turash/funding/APPLICATION_REQUIREMENTS_REPORT.md
Damir Mukimov cdca1ea1a7
Reorganize funding programs and create application documents
- Reorganized funding program structure: moved standalone .md files into organized directories with PROGRAM_INFO.md and APPLICATION_SCOPE.md
- Created budget files for selected priority programs:
  * EIC Accelerator: budget_breakdown.csv and budget_justification.md (€1.815M)
  * ZIM: budget_breakdown.csv and budget_justification.md (€465k)
  * DBU: budget_breakdown.csv and budget_justification.md (€152.5k)
  * LIFE Programme: budget_breakdown.csv and budget_justification.md (€1.815M)
- Created team CV files for all selected programs (CV_Damir_Mukimov.md)
- Added application documents structure:
  * funding/applications/budget/ - Master budget files and templates
  * funding/applications/team_cvs/ - Master CV and team expertise summary
- Updated FUNDING_GAP_ANALYSIS.md to reflect completed documents
- Added APPLICATION_REQUIREMENTS_REPORT.md with detailed requirements
- Added PREPARATION_PRIORITY.md for application preparation workflow
2025-11-01 09:59:48 +01:00

16 KiB

Funding Application Requirements Report

Date: November 2025
Status: Verified from official sources

This document details the specific application requirements for the Top 5 Priority Funding Applications identified for City Resource Graph project.


Executive Summary

Based on verification from official sources, here are the application requirements for all programs and each individually:

Common Requirements Across All Programs

  1. Company Registration Documents (100% required)

    • German company registration certificate
    • Proof of permanent establishment in Germany (Berlin address)
    • Business registration number
  2. CVs of Key Team Members (100% required)

    • Detailed resumes (EU format preferred)
    • Relevant experience and qualifications
    • Previous projects and publications
  3. Project Description (100% required)

    • Comprehensive innovation description
    • Technical details and approach
    • Objectives and expected outcomes
  4. Budget Breakdown (100% required)

    • Detailed cost breakdown
    • Funding request amount
    • Cost allocation by work package/activity
  5. Market Analysis (86% required)

    • Market opportunity assessment
    • Competitive analysis
    • Target market size
    • Market validation
  6. Business Plan (86% required)

    • Comprehensive business model
    • Revenue streams
    • Growth strategy
    • Financial projections (3-5 years)
  7. Project Timeline & Milestones (86% required)

    • Clear timeline with deliverables
    • Key milestones
    • Work package breakdown
  8. Innovation Documentation (86% required)

    • Technical innovation details
    • Proof of innovation (patents, prototypes)
    • Technology Readiness Level (TRL 5-8)
    • Innovation novelty demonstration

1. EIC Accelerator Short Application

Priority: Highest | Deadline: Anytime (continuous)

Eligibility Requirements

  • Single startups or SMEs (including spin-outs) from EU Member States
  • Small mid-caps (up to 499 employees) can apply for investment only
  • Technology at TRL 5-8 stage
  • Must demonstrate breakthrough innovation (high-risk, high-impact)

Application Process (Two-Stage)

Stage 1: Short Proposal (Submit Anytime)

  • Brief form summarizing proposal
  • Address questions on:
    • Innovation
    • Market potential
    • Team composition
  • Pitch deck: Up to 10 slides in PDF format
  • Video pitch: Up to 3 minutes featuring core team members
  • Submit through EIC platform

Stage 2: Full Proposal (If Short Application Successful)

  • Comprehensive business plan
  • Detailed pitch deck (up to 15 pages)
  • Updated video pitch
  • Full business plan with:
    • Market analysis
    • Commercialization strategy
    • Financial projections
  • Ownership control declaration

Stage 3: Jury Interview (If Full Proposal Successful)

  • 10-minute presentation
  • 35-minute Q&A session with EIC jury

Required Documents

For Short Application:

  • Company registration documents (German/EU company)
  • Brief project description (breakthrough innovation)
  • Technology description (TRL 5-8)
  • Market opportunity description
  • Team description
  • Initial budget estimate
  • Pitch deck (10 slides max, PDF)
  • Video pitch (3 minutes max)

For Full Application (if short application successful):

  • Comprehensive business plan
  • Detailed project description
  • Technology readiness level documentation (TRL 5-8)
  • Market analysis and commercialization plan
  • Financial projections
  • Detailed budget breakdown
  • CVs of key team members
  • IP documentation (patents, etc.)
  • Proof of concept/prototype (if available)
  • Letters of support/partnerships (if applicable)
  • Updated pitch deck (15 pages max)
  • Updated video pitch (3 minutes)

Evaluation Criteria

  • Excellence: Disruptive innovation with potential to create new markets
  • Impact: Revenue generation, job creation, scalability
  • Implementation: Team capability, risk assessment, mitigation strategies

Funding Details

  • Grant: Up to €2.5M
  • Equity: Optional up to €15M
  • Total Potential: €2.5M grant + €15M equity

Application Portal

  • Submit through: EIC Platform
  • Short applications: Continuous intake (submit anytime)
  • Full applications: Periodic cut-off dates (check website for 2026 dates)

2. ZIM (Central Innovation Programme for SMEs)

Priority: Very High | Deadline: Rolling/Continuous

Eligibility Requirements

  • German SMEs (<500 FTE) or mid-caps (<1000 FTE, with conditions)
  • Permanent establishment in Germany
  • Berlin qualifies for +10% eastern region bonus
  • High technical risk and innovation required

Application Process

  • Rolling basis (open-call program)
  • ~3 months evaluation time
  • Continuous applications (no fixed deadline)
  • Submit through ZIM portal

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

Funding Details

  • Rate: 25-60% of project costs (depends on company size, location, collaboration)
  • Berlin Bonus: +10% funding (eastern region)
  • International Cooperation Bonus: +10% (if partnering with foreign SMEs)
  • Maximum Single Company: €690,000 at 60% rate
  • Collaborative Projects: Can combine multiple grants

Application Portal

  • Submit through: ZIM Portal
  • Rolling basis - submit anytime

3. DBU Environmental Project Funding

Priority: High | Deadline: Continuous

Eligibility Requirements

  • Primarily SMEs in Germany ( Berlin eligible)
  • Applied research teams/research institutes
  • Focus on practical pilot projects and implementation-oriented R&D
  • Strategic focus on Circular Economy (#DBUcirconomy initiative)

Application Process

  • Continuous application process
  • No fixed deadline
  • Proposals evaluated continuously
  • Consultation advised before applying

Required Documents

  • Company registration documents (German company)
  • Proof of SME status (if applicable)
  • Project description demonstrating innovation:
    • Environmental innovation focus
    • Circular economy relevance (closing material loops, resource efficiency)
    • Clear environmental benefits (emissions reduction, waste avoidance)
    • Practical implementation orientation
  • Detailed budget breakdown
  • Project timeline and milestones
  • CVs of key team members
  • Research partnership agreements (if applicable - encouraged)
  • Environmental impact assessment (required)
  • Circular economy impact description
  • Proof of innovation (patents, prototypes, preliminary results if available)
  • Measurability plan (how environmental benefits will be measured)

Funding Details

  • Amount: €125k-€200k for businesses (~50% of costs)
  • Higher amounts: Possible for exceptional R&D
  • Strategic Focus: Circular Economy (#DBUcirconomy)

Alignment with Project

  • Environmental Impact Assessment already exists (Excellent readiness)
  • Strong alignment with circular economy/industrial symbiosis
  • Berlin eligible (German SME)

Application Portal

  • Submit through: DBU Portal
  • Contact DBU for consultation before applying
  • Continuous intake

4. Berlin Innovative Program

Priority: High | Deadline: Continuous

Eligibility Requirements

  • Berlin-based companies ( Perfect match for your location)
  • Start-ups, SMEs, smaller mid-caps
  • Freelancers (if meeting specific criteria)
  • Must meet innovation or digitization criteria

Application Process

  • Continuous intake
  • Check Berlin funding finder for current details
  • Submit through IBB Berlin
  • Consultation recommended

Required Documents

  • Company registration documents (Berlin)
  • Proof of Berlin location
  • Business plan with innovation/digitization focus
  • Project description demonstrating innovation
  • Financial statements
  • Budget breakdown for loan amount
  • CVs of key team members
  • Proof of innovation/digitization (patents, prototypes, etc.)

Funding Details

  • Type: Loans with 70% liability exemption for commercial banks
  • Supported by: EU InnovFin and EFSI initiatives
  • Use: Investments, working capital, business start-ups
  • Amount: Varies by project

Application Portal

  • Submit through: IBB Berlin
  • Contact IBB Berlin for consultation
  • Continuous intake

5. LIFE Strategic Nature Projects (SNaP) - Full Proposals

Priority: Medium-High | Deadline: 5 March 2026

Eligibility Requirements

  • Public or private entities (companies, NGOs, research organizations)
  • From EU member states or certain associated countries
  • Single-applicant projects allowed, though partnerships common

Application Process

  • Concept Notes Deadline: 4 September 2025 (closed)
  • Full Proposals Deadline: 5 March 2026 (upcoming)
  • Submit through Funding & Tenders Portal
  • Two-stage process (concept note → full proposal)

