Putting research into practice
We need courageous, excellent minds from the world of science who are prepared to break new ground, conduct research and set up companies. That is why we support scientists who transfer the results of cutting-edge research into commercial applications.
Our focus is on transfer-oriented, interdisciplinary and high-risk research projects in the natural sciences and engineering. The aim is to develop concrete solutions for pressing social challenges, particularly in relation to climate protection and resource scarcity.
Our funding is aimed at individual researchers, groups of scientists who wish to implement research projects, as well as colleges and universities.
For a fossil-free future
In 2025, we are focusing on the topic of a "fossil-free future": our funding covers application-oriented research projects in the areas of resources, materials and technologies.
Overview
Individual support
With the "Add-on Fellowships for Interdisciplinary Science and Transfer", we support scientists who are working on innovative, interdisciplinary research projects and are motivated to further develop the transfer potential of their research. The "innovate! Academy", on the other hand, is aimed at researchers who are already on the path from basic research to market maturity and want to bring their research into application.
Add-on Fellowships for Interdisciplinary Science and Transfer
15,000 euros funding for two years
We support up to 80 young scientists from the fields of engineering, economics and life sciences who are working on innovative, interdisciplinary research projects and are motivated to further develop the transfer potential of their research. We are focusing on the topic of "Resources of the future".
Application phase: March 17 to May 16
innovate! Academy for bio-based materials
Up to 250,000 euros in personnel and project funding
We support scientists on their way from basic research to market maturity. To this end, they receive financial support for their research as well as a comprehensive seminar program. For two years, they become members of the "innovate! Academy" and benefit from joint learning and exchange.
Application phase: February 03 to April 30
Group and project funding
With our "innovate! Fund", we support interdisciplinary groups of researchers who work together to develop application-oriented solutions for climate protection or greater resource efficiency. The focus is on projects that can no longer be classified as basic research, but are also not yet sufficiently developed to be implemented directly by profit-oriented companies.
innovate! Fund
Up to 1,000,000 euros per research project
We support up to three projects with 1,000,000 euros each, which use an interdisciplinary perspective to show ways out of dependence on fossil raw materials. The fund focuses on the innovative use and production of biogenic raw materials, particularly in areas that have been heavily dependent on fossil resources to date.
Application phase: March 03 to April 30
Institutional funding
We support universities in removing structural hurdles in research transfer. The aim is to create optimal, less bureaucratic framework conditions in order to bring research into application in a targeted manner – especially in the phase between basic research and market maturity.
innovate! Center
Together with the universities, we are creating new shareholder and transfer structures that are tailored to requirements in order to make research results available for social and economic applications more quickly. The first exemplary, innovative "innovate! Center" is located at the University of Bremen.
Research Award
Joachim Herz Award – Research for our future
500,000 euros for resource-conserving biotechnologies
The Joachim Herz Award 2025 is themed "Future Pioneers for Sustainable Biotechnology" and is aimed at young, up-and-coming scientists who develop resource-saving biotechnologies for a sustainable future and offer alternatives to the use of fossil raw materials.
Applications & nominations: February 3 to March 31