# ZIM - Central Innovation Programme for SMEs (Germany)

## Overview
ZIM provides grants for R&D projects by SMEs and collaborative projects, with no thematic restrictions but strong focus on innovative technological solutions.

## Managing Body
German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs & Climate (BMWK)

## Funding Type
Grants for R&D projects by SMEs and collaborative projects with research/other firms

## Funding Amount
- 25–60% of project costs (rate depends on company size, location, collaboration)
- Eastern regions get bonus (+10% funding)
- International cooperation bonus (+10% funding)
- Maximum grant: €690,000 for single-company projects (at 60% rate)
- Collaborative projects can combine multiple grants

## Deadlines
- **STATUS: OPEN** (as of November 2025)
- Rolling basis (open-call program)
- Continuous applications with ~3-month evaluation time
- Current international bilateral calls available (check website for specific deadlines)

## Eligibility
- German SMEs (<500 FTE) and mid-caps (<1000 FTE, with conditions)
- Permanent establishment in Germany
- Partnering foreign SMEs can participate

## Thematic Focus
Bottom-up, no thematic restrictions:
- All technological innovations welcome
- Must be clearly innovative (high technical risk)
- Aim at new products, processes or services with market potential

## Relevance to City Resource Graph
- SME development of industrial symbiosis platforms
- Software development for resource analytics
- Pilot testing with industry partners
- Market-launch preparation

## Links
- [EurA ZIM Overview](https://www.eura-ag.com/en/funding-programmes/zentrales-innovationsprogramm-mittelstand-zim)
- [ZIM Official Site](https://www.zim.de/ZIM/Navigation/DE/Meta/Englisch/englisch.html)

## Application Checklist

### Pre-Application Requirements
- [ ] Verify company eligibility:
  - [ ] German SME (<500 FTE) OR mid-cap (<1000 FTE, with conditions)
  - [ ] **Permanent establishment in Germany** (✅ Berlin eligible)
  - [ ] Note: **Berlin is in eastern regions - qualifies for +10% funding bonus!**
- [ ] Confirm project is R&D with high technical risk and innovation
- [ ] Determine project type:
  - [ ] Single company project (max €690k at 60% rate) OR
  - [ ] Collaborative project with research/other firms (combines multiple grants)
- [ ] Check if international cooperation possible (+10% bonus)
- [ ] Calculate funding rate (25-60% depending on size, location, collaboration)

### Required Documents
- [ ] Company registration documents (German company)
- [ ] Proof of permanent establishment in Germany (Berlin address)
- [ ] Project description demonstrating innovation:
  - [ ] Technical innovation details (high technical risk required)
  - [ ] Market potential and business case
  - [ ] Clear R&D component (not just commercial activity)
- [ ] Detailed budget breakdown
- [ ] Project timeline and milestones
- [ ] CVs of key team members
- [ ] Partnership agreements (if collaborative project)
- [ ] Research partner agreements (if involving research institution)
- [ ] Proof of innovation (patents, prototypes, preliminary results if available)
- [ ] Market analysis and commercialization plan

### Application Steps
1. [ ] Review [ZIM official site](https://www.zim.de/ZIM/Navigation/DE/Meta/Englisch/englisch.html)
2. [ ] Check [EurA ZIM overview](https://www.eura-ag.com/en/funding-programmes/zentrales-innovationsprogramm-mittelstand-zim)
3. [ ] Prepare project proposal (rolling basis - no fixed deadline)
4. [ ] Submit application through ZIM portal
5. [ ] Note evaluation timeline: ~3 months processing time
6. [ ] Plan submission timing (continuous intake allows flexibility)

### Project Alignment Checklist
- [ ] Project qualifies as R&D (industrial research/experimental development)
- [ ] Demonstrates clear technical innovation (high technical risk)
- [ ] Shows market potential for new products/processes/services
- [ ] Includes industrial symbiosis/circular economy relevance (if applicable)
- [ ] Demonstrates German economic impact

### Funding Optimization for Berlin
- [ ] **Eastern regions bonus**: Berlin qualifies for +10% funding (confirm current status)
- [ ] Consider collaboration with research partners (can increase funding rate)
- [ ] International cooperation bonus: +10% if partnering with foreign SMEs
- [ ] Calculate optimal funding rate (25-60% depending on company size and bonuses)
- [ ] Single company: up to €690k at 60% rate
- [ ] Collaborative projects: can combine multiple grants

### Post-Submission
- [ ] Save submission confirmation
- [ ] Note evaluation timeline (~3 months)
- [ ] Monitor for decision timeline updates
- [ ] Prepare for potential follow-up questions
- [ ] Have additional documentation ready if requested

## Application Tips
- Focus on technical innovation and market potential
- Leverage collaboration bonuses
- **Regional bonuses for eastern Germany** (Berlin qualifies!)
- Continuous intake allows flexible timing
- **Perfect match for Berlin-based companies** - permanent establishment in Germany required