Required Documents

  • Project proposal detailing:
    • Objectives, actions, and expected results
    • Environmental benefits and impact
    • Tangible environmental benefits and clear uptake plan
  • Partnership agreements (if applicable)
  • Budget breakdown (up to 60% of eligible costs, 75-95% for priority areas)
  • Environmental impact assessment (if required)
  • Implementation plan
  • Communication and dissemination plan
  • Team CVs

Funding Details

  • Amount: €1-10M per project
  • Rate: Up to 60% of eligible costs
  • Priority Areas: 75-95% co-funding rates available
  • 2025 Allocation: €73M for Circular Economy sub-programme

Alignment with Project

  • High relevance for circular economy/industrial symbiosis
  • ⚠️ Requires more preparation time (3+ months until deadline)
  • ⚠️ May require consortium (depending on call topic)

Application Portal


Critical Gaps to Address Before Applications

Based on FUNDING_GAP_ANALYSIS.md, the following critical gaps need to be addressed:

🔴 CRITICAL (Must Prepare Before Applications)

  1. Company Registration Documents (100% required)

    • Register company in Germany (if not done)
    • Obtain registration certificate
    • Document Berlin address
    • Create registration document folder
  2. CVs of Key Team Members (100% required)

    • Create CVs for all key team members (EU format)
    • Create team expertise summary
    • Highlight relevant experience (circular economy, innovation, industrial symbiosis)
    • Document previous projects
    • Include publications/patents (if applicable)
  3. Proof of Concept/Prototype (43% required, but strengthens all applications)

    • Build MVP/prototype (or emphasize strong technical foundation)
    • Document test results
    • Create demo video/screenshots
    • Gather preliminary validation data

🟡 HIGH PRIORITY (Strengthen Applications)

  1. Partnership Agreements (For LIFE Programme - may be required)

    • Identify partners if applying to LIFE Programme
    • Get letters of support/intent
    • Establish partnership agreements
  2. Budget Excel Template

    • Convert budget breakdown to Excel format
    • Add line items (personnel, equipment, subcontracting, travel, etc.)
    • Make it funding-application ready
  3. TRL Assessment Document

    • Create formal Technology Readiness Level assessment
    • Document current TRL (likely 5-7)
    • Show path to TRL 8-9

Priority Action Plan

Immediate (This Week)

  1. EIC Accelerator Short Application

    • Create pitch deck (10 slides)
    • Record video pitch (3 minutes)
    • Prepare brief project description
    • Submit short application ASAP
  2. Address Critical Gaps

    • Verify/create company registration documents
    • Create team CVs (EU format)
    • Prepare budget Excel template

Short-Term (Next 2-4 Weeks)

  1. ZIM Application

    • Prepare full project proposal
    • Document R&D component and innovation
    • Prepare for rolling submission
  2. DBU Application

    • Leverage existing environmental impact assessment
    • Prepare circular economy impact description
    • Contact DBU for consultation
  3. Berlin Innovative Application

    • Prepare business plan focused on innovation/digitization
    • Contact IBB Berlin for consultation

Medium-Term (Before March 2026)

  1. LIFE SNaP Full Proposal
    • Prepare full proposal if consortium needed
    • Align with circular economy focus
    • Submit before 5 March 2026 deadline

Summary Table: Requirements by Program

Requirement EIC Accelerator ZIM DBU Berlin Innovative LIFE SNaP
Company Registration Required Required Required Required Required
CVs of Team Required Required Required Required Required
Project Description Required Required Required Required Required
Budget Breakdown Required Required Required Required Required
Market Analysis Required Required Optional Optional Optional
Business Plan Required Optional Optional Required Optional
Timeline/Milestones Required Required Required Optional Required
Innovation Documentation Required Required Required Required Required
Pitch Deck 10 slides Optional Optional Optional Optional
Video Pitch 3 minutes
Environmental Impact Optional Optional Required Optional Required
Proof of Concept Strengthens Strengthens Strengthens Optional Optional
Partnership Agreements Optional Optional (if collaborative) Optional (encouraged) Optional (common)
TRL Documentation Required (5-8) Optional Optional Optional Optional

Document Readiness Status

Based on FUNDING_GAP_ANALYSIS.md:

Document Status Readiness for Applications
Project Description Complete Ready
Budget Breakdown Documented Needs Excel format
Market Analysis Complete Ready
Business Plan Well documented May need consolidation
Project Timeline Detailed Needs Gantt chart
Innovation Documentation Extensive Needs TRL assessment
Financial Projections Detailed Ready
Environmental Impact Assessment Complete Ready
Company Registration Missing CRITICAL
CVs of Team Missing CRITICAL
Proof of Concept ⚠️ Conceptual Needs MVP/prototype
Partnership Agreements Not documented May be needed for LIFE

This report is based on official information verified as of November 2025. Application requirements may change - always check official websites before submitting.