New innovation voucher: For the Bavarian funding program “Innovation vouchers for small businesses/crafts enterprisesThe directive has been revised. Small, innovative companies with up to 50 employees in Bavaria can rejoice, as they have been easing restrictions and have new upper limits since the beginning of the year.
In the future, there will be two innovation vouchers (IG): the IG Standard and the IG Special. The upper limit for eligible costs has been doubled to €30,000 for the IG Standard and €80,000 for the IG Special.
The basic funding remains at 40 percent. It can be increased to a maximum of 60 percent for:
- Micro-enterprises with fewer than 10 employees
- Commissioning of scientific institutions and
- Companies in regions with a particular need for action.
A maximum of three innovation vouchers can be approved within 24 months.
Additional requirements for the Special Innovation Voucher
The Special Innovation Voucher funding is intended for R&D (research and development) projects that require highly specialized support. Additional requirements apply to these higher funding amounts: approval by an independent expert, the expected creation of new jobs in Bavaria, and the commissioning of a research institution.
Who is supported?
Small businesses and craft businesses in the commercial sector or the liberal professions are eligible to apply. They must have fewer than 50 employees and an annual turnover or balance sheet total of less than €10 million. New: Founders can also apply for the innovation voucher, but must have completed their establishment by the time the project is invoiced.
What is being funded?
Funding is available exclusively for services provided by external research and development partners. These include design services, service engineering, feasibility studies, material and concept studies prior to development, prototype construction, and product testing for quality assurance.
IHK helps with the application process
The Chamber of Commerce and Industry (IHK) answers questions about innovation vouchers and other funding programs during a funding consultation. We offer regular funding consultations for an overview of innovation funding.
If you are interested, you can register by email:
