The Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy is launching a new funding program: 'Innovation Program for Business Models and Pioneering Solutions', or IGP for short, is the somewhat cumbersome name. The application deadline is February 28.
Innovations such as new digital business models and data-driven pioneering solutions are supported. The concepts should promise significant advantages over existing solutions.
Creativity, daring and pioneering spirit
What does this mean specifically for the Financing your startup? Funding is available for ideas that have often fallen through the cracks of government funding programs, for example:
- innovative apps for new application areas
- new internet-based forms of customer communication
- Software and platforms for new forms of interaction and networking
- comprehensive market-oriented concepts with a strong focus on digitalization
Also practical: Both individual projects and collaborative projects can apply. The projects must meet the general criteria of the IGP Directive consequences.
The funding is provided as a non-repayable grant. Depending on the project type, the grant can cover eligible costs or expenses up to €70,000 or €300,000.
There will be several call for proposals for the new funding program. A second call for proposals targeting business models and pioneering solutions in the cultural and creative industries is expected to launch in the second quarter of 2020. A third call for proposals will focus on innovations with a high social impact.
How does the application process work?
Applications are submitted via the Positrons submission portal. A sketch with a brief project description and company information on the business situation is sufficient. Those who are successful will be invited to submit a full application approximately five weeks later. A jury will then re-evaluate the best participants and invite them to a pitch.
The new funding program IGP — briefly explained in webinars
Does this all sound far too complicated? Are you interested, but not sure if the new funding program is right for you?
For this purpose, there will be two webinars on the content and structure of the IGP, as well as on the application process, on January 29 and February 13, 2020. From 1 p.m. on each day, ask the project sponsor VDI/VDE-IT about funding modalities and evaluation criteria.
