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Germany's Central Innovation Programme for SMEs (ZIM): who it funds, funding rates up to 60%, project types, and the 2026 application stop.
Published
In July 2026 the federal economics ministry (BMWE) paused new ZIM applications for budget reasons, according to the chambers of commerce (IHK) that advise on the programme. Before you plan a project around ZIM, check on zim.de whether applications have reopened.
The Zentrales Innovationsprogramm Mittelstand is Germany's largest programme for market-oriented R&D in small and medium-sized companies. It is open to all technologies and sectors: there is no thematic call, you propose the project. It funds single-company R&D projects, cooperation projects between companies or with research organisations, innovation networks, and, under the guideline in force since January 2025, feasibility studies and market-launch services as de-minimis aid.
The rate depends on company size, location and project type. Under the current guideline, as summarised by the IHK: up to 60% for small companies in structurally weak regions, up to 55% for small companies generally, up to 50% for medium-sized companies, and up to 40% for companies with fewer than 500 employees (and fewer than 1,000 in cooperation projects). Innovation networks can receive up to 90% in their first phase, feasibility studies 50 to 70%, and market-launch services 50%.
The 2025 guideline also raised the cost ceilings, extended feasibility studies to 12 months and allows external contract work up to 35% of personnel costs. Payment comes afterwards in instalments, with 10% held back until the final report.
Talk to the project agency early and send a project outline before the full application. The evaluation focuses on the technical novelty, the market potential and whether your team can deliver. For a startup, a cooperation project with a research institute is often the strongest form, because the institute's share is funded at a higher rate and the partnership strengthens the technical case.
In July 2026 the ministry paused new ZIM applications for budget reasons, according to the IHK. Check zim.de for whether applications have reopened before planning a project.
Up to 60% of eligible costs for small companies in structurally weak regions, up to 55% for small companies generally and up to 50% for medium-sized companies, with other rates for larger companies, networks, feasibility studies and market launch.
No. ZIM is open to all technologies and sectors. You propose your own market-oriented R&D project.
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Use EUACC to explore “ZIM Funding in Germany: Rates and Status (2026)” (https://www.euacc.ai/guides/zim-germany). Help me apply this guide to my startup. What information do you need from me? Cite the available sources and flag missing or outdated information.