turash/funding/APPLICATION_REQUIREMENTS_REPORT.md

# 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.

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## 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

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## 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](https://eic.ec.europa.eu/eic-funding-opportunities/eic-accelerator/eic-accelerator-open_en)
- Short applications: Continuous intake (submit anytime)
- Full applications: Periodic cut-off dates (check website for 2026 dates)

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## 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](https://www.zim.de/ZIM/Navigation/DE/Home/home.html)
- Rolling basis - submit anytime

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## 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](https://www.dbu.de/)
- Contact DBU for consultation before applying
- Continuous intake

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## 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](https://www.funding-finder.org/) 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](https://www.ibb.de/)
- Contact IBB Berlin for consultation
- Continuous intake

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## 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
- Submit through: [Funding & Tenders Portal](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders_en)
- Deadline: 5 March 2026

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## 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)

4. **Partnership Agreements** (For LIFE Programme - may be required)
   - [ ] Identify partners if applying to LIFE Programme
   - [ ] Get letters of support/intent
   - [ ] Establish partnership agreements

5. **Budget Excel Template**
   - [ ] Convert budget breakdown to Excel format
   - [ ] Add line items (personnel, equipment, subcontracting, travel, etc.)
   - [ ] Make it funding-application ready

6. **TRL Assessment Document**
   - [ ] Create formal Technology Readiness Level assessment
   - [ ] Document current TRL (likely 5-7)
   - [ ] Show path to TRL 8-9

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## 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)
3. **ZIM Application**
   - Prepare full project proposal
   - Document R&D component and innovation
   - Prepare for rolling submission

4. **DBU Application**
   - Leverage existing environmental impact assessment
   - Prepare circular economy impact description
   - Contact DBU for consultation

5. **Berlin Innovative Application**
   - Prepare business plan focused on innovation/digitization
   - Contact IBB Berlin for consultation

### Medium-Term (Before March 2026)
6. **LIFE SNaP Full Proposal**
   - Prepare full proposal if consortium needed
   - Align with circular economy focus
   - Submit before 5 March 2026 deadline

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## 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 |

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## 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 |

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