cooperation pays off twice.
What reports and documentation are required?
Depending on the project, interim reports, time records, statements of expenditure, and a final report are required. For cooperation projects, additional documents such as payment requests must be submitted.
Documentation is mandatory – we handle the paperwork for you.
When is the success-based fee due?
Our success-based fee only becomes due once funding has actually been disbursed through the official payment requests. The share is typically between 10% and 15% of the disbursed amount. This model is highly appreciated by our clients as it ensures optimal liquidity.
You only pay once the funding really flows.
Do you offer reviews of sketches or applications?
Yes. We provide a free ZIM sketch review with an assessment of eligibility. For complete applications, we offer a detailed review including specific recommendations for improvement at a flat fee of €250. This significantly increases your chances of approval.
Early review means later approval success.