The Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) aims to strengthen the innovation potential of startups in the field of cutting-edge research on human-technology interaction (HTI) and is therefore launching the funding measure “Startups: Innovative Startups for Human-Technology Interaction.”
To strengthen the innovation potential in the MTI sector, the BMBF intends to build on two approaches in the future: First, the opportunities for founding startups will be improved through targeted support for suitable research teams at universities and research institutions. This approach is referred to as Module 1.
Secondly, Module 2 aims to support young startups that have already been founded in the field of research and development (R&D). The goal is to provide tailored support for start-ups and startups in the field of MTI.
The funding measure is part of the new High-tech strategy “Innovations for Germany” of the Federal Government and the five-point plan of the BMBF “More Opportunities for Start-ups”.
The funding measure is part of the BMBF's MTI research program "Bringing Technology to People." It aims to strengthen the position of startups in Germany in the MTI sector and contribute to the broader use of key technologies through high-tech innovations.
Recipients of funding
Eligible to apply for Module 1 are universities and non-university research institutions in Germany where the research working groups are located.
Startups, SMEs, medium-sized companies, universities based in Germany and non-university research institutions are eligible to apply for Module 2.
Grant requirements
In Module 1, research groups with potential for spin-offs are funded. An informal letter of intent from the applicant must indicate that
- the working group is provided with the necessary working facilities to carry out the project,
- the founding team is supported in all aspects until the commercialisation of the project results is achieved, as intended with the funding,
- the know-how carriers and results of the funding are transferred to the startup in the event of a spin-off.
Module 2 supports industrial research and pre-competitive development projects that are characterized by a high scientific and technical risk and that go beyond the state of the art.
donation
For selected projects in both modules, funding can be provided as non-repayable grants. The amount of funding per project depends on the requirements of the requested project, within the framework of available budget resources.
Relevant Guidelines, leaflets, notes and ancillary provisions can be found here can be retrieved.
The deadline for submitting project outlines for modules 1 and 2 is April 15, 2018 and the October 15, 2018.
