turash/docs/business/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
• 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
• 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
• 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 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

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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
• 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.